The random numbers
generated in a computer or calculator are not truly random. They are not
produced by sampling a physical process that contains a random process, such as
flipping a coin or monitoring radioactive decay.
Computer
and calculator-generated random numbers are produced by computing an algorithm. An algorithm, by its very
nature, contains no random processes.
Still, these computer-generated random numbers pass most statistical tests and
are, for most (but not all) practical purposes, random. Random numbers produced by an algorithm are more accurately
called pseudo-random numbers.
The
most commonly used algorithm for generating psuedo-random numbers is the linear congruential generator (LCG). The defining equation for a LCG is
xn+1 = (axn
+ c )mod m
where xn is called the seed, a is an integer constant called the multiplier, c (also an
integer constant) is called the increment,
and m is the modulus.
The project can be viewed and downloaded by clicking on this link:
The project can be viewed and downloaded by clicking on this link:
A four-page pdf document takes you through a paper and pencil exercise that explains the mathematics of a linear congruential generator and is available, free, on request. Send a request to grandadscience@gmail.com.
I get it now, thanks for clearing it up. I was confused about this for some time, but your post cleared everything up in no time.
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