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How can I generate a random number that has a binomial distribution?
I'm making a simulation in which a random event with probability p is simulated n times, and I want to count up the number of times this happens each step.
Obviously the easiest way would be to make a loop and play it out n times, but the n in my simulation undergoes exponential growth so this would be completely impractical.
Does anyone know a formula or technique I could use to simulate the sum of all these trials? The result should be random each time but follow a binomial distribution in the long term.
Please ask if you're not sure what I'm after.
2 Answers
- MorningfoxLv 71 decade agoFavourite answer
When 'n' is very large, you would get a normal distribution. In most practical cases, n = 1000 is more than large enough, for 0.05 < p < 0.95.
- 1 decade ago
look its a very hectic process , i cant remember the formula , take a book of probability and search in binomial distribution. u will get this in college level probability
