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Functions and CALL Routines

RANUNI Function


Returns a random variate from a uniform distribution.
Category: Random Number
Tip: If you want to change the seed value during execution, you must use the CALL RANUNI routine instead of the RANUNI function.
Syntax
Arguments
Details
Comparisons
See Also

Syntax

RANUNI(seed)


Arguments

seed

is a numeric constant, variable, or expression with an integer value. If seed [le] 0, the time of day is used to initialize the seed stream.

Range: seed < 231-1
See: Seed Values for more information about seed values
Details

The RANUNI function returns a number that is generated from the uniform distribution on the interval (0,1) using a prime modulus multiplicative generator with modulus 231- and multiplier 397204094 (Fishman and Moore 1982) (See References).

You can use a multiplier to change the length of the interval and an added constant to move the interval. For example, 

random_variate=a*ranuni(seed)+b;

returns a number that is generated from the uniform distribution on the interval (b,a+b).

Comparisons

The CALL RANUNI routine, an alternative to the RANUNI function, gives greater control of the seed and random number streams.

See Also

Functions and CALL routines:

RAND Function

CALL RANUNI Routine

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