HP (Hewlett-Packard) 35s Calculator User Manual


 
4-16 Real–Number Functions
The RANDOM function uses a seed to generate a random number. Each random
number generated becomes the seed for the next random number. Therefore, a
sequence of random numbers can be repeated by starting with the same seed. You
can store a new seed with the SEED function. If memory is cleared, the seed is reset
to zero. A seed of zero will result in the calculator generating its own seed.
Example: Combinations of People.
A company employing 14 women and 10 men is forming a six–person safety
committee. How many different combinations of people are possible?
If employees are chosen at random, what is the probability that the committee will
contain six women? To find the probability of an event, divide the number of
combinations for that event by the total number of combinations.
Keys: Display: Description:


_
Twenty–four people grouped six at
a time.
x

Total number of combinations
possible.
Keys: Display: Description:


_
Fourteen women grouped six at a
time.
x

Number of combinations of six
women on the committee.

Brings total number of
combinations back into the X–
register.

Divides combinations of women
by total combinations to find
probability that any one
combination would have all
women.