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 vast number of numbers arranged in a list, called a random numbers table which it utilizes to generate random numbers.

Generating random integers

In order to generate random integer,follow these steps:

1. To enable the randInt Wizard on the Math PROB menu, pressIf you're using the TI-84 Plus, there is no wizard to rundint. In order to use the command you must be familiar with the syntax: randint(lower upper), lower, and [number elements]).A wizard helps you enter data easy. A wizard arranges the data you input in a manner that is compatible with the syntax of the command. Look up the wizard on one of the screens.
2. Set the lower limit and higher limit you wish the random number you choose to be.You require a random number that is between 1 and 100. Press [ENTER] or the down-arrow key to navigate to the next line in the wizard.
3. Enter n, which is the number of many random numbers you'd like to generate.Press [ENTER] several times to generate more random numbers . This is shown in the second screen.
4. If you'd like to generatea list of random integers, alter to the number n.See the third screen.

Generating random integerswith no repetition

Did you notice that the integer 52, was selected twice on the 3rd screen? If you're creating a list of random integers You can avoid repeats by using another option. These are the steps to follow:

1. To start the wizard within the Math PROB menu, click See to open the next screen.On the TI-84 Plus, the randIntNoRep command does not have an interface to assist you. The syntax for the command is randIntNoRep(lower,upper). As opposed to TI-84 Plus C it doesn't provide the option of changing for the quantity of terms.
2. Enter both the lower and upper limits as well as Enter n (the the number terms).See on the next screen.
3. Enter [ENTER] until the numbers are generated.This is illustrated in the third screen.

Generating random decimals

It is simple to generate random decimal numbers that are strictly between 0 and 1. Press

to select the rand command from the Math Probability menu. After that, press repeatedly [ENTER] to generate random numbers. The first screen illustrates this process.

For generate random numbers that range between 0 and 100, use the rand command . an expressionlike 100*rand. Check out the second screen.

Seeding the generator of random numbers

Your calculator generates random numbers from an enormous list of numbers laid out in the form of a list. Here is the cool part. You can select the location in the list that you would like your calculator to begin generating random numbers. This is known as"seeding" your numbers.

Make sure to think of some creative ways to use the number you pick to seed your calculator. This should be fun! You can figure out how many years you have been alive. Calculators have commands to calculate that for you! The steps to follow:

1. Press [2nd][0] to access the Catalog.Notice that your calculator operates working in Alpha mode, as indicated by the blinking of the A in the cursor.
2. To add the dbd( function, press dbd means days in between dates.
3. Fill in your birth date as an integer on the following form: MM.DDYY.Dates should be within the range of 1950 and 2049. In this case, June 1, 1968, is entered with the number: 06.0168.
4. Press [,].
5. Fill in today's day's number in this format: MM.DDYY. January 2 2012 is entered using the number 01.0213.
6. Enter [ENTER] and learn how many days you've been alive.See what the very first page shows. Wow! 16,286 days sounds ageless!

Below are some steps you need to follow to begin to seed your calculator:

1. Enter the code you're employing to seed the calculator. 16286. But, of course, it is possible that you can utilize any number real to seed your calculator.
2. Press
3. To insert the rand command, press
4. Press [ENTER] in order to seed the calculator.See on the right side of your screen. on your second display.
5. Try it out! Try randInt( to generate the random number.See the last line of your second screen.

Do you want to impress your friends? Seed your calculator with the results you know ahead of time. For instance, if you secretly seed your calculator with the number 16286 The next three numbers (from 1,000 to 0) that will be calculated will result in 203, 213, and 197 as shown in the screen 3. Be careful not to divulge your secrets!

About the Book Author

Jeff McCalla is an instructor of mathematics in St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis, TN. He cofounded the TI-Nspire SuperUser group, and received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science & Mathematics Teaching. C.C. Edwards has been a teacher and has led numerous workshops on using TI calculators.