Randomize list of integers beteen 1-x with no repeats
JB wrote on Sat, 21 Apr 2007 09:10:01 -0700:
J I need to randomly select names (can be represented by
J integers) from a list, to create a new list of those
J names, using all the names with no repeats. This is a duty
J roster that changes monthly. I want to change the order each
J month using all the names. I have tried to do this with RAND
J and Data Analysis Tools, but can't get rid of the repeats or
J use all the numbers. The pattern option in the Data analysis
J Tools insists upon repeating values. Ideally, I would like
J to not have anyone on last month's list in the same position
J on this month's list, but one hurdle at a time. any ideas?
J Thanks!
I'm not going to address the "ideal" situation but you can make
a column with integers from 1 to N followed by a column with
RAND() and sort the RAND column with the other attached. I admit
that the idea has been mentioned many times before.
James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland
E-mail, with obvious alterations:
not.jim.silverton.at.comcast.not
|