RND
Abbreviation: R <SHIFT+N>
TYPE: Floating-Point Function
FORMAT: RND (<numeric>)
Action: RND creates a floating-point random from 0.0 to 1.0.
The computer generates a sequence of random numbers by performing
calculations on a starting number, which in computer jargon is
called a seed. The RND function is seeded on system power-up.
The <numeric> argument is a dummy, except for its sign (positive,
zero, or negative).
If the <numeric> argument is positive, the same "pseudorandom"
sequence of numbers is returned, starting from a given seed value.
Different number sequences will result from different seeds, but
any sequence is repeatable by starting from the same seed number.
Having a known sequence of "random" numbers is useful
in testing programs.
If you choose a <numeric> argument of zero, then RND generates
a number directly from a free-running hardware clock (the system
"jiffy clock"). Negative arguments cause the RND function
to be re-seeded with each function call.
EXAMPLES of RND Function:
| 220 PRINT INT(RND(0)*50) |
(Return random integers 0-49) |
| 100 X=INT(RND(1)*6)+INT(RND(1)*6)+2 |
(Simulates 2 dice) |
| 100 X=INT(RND(1)*1000)+1 |
(Random integers from 1-1000) |
| 100 X=INT(RND(1)*150)+100 |
(Random numbers from 100-249) |
| 100 X=RND(1)*(U-L)+L |
(Random numbers between upper (U) and lower
(L) limits) |
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