BINOMIAL

BINOMIAL (LET)

Library Function

Compute the binomial coefficients.

The binomial coefficient of the integers N and M is:

where "!" is the factorial function.

Dataplot computes this function using the BINOM function from the SLATEC library. This routine was written by W. Fullerton of LANL.

LET <y> = BINOMIAL(<n>,<m>)             <SUBSET/EXCEPT/FOR qualification>
where <n> is a non-negagive integer number, variable or parameter;
            <m> is a non-negagive integer number, variable or parameter (less than or equal to <n>);
            <y> is a variable or a parameter (depending on what <n> and <m> are) where the computed binomial coefficient values are stored;
and where the <SUBSET/EXCEPT/FOR qualification> is optional.

LET A = BINOMIAL(10,6)
LET A = BINOMIAL(N,M)
LET Y = BINOMIAL(N,M) FOR M = 0 1 N

Library functions are distinguished from let subcommands in the following ways.
1. Functions enclose the input value in parenthesis. Let subcommands use spaces.

2. Functions can accept (and return) either parameters (i.e., single values) or variables (i.e., an array of values) while let subcommands are specific in which they accept as input and what they return as output.

3. Functions can accept expressions while let subcommands do not. For example, the following is legal:
   LET Y2 = ABS(Y1-INT(Y1))

   For let subcommands, you typically have to do something like the following:

   LET YTEMP = Y**2 + 8
   LET A = SUM YTEMP
   

None

BINOM is a synonym for BINOMIAL.

BINCDF	= Compute the binomial cumulative distribution function.
BINPDF	= Compute the binomial probability mass function.
BINPPF	= Compute the binomial percent point function.
BN	= Compute Bernoulli number or polynomial.

"Statistical Methods", Eigth Edition, Snedecor and Cochran, 1989, Iowa State University Press, page 112.

Probability

1997/12

LET N = 20
TITLE BINOMIAL COEFFICIENTS: N = 20
LINE BLANK
SPIKE ON
PLOT BINOM(N,X) FOR X = 0 1 N