Random Number Generator

How to Generate Random Numberson the TI-84 Plus

In This Article

By Jeff McCalla, C. C. Edwards

Your TI-84 Plus calculator has a huge number of digits that are arranged into a list, which is known as a random number table that it uses the table to generate random numbers.

Generating random integers

For you to generate random integer,follow these steps:

1. To start the randInt Wizard from the Math PROB menu, click If you're using the TI-84 Plus, there isn't a wizard for the command randint. To run the command you need to know the syntax: randint(lower or upper) [number elements]).A wizard can make entering information simple. The wizard arranges the information you input in a manner that matches the syntax of the command. Check out the wizard on the first screen.
2. Set the lower limit and maximum limit you wish your randomly generated number be.You are looking for a random numbers that ranges from 1 to 100. Enter [ENTER] or press the down-arrow key to go through the next screen in the wizard.
3. Enter n, to determine how many random numbers you'd like to generate.Press [ENTER] several times to generate more random numbers as seen in the second screen.
4. If you would like to generatea list of random integers, alter the value of n.See on the screen #3 in.

Generating random integerswith no repetition

Did you notice that the integer 52, was twice selected in the third screen? If you're creating an assortment of random integers You can avoid repeats with a different procedure. Here are the steps:

1. To activate the randIntNoRep wizard in the Math PROB menu, press See the first screen.On the TI-84 Plus, the randIntNoRep command is not accompanied by wizards to aid you. The syntax for the command is randIntNoRep(lower,upper). Like the TI-84 Plus C which is a different command, this one doesn't offer an option to adjust to the amount of words.
2. Enter both the lower and upper limits, as well as you will be able to enter the upper and lower limits as well as n (the quantity of terms).See this second page.
3. Enter [ENTER] until the numbers are generated.This is demonstrated in three screens.

Generating random decimals

It is simple to generate random decimal numbers, which are between 0 and 1. Press

choose the rand option from the Math Probability menu. Continue pressing [ENTER] to generate the random numbers. The first screen will illustrate this process.

For generate random numbers that range between 100 and 0 utilize the rand command. It is an expression: 100*rand. The second screen.

Seeding the generator that generates random numbers

Your calculator creates random numbers using an enormous list of numbers presented in an alphabetical list. Here's the best part. You are able to choose which part of the list you'd like the calculator to start generating random numbers. It is called seeding your random number.

Make sure to think of some creative ways to use the number you select to begin your calculator. This is a great exercise! Calculate how many days you've lived. The calculator you have is equipped with a command which can calculate this for you! Take these actions:

1. Use the [2nd][0] button to open the Catalog.Notice that your calculator operates working in Alpha mode, as shown by the blinking red A within the cursor.
2. To insert the dbd( function Press dbd means the days that lie between dates.
3. Fill in your birth date as the number on the following form: MM.DDYY.Dates must be between the years 1950 and 2049. This form, June 1, 1968 will be entered with the following number: 06.0168.
4. Press [,].
5. Input today's date as a number in this form: MM.DDYY. January 2 2012 will be entered as the following number: 01.0213.
6. Press [ENTER] to determine how long you've spent alive.See on the screen that first appears. Wow! 16286 days sounds an awful lot older!

Here are the steps to create a calculator seed:

1. Enter the number you are selecting to start your calculator. 16286. But, of course, it is possible that you could use any number in real life to seed your calculator.
2. Press
3. To add the rand command, press
4. Press [ENTER] to seed you calculator.See the first line of the second screen.
5. Test it! Utilize randInt( to generate random number.See the last line of this second screen.

Want to impress your friends? You can seed your calculator with results you know ahead of time. For instance, if you secretly seed your calculator with numbers like 16286 and the following three random numbers (from 0 to 1,000) that will be produced will be, 213, and 197 as shown in the third screen. Be careful not to divulge your secrets!

About the Book Author

Jeff McCalla is a math teacher of mathematics at St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis, TN. He cofounded the TI-Nspire SuperUser group, and was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science & Mathematics Teaching. C.C. Edwards is an instructor who has presented several workshops on how to use TI calculators.