To solve this problem, we need to break down the random number sequence into pairs of digits that represent the state numbers. Each state is numbered from 01 to 50.

Given random digits: 19992 73827 34246 78829

a) Which two state numbers does the first student get?

The first student is assigned the first two pairs of digits:

1. 19 (First state)
2. 99 (Second state)

However, since there is no state numbered 99 (the states are only numbered from 01 to 50), we skip the pair "99" and move to the next available pair, which is "92." Since 92 is also not a valid state number, we continue until we find a valid pair.

Next valid pair:

• 27 (Second state)

Answer for a: The first student gets states 19 and 27.

b) Which two state numbers go to the second student?

Now, we continue with the sequence starting after "27":

1. 38 (First state)
2. 27 (Second state)

Answer for b: The second student gets states 38 and 27.

Would you like further details or explanations? Here are some related questions for further exploration:

1. How would you assign states if there were fewer than 50 states?
2. What is the probability of a student getting state number 50?
3. How would you adjust the randomization method for more than 50 states?
4. How can the teacher ensure that all states are used at least once?
5. What if a student must get exactly two states with non-overlapping ranges?
6. How would you modify the process if students were to get three states instead of two?
7. What are some other methods of random assignment the teacher could use?
8. How might the randomness affect student engagement with the assignment?

Tip: When dealing with random assignments, always ensure that the chosen values fall within the valid range.