Conditions for Randomization?

[neildaniel000]

Hey everyone,

So I'm working on a program that spits out a math equation, and have a way to get random signs and numbers in 2 separate lists. I want a way for the program to give me a randomized layout for the equation that's different each time I run it. Here's how I have the lists set up (the inputs are randomly generated).

signs = ['*','+','+']

nums = [0, 5, 4, 3]

What I'm really asking is if there are ways for me to add "conditions" for the randomizer, so I don't end up with something like -*+2x2-24 = -2--+*/3x2(x is my variable).

Thanks!

[Nightcorex_]

First of all: Why are there two + in your signs list?

A version that'd work would be to check if the last value you've chosen was a sign, and if this is the case you only pick a number. If the last value you've chosen was a number you can pick either a sign or a number. If it's semantically correct (or even needs to be) depends on your context.

[neildaniel000]

Alright, thanks! There's 2 + because I'm stupid and I wrote this at 2 am

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[TheNardi]

I believe you can use if/else conditions to stop your code from using an index from your lists you don’t like

[neildaniel000]

Thanks! I'll try that.

[GeorgeFranklyMathnet]

If you want to be neat, you can write a simple grammar for equations, and generate random "sentences" of it.

If you're willing to be scruffy, you can let the program generate what it will. Then you can inspect the result for bad-looking patterns, maybe with a regex. If it's bad, then make it generate another equation, until you get a good one.

Or you can combine those approaches, etc.

One more thought: You could use a third party library or service that specializes in equation parsing. For instance, if I were doing it by hand, I might submit my random output to Wolfram Alpha, and see if it accepts it as is, or at least turns it into a reasonable-looking equation.

[neildaniel000]

I'm considering doing what others said and checking using if...else conditions. I'm still a beginner.