RANPOI

RANPOI

Returns a random variate from a Poisson distribution

Category: Random Number

Tip: If you want to change the seed value during execution, you must use the CALL RANPOI routine instead of the RANPOI function.

Syntax
Arguments
Details
Comparisons
See Also

Syntax

RANPOI(seed,m)

Arguments

seed

is an integer. For more information on seeds, see Seed Values.

Range:	seed < 2³¹-1
Note:	If seed 0, the time of day is used to initialize the seed stream.

m

is a numeric mean parameter.

Range:

Details

The RANPOI function returns a variate that is generated from a Poisson distribution with mean m. For m < 85, an inverse transform method applied to a RANUNI uniform variate is used (Fishman 1976) (See References). For m [ge] 85, the normal approximation of a Poisson random variable is used. To expedite execution, internal variables are calculated only on initial calls (that is, with each new m).

Comparisons

The CALL RANPOI routine, an alternative to the RANPOI function, gives greater control of the seed and random number streams.

See Also

Call routine:

CALL RANPOI

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Category:	Random Number
Tip:	If you want to change the seed value during execution, you must use the CALL RANPOI routine instead of the RANPOI function.