Suppose you have a function (or a magic ball) that is capable of producing a totally random integer between 1 and 5 (inclusive).

Using this, how would you generate a random number (also an integer) between 1 and 7 (inclusive)? (Note that the for the number to be random, all integers between 1 and 7 must have an equal chance of being generated)

Assume that using your 1-5 generator is pretty time-consuming, so you want to minimize the number of times you are going to use it.

(In reply to re(4): solution by Charlie)

I'm not sure. I haven't tested it. I do have yet another solution to the problem that I believe is theoretically optimal, which I will post shortly.

Posted by friedlinguini on 2003-07-01 05:56:59