FAQ Topic - How do I generate a random integer from 1 to N? (2008-11-02)

[FAQ server]

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FAQ Topic - How do I generate a random integer from 1 to
N?
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` Math.random() ` returns a value ` R ` such that ` 0 <= R < 1.0 `; therefore:

// positive integer expected
function Random(j) {
return Math.floor(j * Math.random());
}

- gives an evenly distributed random integer in the range from
` 0 ` to ` x-1 ` inclusive; use ` Random(N)+1 ` for ` 1 ` to ` N `.

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/41336409.aspx

http://docs.sun.com/source/816-6408-10/math.htm

How to Deal and Shuffle, see in:

http://www.merlyn.demon.co.uk/js-randm.htm
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[Dr J R Stockton]

In comp.lang.javas cript message <49************ ***********@new s.sunsite.
dk>, Sun, 2 Nov 2008 00:00:02, FAQ server <ja********@dot internet.be>
posted:

>
// positive integer expected
function Random(j) {
return Math.floor(j * Math.random());
}

- gives an evenly distributed random integer in the range from
` 0 ` to ` x-1 ` inclusive; use ` Random(N)+1 ` for ` 1 ` to ` N `.

Definitely, x-1 should be j-1 .
That would be nicer as

function Random(j) {
return Math.floor(j * Math.random());
}

With ` j ` a positive integer, that gives an evenly distributed random
integer in the range from ` 0 ` to ` j-1 ` inclusive; use ` Random(N)+1
` for ` 1 ` to ` N `.

--
(c) John Stockton, nr London UK. ?@merlyn.demon. co.uk IE7 FF2 Op9 Sf3
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