Random Number Generation Lab
The goal of this project was to elucidate what the term truly random means by utilizing the
online service random. an online number that the user can see and write for fairness. The lab
was divided into three steps, each with different ranges for the random numbers: The range is
between 1 to 10, between 1 to 100, and between 1 to 1000.
Step 1: Generating Numbers from 1 to 10
In the first step, I define the Min number = 1, Max number =10, and hit the "Generate" button
as I record the results seven times. The results were: 3, 7, 3, 5, 9, 1, 3. A realisation occurred
to me that the digit three was repeated thrice, thus futher bringing into light that number,
three. The expected diffusion is consistent with the small number of numbers being repeated
that boosts the probability of seeing similar numbers again.
Step 2: Generating Numbers from 1 to 100
The sample dataset for this activity was created with a range of 1 to 100, with 15 random
numbers representing it. The results were: {34, 78, 22, 56, 90, 11, 42, 75, 34, 89, 45, 62, 22,
75, 11}. Here is the case where we have numbers 34 and 22 being doubled thus some
proportionality and tidiness. Nevertheless, an ear prolonged the change from the repetitions
when the first step of climbing was finished.
Step 3: Generating Numbers from 1 to 1000
Finally, the series was defined from 1 to 1000 and I produced 25 of them randomly The
findings were almost all one-off cases, with only a few repetitions among the whole set of
numbers. This is indicating, the smaller the range of possible values, the greater the
probability of repetition. However, as the range of possible values increases, the possibility of
repetition becomes less and leads to a more apparent randomness.
Observations and Understanding of Random Number Generation
Before this experiment, I knew what the Mersenne Twister algorithm was and the concept of
pseudo-random numbers. I learned this lesson when I performed the following exercise: even
though, in theory, true randomness would eventually repeat the numbers, the most likely
outcome was reaching those same numbers within smaller ranges. The lab showed the crucial
point of precision and size of tested range in choosing the proper numbers drawing of a
pseudo random number generator.
Summary of Experience
This lab provided a valuable hands-on experience with true random number generation. It
demonstrated that while true randomness can result in repeated values, particularly in smaller
ranges, expanding the range reduces this likelihood. The exercise clarified that randomness
does not mean the absence of patterns but rather the lack of predictable patterns. This lab
enhanced my understanding of randomness and its implications in data generation and
analysis.
