[RESOLVED] Newb Question regarding Math, Random Variables, and If Statements

[darthbutternutz]

I'm trying to figure out how to put a certain set of math rules into code and I can't seem to get it to work. My goal is to start with a random number between 3 and 18. If the sum of that random is 16 or greater, then add a random number between 1 and 6 to the sum of that value. If the sum of the second random is equal to 6, then add another random number between 1 and 6.

This is what I have so far

<?php

$sum_1=rand(3,18);
$sum_2=rand(1,6);
$sum_3=rand(1,6);


if ($sum_11<=16)
	{
		$sum_4=$sum_1+$sum_2;
	}
else
	{
		$sum_1=$sum_6;
	}

if ($sum_2=6)
        {
                $sum_5=$sum_4+$sum_3;
        }
else
	{
		$sum_4=$sum_6;
	}

echo $sum_6;

?>

I'm sure I've messed up with the code. I'm not sure if I declared my variables correctly or even if my If Statements are written correctly.

[dagon]

$sum_11 should be $sum_1

[shawty]

I think what you would be better off doing is tackling the least common denominator first, so:

$number_1=rand(3,18);
$number_2=rand(1,6);
$number_3=rand(1,6);

if($number_2 >= 6)
{
  $final_number_2 = $number_2 + $number_3;
}
else
{
  $final_number_2 = $_number_2;
}

Then once you know the answer to that math, then concentrate on the major part:

if($number_1 >= 16)
{
  $result = $number_1 + $final_number_2;
}
else
{
  $result = $number_1;
}

The net result is that $result should hold the value your interested in.

Never be afraid to use intermediate variables when your working out complex math problems, and never be afraid to break your decision logic down in to smaller units, especially if it makes things easier to read.

You may want to take a look at the PHP builder articles section, where i'm currently doing a 10 part series on beginning PHP, part 6 from last week covered handling maths and numerical problems.

Cheers

Shawty

[darthbutternutz]

Thanks for the replies and I'm looking into the articles now 🙂

[shawty]

Anytime darth,

Don't forget to mark the thread as resolved if your problem gets answered.

:-)