.. to select 15 numbers at random from 1-54.
a. To randomize the 15 numbers from 1-54,
you could try this quick setup in a new sheet:
List the numbers 1-54 in A1:A54
Put in B1: =RAND()
Copy down to B54
Put in C1: =INDEX(A:A,RANK(B1,B$1:B$54))
Copy down to C15. C1:C15 will return 15 random numbers from the set within
A1:A54. Press F9 to regenerate afresh.
If you want a full random scramble of the 54 numbers,
just copy C1 down all the way to C54.
.. Then take those fifteen numbers
and arrange them in combinations of six ...
b. To generate all possible combinations of sets of 6 from the 15 ..
Take away this ready-to-run sample from my archives
which contains an implementation of Myrna Larson's power subroutine:
http://savefile.com/files/518493
MyrnaLarson_Combination_Permutation.xls
For your posted needs,
ie Picking sets of 6 from 15 ..
In Sheet1,
Enter in A2: 6 (that's the pick you want)
then enter the 15 random numbers into A3:A17
[or just copy n paste special as values (or link)
the randomized 15 from C1:C15 in part (a) above into A3:A17]
Then *select* cell A1 (leave the letter in A1 as "C")
and click the button: ListPermutations
All 5,005 combinations [as COMBIN(15,6) = 5005]
will be generated in a new sheet to the left of Sheet1
Good luck <g>!
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