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Applied Mathematics

Probability Theory

Are “random” numbers generated by a computer truly random?

For most general purposes, random numbers generated by a computer can be considered “random.” But in reality, because a computer follows a set of rules in any program, the numbers generated are not truly random. In order for a sequence or specific numbers to be truly random, they must not follow any sort of rules. That’s something to think about the next time you purchase a computer-generated, “random-numbers” lottery ticket.



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