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

RANUNI(seed)

Required Argument

seed

is a numeric constant, variable, or expression with an integer value. If seed ≤ 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.