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Returns a random number.
Rnd[(number)]
number
Any valid numeric expression.
The Rnd function returns a value less than 1 but greater than or equal to 0.
The value of number determines how Rnd generates a random number:
If number is |
Rnd generates |
Less than zero |
The same number every time, using number as the seed. |
Greater than zero |
The next random number in the sequence. |
Equal to zero |
The most recently generated number. |
Not supplied |
The next random number in the sequence. |
For any given initial seed, the same number sequence is generated because each successive call to the Rnd function uses the previous number as a seed for the next number in the sequence.
Before calling Rnd, use the Randomize statement without an argument to initialize the random-number generator with a seed based on the system timer.
To produce random integers in a given range, use this formula:
Int((upperbound - lowerbound + 1) * Rnd + lowerbound)
Here, upperbound is the highest number in the range, and lowerbound is the lowest number in the range.
Note
To repeat sequences of random numbers, call the Rnd function with a negative argument immediately before using the Randomize statement with a numeric arguments. Using the Randomize statement with the same value for number does not repeat the previous sequence.
Copyright 2002 Sun Microsystems, Inc. All rights reserved. Legal Notice.