function/RND function/RND NAME RND -- Generates a random number ABBREVIATION r <shift> N SYNOPSIS RND(<seed>) FUNCTION This function returns a random number between 0 and 1. This is useful in games, to simulate dice rolls and other elements of change, and is also used in some statistical applications. The first random number should be generated by the formula RND(-TI), to start things off differently every time. After this, the number in <seed> should be a 1, or any positive number. If <seed> is zero, RND is re-seeded from the hardware clock ever time RND is used. A negative value for <seed> seeds the random number generator using <seed> and gives a random number sequence. The use of the same negative number for <seed> as a seed results in the same sequence of random numbers. A positive value gives random numbers based on the previous seed. INPUTS <seed> - a seed, or what the random number is based on RESULT A random number between 0 and 1 (numeric). EXAMPLES 100 X=INT(RND(1)*6)+INT(RND(1)*6)+2 Simulates two dice. 100 X=INT(RND(1)*1000)+1 Number from 1-1000. 100 X=INT(RND(1)*150)+100 Number from 100 to 249. NOTES To simulate the rolling of a die, use the formula INT(RND(1)*6+1). First the random number from 0-1 is multiplied by 6, which expands the range to 0-6 (actually, greater than zero and less than six). Then 1 is added, making the range 1 to under 7. The INT function chops off all the decimal places, leaving the result as a digit from 1 to 6. To simulate 2 dice, add two of the numbers obtained by the above formula together. BUGS None SEE ALSO None