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Randomizing
Hello All!
I have been using a sort on a helper column of random numbers [generated by RAND() ] to randomize a data set but I notice that the column of random numbers changes when I do the sort. Can any expert tell me if the sort or the recalculation occurs first? -- James Silverton Potomac, Maryland Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not |
#2
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Randomizing
The sort comes first. You can see this by using a small list of data.
For example, in A1:A4 enter 1, 2, 3, and 4, and in B1:B4 enter =RAND(). Next, copy the values in B1:B4 to D14. Copy/paste as values only, not formulas. Now sort A14 by column B. You'll see that the order of the elements in D are sorted, and then new values are calculated in B. The new values in B are not (necessarily) in sorted order, but values in D are. Cordially, Chip Pearson Microsoft Most Valuable Professional, Excel, 1998 - 2010 Pearson Software Consulting, LLC www.cpearson.com On Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:32:40 -0400, "James Silverton" wrote: Hello All! I have been using a sort on a helper column of random numbers [generated by RAND() ] to randomize a data set but I notice that the column of random numbers changes when I do the sort. Can any expert tell me if the sort or the recalculation occurs first? |
#3
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Randomizing
Chip wrote on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:14:11 -0500:
Cordially, Chip Pearson Microsoft Most Valuable Professional, Excel, 1998 - 2010 Pearson Software Consulting, LLC www.cpearson.com On Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:32:40 -0400, "James Silverton" wrote: Hello All! I have been using a sort on a helper column of random numbers [generated by RAND() ] to randomize a data set but I notice that the column of random numbers changes when I do the sort. Can any expert tell me if the sort or the recalculation occurs first? The sort comes first. You can see this by using a small list of data....... Thanks, that's interesting. -- James Silverton Potomac, Maryland Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not |
#4
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Randomizing
Hi,
The sort causes a recalculation so it comes after the sort takes place so data will sort on the values you see in the helper column prior to the sort taking place. This can be verified by looking at the random numbers after the sort which aren't in sorted order because they have changed. -- Mike When competing hypotheses are otherwise equal, adopt the hypothesis that introduces the fewest assumptions while still sufficiently answering the question. "James Silverton" wrote: Hello All! I have been using a sort on a helper column of random numbers [generated by RAND() ] to randomize a data set but I notice that the column of random numbers changes when I do the sort. Can any expert tell me if the sort or the recalculation occurs first? -- James Silverton Potomac, Maryland Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not . |
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