Math Problem Statement

Ameena has a computer programming assignment to create a random number generator that generates numbers on the interval [0, 1]. Which of the following statements must be TRUE about the random number generator if it is fair?

Solution

The question asks which statement must be TRUE for a fair random number generator that generates numbers on the interval [0,1][0, 1]. Let's go through each option:

A. Each number between 0 and 1 is equally likely to occur.

  • This describes a uniform distribution, which is typical for a fair random number generator over a continuous interval. In this case, every number between 0 and 1 should have an equal probability of being generated. This is a true statement for a fair generator.

B. The numbers 0 and 1 will not occur.

  • For a random number generator on the interval [0,1][0, 1], whether 0 and 1 are included depends on the specific design. In practice, generators usually include 0 and exclude 1 (i.e., [0,1)[0, 1)), but they could technically generate both. This is not necessarily true.

C. There should be more numbers generated around 0.5 than around 0 or 1, because 0.5 is the median.

  • In a uniform distribution, all numbers are equally likely, so there wouldn't be more numbers around 0.5. This statement would be true if the distribution were normal or bell-shaped, but for a uniform distribution, it's false.

D. Each number between 0 and 1 must have a different probability of occurring.

  • This contradicts the idea of a uniform distribution, where every number in the interval has the same probability. So, this statement is false.

Conclusion:

The statement that must be true for a fair random number generator is A: "Each number between 0 and 1 is equally likely to occur."


Would you like further details or explanations? Here are five related questions you might want to consider:

  1. What is the difference between uniform and normal distributions?
  2. How do random number generators work computationally?
  3. Why might some random number generators include 0 but not 1?
  4. What are the properties of a fair random number generator?
  5. How can the fairness of a random number generator be tested?

Tip: When dealing with continuous random variables, remember that in a uniform distribution, the probability density function (PDF) is constant across the interval.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Probability
Uniform Distribution
Random Number Generation

Formulas

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Theorems

Uniform Distribution Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12