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 enormous number of digits in a set, also known as the random number table that it uses in order to generate random numbers.

Generating random integers

To generate random integer,follow these steps:

1. To start the randInt Wizard on the Math PROB menu, press If you're using a T-84 Plus, there is no wizard to rundint. To utilize the command, you need to know the format: randint(lower higher, upper elements]).A wizard can make entering data easy. A wizard arranges the information entered in a way that is compatible with the syntax of the command. Look up the wizard on the screen that opens.
2. Select the lower limit, and the upper limit you would like for your number of randoms to be.You would like a random number of 1 to 100. Press [ENTER] or the down-arrow key to navigate through the next screen in the wizard.
3. Enter n to indicate how many random numbers you'd like to generate.Press [ENTER] repeatedly to generate more random numbers . This is seen in the second screen.
4. If you wish to generatea list of random integers then change what you want to do with n.See The third page in.

Generating random integerswith no repetition

Did you notice that the integer, 52, was chosen twice on the 3rd screen? If you're creating numbers that are random You can avoid repetitions with an alternative option. These are the steps to follow:

1. To enable the randIntNoRep Wizard in the Math PROB menu, press See the first screen.On the TI-84 Plus, the randIntNoRep command does not include an interface to assist you. The syntax for the command is randIntNoRep(lower,upper). As opposed to TI-84 Plus C, you don't have the option of changing how many terms you can use.
2. Input both the lower and upper limits, as well as n (the quantity of terms).See in the following screen.
3. Press [ENTER] until your numbers have been generated.This is shown in the third screen.

Generating random decimals

It is easy to generate random decimal numbers that lie between 0 and 1. Press

choose to select the rand command to choose the rand command Math Probability menu. Then repeatedly press [ENTER] to generate the random numbers. The first screen demonstrates this process.

In order to generate random numbers between 0 and 100, use the rand command . an expression: 100*rand. See the second screen.

Seeding the random number generator

Your calculator creates random numbers using an enormous list of numbers that are arranged into the form of a list. This is the fun part. You can choose where on the list you'd like your calculator to start generating random numbers. It is called seedsing the random numbers.

Be creative with the number you pick to seed your calculator. It's a lot of fun! Find out how long you've been alive. Your calculator comes with a function to calculate that for you! Use these tips:

1. Enter [2nd][0] for access to the Catalog.Notice that your calculator operates in Alpha mode, as indicated by the blinking A in the cursor.
2. To insert the DBD( function, press dbd means days in between dates.
3. Enter your birthdate as an integer in this format: MM.DDYY.Dates should be within the range of 1950-2049. The date, June 1, 1968 is entered as the number 06.0168.
4. Press [,].
5. Input today's date as a number in this format: MM.DDYY. January 2, 2013 enters the number 01.0213.
6. Enter [ENTER] to find out the number of days you have known you are alive.See your first display. Wow! 16,286 days is old!

The steps to seed your calculator:

1. Enter the code you're selecting to start your calculator. 16286. Naturally, you can make use of any number you want to seed your calculator.
2. Press
3. To enter the rand command press
4. Press [ENTER] for seeding you calculator.See that first row on your second display.
5. Try it out! Use randInt( to generate an random number.See the last line in your second screen.

Want to impress your friends? You can seed your calculator with results that you are aware of in advance. For example, if , for example, you secretly seed your calculator with the number 16286 The next three randomly generated numbers (from 1 to 1,000) that are calculated will result in 203 213, and 197 like the screen 3. Be careful not to divulge your secrets!

About the Book Author

Jeff McCalla is an instructor of mathematics for St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis, TN. He is the co-founder of the TI-Nspire SuperUser group, and received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science & Mathematics Teaching. C.C. Edwards is an educator who has taught various workshops on using TI calculators.