using rand to generate numbers

Hi

I have a simple question. I understand that both a and b vectors (please see below) will generate 5 random numbers from 0 to 5 with an interval of 1 between each number. But I would like to know if there is any difference between vectors a and b or if they have the same meaning.

 N=5;
 a = [0:N-1]+rand(1,N)/N;
 b = [0:N-1]+rand/N;

Thank you

Answer 1

[the cyclist]

Is this homework?

If so, I suggest you read

doc rand

and see what the difference is between the syntax

rand(1,N)

and

rand

[PChoppala]

Well, I do know the difference .. that

 rand   %gives a number between 0 and 1

 rand(1,N)   %gives N numbers between 0 and 1

But I wanted to know if there is any technical difference in vectors a and b. I guess they are the same, but wanted to confirm.

[the cyclist]

Here's a hint. Compare

diff(a)

to

diff(b)

Answer 2

[Shashank Prasanna]

Try executing it and seeing it for yourself.

rand just generats one random number and adds it to each element of the vector: [0:N-1]

where as rand(1,N) generates N random numbers and adds them element wise to the vector: [0:N-1]

They are obviously different. Is that what you are looking for?

[PChoppala]

Yeah I understand this .. the more I think, the more easy it becomes .. guess this question should be deleted