derive new variable with random float values using for loop

Hi, I am trying to derive a new variable with random float values using for loop. Tried using randn.

 for i=1:length(hosp_yn_coded)
    if (hosp_yn_coded(i)==1)
        los_total(i)=randn([0 2],1,1) % must be float bet 0-2 e.g. 0.1,0.2,0.4,1.4,1.2
    else
        los_total(i)=randn([0 1],1,1)  % must be float bet 0-2 e.g. 0.1,0.2,0.4,1.4,1.2
    end
 end

Thanks so much!

Answer 1

[Jeff Miller]

Despite your comments, I guess you want 0-1 for the second option, not 0-2.

I guess you want all numbers in the range to be equally likely, so randn is not the right choice.

I wouldn't use a for loop here, but you can if you want:

 for i=1:length(hosp_yn_coded)
    if (hosp_yn_coded(i)==1)
        los_total(i)=2*rand;   % rand gives 0-1, so 2*rand is 0-2
    else
        los_total(i)=rand;
    end
 end

[Arturo Jr. Ongkeko]

Hi, Jeff! Thanks so much. I am trying to be comfortable with for-loops so this is like a practice for me.