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Chapter
4
Probability
Generating Random Numbers
When working with probabilities, it is sometimes useful to generate numbers that you can’t
predict, but at the same time follow some standard rules. Computer simulations are a common
example of the need for random occurrences within a structured setting. These numbers are
called pseudo-random numbers since they are not totally random. Your calculator can generate
these types of random numbers. The numbers that will appear on your calculator screen are hard
to predict, but you will be able to attach probabilities to them. For each kind of pseudo-random
number, we will be able to say what the probability is that it will occur next.
Generating Random Numbers Between 0 and 1
Suppose that you would like to generate a number between 0 and 1. You want the number to be
unpredictable, but you want every number between 0 and 1 to have an equally likely chance of
being generated.
A list of these types of numbers that are generated with the random number function on your
calculator will be very similar to those found in the random number table in an Elementary
Statistics textbook. The function is on the MATH page and can found in the PRB list.
Press the MATH key.
Press the ► key until PRB is highlighted.
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