Rnd Function Help

[MattJH]

I am trying to use the rnd function to get a random number(ironically enough).

What I would like it to do would be to return smaller numbers more frequently than larger numbers.

For example, the number 1 will be returned a lot more frequently than the number 5.

Would you have any advice??

Thanks,


Matt.

[nemaroller]

Well, you want a distibution of numbers that is weighted on one side instead of evenly.

Unfortunately, I remember jack from statistics, but in any case, it would probably involve keeping a running tab of how many 'undesireable' numbers fell out of range. And if that running count is too high, discard that random number and try again.

1) get a random number
2) add +1 to your generated number count
3) if its out of your desirable range,
3aaa) add +1 to your undesirable number count
3aab) if the undesirable count is not too high,
use that number,
3bbb) if it is too high, discard that generated number, grab another one.

EDIT: keep a running count of generated/undesirable as a ratio. If the ratio becomes too large, try generating another random number.

[Edneeis]

Alternatively you can generate the random number between 1 and 10 then subtract 5 and round to the first positive number. Then you would have a 6 to 1 chance of getting the number 1.

[thurst0n]

Wouldn't that not be random?