1 Nerd-It - +

Any predictions?

Comment a comment by Anonymous, published on 01 November 2007
Navigate to the top level to view all replies to the article Pattern Analysis of MegaMillions Lottery Numbers
a lone nerd has left 1 comment below

I have read the article and would like to ask if you think that the results can be used to predict any trends in future outcomes of the lottery?

If not, what test would be necessary to prove that the balls are not evenly distributed?

Thread parent sort order:
Thread verbosity:
4 Nerd-Its - +
RE: Any predictions? by VnutZ :: NR10

I have read the article and would like to ask if you think that the results can be used to predict any trends in future outcomes of the lottery?

I certainly hope so – I’d like to retire at 29. :-)

The data derived from this analysis was loaded into reference tables whereupon every conceivable lottery number was processed by my Mac Mini to assign a score. I’m still tweaking my scoring metric to balance out the results to something realistic. It takes about 36 hours from import for a complete process to transpire. I’ll know in a few weeks if the use of these targeted numbers provides any more "luck" than my previous use of QuickPicks.

If not, what test would be necessary to prove that the balls are not evenly distributed?

I would think the examination for standard deviation from number of appearances would give a good indication for errant distributions. A comment on Slashdot was accurate in that while the data spans for years … there really aren’t that many numbers to work with! So it may just be the case that not enough drawings have transpired to either truly level out the distribution or to truly show the skew.

Any predictions?

I have a couple – but if I share those up front, I’ll have to split the jackpot by the number of OmniNerd readers!

In the meantime, you can make some reasonable adjustments to haphazard picking by selecting numbers based on the presented graphs. The deeper analysis is relating the graphs to one another – but at a minimum it’s better than rolling dice.

Posted 01 November 2007, Hide, Parent, Reply

The Showcase

Nerd-Its   Nerd Trends   Last Ten  

  1. RE: Why wouldn't it be a religion? Yes, but .... in Scientology: We've had it with you
  2. RE: Why wouldn't it be a religion? Yes, but .... in Scientology: We've had it with you
  3. RE: Why wouldn't it be a religion? Yes, but .... in Scientology: We've had it with you
  4. RE: Why wouldn't it be a religion? Yes, but .... in Scientology: We've had it with you
  5. RE: Why wouldn't it be a religion? Yes, but .... in Scientology: We've had it with you
  6. Sick care in U.S. Healthcare: the Best, the Worst, and the Irrelevant
  7. RE: Busy guy in Catholic Exorcist Points Finger at Vatican
  8. RE: The true solution in Scientology: We've had it with you
  9. Manic Fits in Scientology: We've had it with you
  10. RE: Busy guy in Catholic Exorcist Points Finger at Vatican

What is OmniNerd?

Omninerd_icon Welcome! OmniNerd's content is generated by nerds like you. Learn more.

Voting Booth

The Interstate Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution empowers Congress to regulate?

View Results, All Polls
9 votes, 0 comments