Random Number Generator

How to Generate Random Numberson the TI-84 Plus

In This Article

By Jeff McCalla, C. C. Edwards

You TI-84 Plus calculator has a enormous number of digits in a set, also known as a random number table, that it uses for its calculations to generate random numbers.

Generating random integers

If you want to generate random integer,follow these steps:

1. To activate the randInt Wizard on the Math PROB menu, select If you are using a TI-84 Plus, there is no wizard to rundint. To run the command it is necessary to understand its syntax, which is randint(lower upper), lower, and [number elements]).A wizard can make entering information easy. The wizard organizes the information you input in a manner that matches the syntax of the command. You can see the wizard on your first window.
2. Enter the lower limit as well as the upper limit that you want the number that you randomly choose be.You are looking for a random numbers between 1 and 100. Press [ENTER] or the down-arrow keys to navigate to the next line of the wizard.
3. Enter n for how many random numbers you'd like to generate.Press [ENTER] several times to generate additional random numbers as seen in the second screen.
4. If you would like to generatea list of random integers, alter to the number n.See on the screen #3 in.

Generating random integerswith no repetition

Did you notice the integer, 52, was picked twice in the third screen? If you're making numbers that are random and want to eliminate repeats by using an alternative method. These are the steps to follow:

1. To activate the randIntNoRep wizard by using the Math PROB menu, press See at the top of the screen.On the TI-84 Plus, the randIntNoRep command does not have wizards to aid you. The syntax for the command is randIntNoRep(lower,upper). In contrast to the TI-84 Plus C it doesn't provide the option of adjusting to the amount of words.
2. Input the upper and lower limits and enter n (the total number of terms).See the second screen.
3. Press [ENTER] until your numbers are generated.This is clearly shown on the screen 3.

Generating random decimals

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

to select the rand option from the Math Probability menu. Press [ENTER] repeatedly to generate random numbers. The first screen demonstrates this process.

In order to generate random numbers that range between 100 and 0 then utilize the rand command. It is the form of an expression: 100*rand. The second screen.

Seeding the generator of random numbers

Your calculator creates random numbers using a massive list of digits that are arranged into an alphabetical list. Here is the cool part. You can select the location in the list you want your calculator to start producing random numbers. This is known as seeding your random number.

Be creative with the number you select to populate your calculator. This should be fun! Determine how many days you have been alive. The calculator you have is equipped with a command to figure it out for you! Take these actions:

1. Use the [2nd][0] button to open the Catalog.Notice the calculator is using Alpha mode, as indicated by the blinking A on the cursor.
2. To insert the dbd( function, press dbd is the acronym for days between dates.
3. Enter your birthdate as an integer in this application: MM.DDYY.Dates need to occur between 1950-2049. Here, June 1, 1968 was entered with the number 06.0168.
4. Press [,].
5. The day of the week is entered as a number in this form: MM.DDYY. January 2 2012 is entered using the number: 01.0213.
6. Enter [ENTER] and find out how many days you have known you are alive.See the initial screen. Wow! 16286 days sound aged!

Following are the necessary steps to seed your calculator:

1. Enter the number that you will be employing to seed the calculator. 16286. But, of course, it is possible that you can use any real number to seed your calculator.
2. Press
3. To enter the rand command press
4. Press [ENTER] to start seeding to your calculator.See on the right side of your screen. on the screen that follows.
5. Try it! Use randInt( to generate an undetermined number.See the last line of the second screen.

Are you looking to impress your colleagues? Make your calculator seeded with numbers that you are aware of in advance. For example, if , for example, you covertly seed your calculator with this number 16286, then the next three numbers (from 1,000 to 0) that are generated are 203 197, and 213, as shown in 3. Don't divulge your secret!

About the Book Author

Jeff McCalla is an instructor of mathematics who teaches mathematics and science at St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis, TN. He co-founded 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 taught several workshops on how to use TI calculators.