Compute rand5 given rand7

Question

It's a common interview question to generate a larger range of random numbers using a random number generator for a smaller range. For example, given a function rand5 that randomly generates numbers from 0 to 5, create rand7. There is a SO thread for that.

How do we do the opposite, create rand5 given rand7?

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 18 '19 at 03:07

2

it is quite simple, in pseudo-code:

do {
    r = rand7
} while r>5
return r;

answered Apr 18 '19 at 03:07

Iłya Bursov

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Of course, but does it generate a uniform distribution? – Abhijit Sarkar Apr 18 '19 at 03:16
3

@AbhijitSarkar it depends on rand7, if it is uniform - this function will be also uniform – Iłya Bursov Apr 18 '19 at 03:17

Compute rand5 given rand7

1 Answers1