Stange problem on Number column. TRIM fixes but should not

I have a table that includes 2 Number(15) columns. One called base_id and the other system_id. If I execute the following query I get no rows returned:
SELECT base_id

   FROM testTable
  WHERE base_id = 100

       AND system_id = 200;

If I put a TRIM around EITHER of the conditions in the where clause I get 34 rows back ( ex. TRIM(base_id = 100) ). It does not matter which field gets the trim.

If I use only one field, for example:
.....
WHERE base_id = 100

I get no rows unless I use the TRIM. With the TRIM I get rows returned.

These are numeric columns so I don't see how TRIM could do anything to them. Even if it did why can I put it on EITHER field and get the same result?

I created the table from another table as:  CREAT TABLE testTable

    AS (SELECT * FROM anotherTable WHERE ...)

The original table does NOT have this problem. I exported the problem table and imported into 2 other instances and I still have this problem.
I've submitted this to Oracle tech support, sending them an export of my table as well as the query. They have duplicated the problem but have not yet offered a solution.

What could cause this?
How can I fix it?

Thanks,

   Don
   dchamber_at_mindspring.com Received on Mon Feb 04 2002 - 18:20:15 CST