Random of zero

[xbury.cs at clearstream.com]

Shari,

Consider that the function random(x)-1 = right result for any x < (2^64)-1 
(the integer limit of MC - I didn't test this limit lately though)...

Naturally if you assume 0 to be a number and/or part of your answer. 
Remember those problems with 0-255 = 256 values?

The proof I wrote the day this thread was first posted but I didn't post 
it since you probably already think im such a nuts... 

cheers
Xavier



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Xavier Bury
TNS NT LAN Server
ext 6465




Shari <gypsyware at earthlink.net>
Sent by: metacard-admin at lists.runrev.com
13/05/03 14:18
Please respond to metacard

 
        To:     metacard at lists.runrev.com
        cc:     ^
        Subject:        RE: Random of zero



>It is clear that you read the MetaTalk entry for random, and 
>likewise it is clear that you chose to try to use the function 
>outside of its clearly documented scope.

The assumption that random(0) would obviously be 0 was made based on 
general principles.  Not on Metatalk itself.  I did not expect to 
have to look up what would seem to be a simple function.

It was not until the handler failed, and I discovered that random(0) 
consistently produces 1, that I looked it up in the reference docs to 
see if there was an explanation, and some way to fix it to produce 0 
as I intended it to.

I do not know in general mathematical principles, what result one 
would get from random(0).  But I would expect it to be 0.  My mistake 
for assuming.  (Unless of course, general math principles support my 
theory :-)

Any math gurus out there know?

:-)

Shari C
-- 
--Shareware Games for the Mac--
http://www.gypsyware.com
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