Thread: keeping stats - probability

  1. #1
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    keeping stats - probability

    How would I determine the probability of a given number occuring in the follow code? Just how bad is the infamous rand()?
    Code:
    #include<iostream>
    #include<ctime>
    
    int main()
    { 
             srand(time(0));
             int testCases = 100;
             for(int i = 1; i <= testCases; i++)
             {
              int x = rand()%20+1;
              std::cout<<x<<'\t';}
             std::cin.get();
             return 0;
    }
    I need another test loop and 20 variables to increment(?). I'm a little over my head on this.

    Thanks -

    JM

  2. #2
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    int count[20];
    ...
    count[x]++; // count how many times each x occurred...
    If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.
    If at first you don't succeed, try writing your phone number on the exam paper.

  3. #3

  4. #4
    Toaster Zach L.'s Avatar
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    Well, you can always run the DieHard tests.

    Keep in mind, you don't necessarily need a cryptographically secure PRNG for many applications of random numbers.

    Cheers
    The word rap as it applies to music is the result of a peculiar phonological rule which has stripped the word of its initial voiceless velar stop.

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    cryptographically secure PRNG
    I don't know what this means - you keep your pants on while solving crossword puzzles??

  6. #6
    Toaster Zach L.'s Avatar
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    PRNG : Pseudo-random number generator (e.g. rand)
    A lot of cryptographic protocols rely on the generation of very good random numbers to keep your data secure. Because of their application, the numbers must be really "good" random numbers (cryptographically secure).
    The word rap as it applies to music is the result of a peculiar phonological rule which has stripped the word of its initial voiceless velar stop.

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    PRNG : Pseudo-random number generator (e.g. rand)
    Cool, got it, thanks; pardon my smart-assedness!
    I've done a little testing using Salem's suggestion (thanks Salem).
    Rand() is good enough for the simple stuff I'm doing but thank you for all the info, I've learned a lot!

    - JM

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