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  • #1
  • First Post: Apr 12, 2008 8:02pm Apr 12, 2008 8:02pm
Sry for the strange question..
i'm learning programming in Metatrader, and i want to do a test based on calculations extracted from various random numbers..

Does anyone know if and how can i have a variable giving me a random number between 50 and -50?

thx for any help!
  • #2
  • Apr 12, 2008 10:12pm Apr 12, 2008 10:12pm
metatrader has a random number generator but it is limited to positive numbers between 0 and 32767. MathRand generates the random number and MathSRand provides a seed value to provide a more random number.

Since metatrader doesn't generated negative random numbers, what you could do is generate 2 random numbers and subtract them. If they fall within your range then continue if not keep generating random numbers until the result falls within your designated range.
  • #3
  • Edited 4:11pm Apr 13, 2008 1:59am | Edited 4:11pm
There is a way to do it for your situation, I have wrapped into a re-usable function ... it is restricted to finding a random number between like numbers, i.e. between 50 and -50 as is your need ... or perhaps 32 and -32 .. .you get the idea ... if the need arises I can get more elaborate if need be:

Inserted Code
double findRandom(double range, int roundTo) {

   double rand = MathRand();
   double sign = MathRand();
   
   int div = 32767;
   
   if (sign <= (div/2)) {
      sign = 0;
   } else {
      sign = 1;
   }
   
   double finalValue;
   
   if (sign == 1) {
      finalValue = NormalizeDouble((rand/div)*range,roundTo);
   } else {
      finalValue = -(NormalizeDouble((rand/div)*range,roundTo));
   }

   //Comment(finalValue);
   
   return(finalValue);
   
}
... and to find a random number between -50 and 50 you would put a call to the function like this:

Inserted Code
int myNumber = findRandom(50,0); // for whole numbers
double myNumber2 = findRandom(50,2); // for a number with 2 decimal places
... the second perameter, the 0 in this case, is how many digits you want the number rounded to, 0 will give you a whole number.
You can quit and they won't care, but you will always know.
  • #4
  • Last Post: Edited 9:00am Apr 13, 2008 8:13am | Edited 9:00am
Thank you both very much..
Akuma your kindness is beyond words..
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