Work
Expected mean of a uniform draw
A uniform range is symmetric, so the midpoint is both its mean and the value a large draw converges on. Small draws scatter widely around it.
The Formula
expected mean = (min + max) / 2
A uniform range is symmetric, so the midpoint is both its mean and the value a large draw converges on. Small draws scatter widely around it.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| min | Minimum | value | The smallest value in the range. |
| max | Maximum | value | The largest value in the range. |
| v | Mean of the range | value | The value a large draw approaches. |
What Each Symbol Means
minvalue
Minimum
The smallest value in the range.
maxvalue
Maximum
The largest value in the range.
vvalue
Mean of the range
The value a large draw approaches.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to generate random numbers page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Generate Random Numbers, filed under Everyday Life. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.