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 Possible Solution by derek)

Unfortunately, this makes 'middle' numbers much more likely to turn up than the outliers, and the problem stated that all results must have an equal chance.

Posted by friedlinguini on 2003-06-30 08:05:55