Random variable bug

[derek.bagnall]

I have been using the Analysis Toolpak to generate normal
random variables. Though it works ok most of the time
there is a bug which generates either 500000 or -500000.

Out of 100,000 random variables only 6 were this value but
it throws my model completely. The rest were between plus
and minus 4 as expected.

Bug happens with different seeds and I can't spot a
pattern.

Anyone any knowledge of this and if there is a fix?

Thanks,
Derek

 

[Harlan Grove]

I have been using the Analysis Toolpak to generate normal
random variables. Though it works ok most of the time
there is a bug which generates either 500000 or -500000.

Out of 100,000 random variables only 6 were this value but
it throws my model completely. The rest were between plus
and minus 4 as expected.

Bug happens with different seeds and I can't spot a
pattern.

Anyone any knowledge of this and if there is a fix?

Upgrade to a more recent version of Excel or read the archives. Try the
following link to the Google Groups archives.

http://google.com/groups?q=normal+"Ian+Smith"+group:*excel*+author:*Lewis

 

[Jerry W. Lewis]

A couple of other useful links are

http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=3C34F905.4040107@no_e-mail.com
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;828795

Jerry