RANUNI Function

[shawn123]

Hi. I have a question regarding the sentence below:

"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 2 31− and multiplier 397204094 (Fishman and Moore 1982) "

I am confused about the meaning of uniform distribution? How can I understand the random number is generated from the uniform distribution on the 0 to 1 interval. Does it mean the random numbers cannot be 0.1 and 0.08?

[SASKiwi · Accepted solution]

Uniform distribution means that any decimal between 0 and 1 has an equal likelihood of being selected. If you plotted say 1,000 random numbers in say buckets of 0.1 then the frequency in each bucket should be roughly the same, that is 100 in each bucket. It is quite possible for any decimal between 0 and 1 to be selected including 0.1 and 0.08.

Why don't you test this function for yourself and you will soon see how it works.