Numerical Methods Using Java: For Data Science, Analysis, and Engineering

© Haksun Li, PhD 2022

H. Li, PhDNumerical Methods Using Javahttps://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-6797-4_13

13. Random Numbers and Simulation

Haksun Li, PhD¹  

(1)

Hong Kong, China

 

A random number or a random variable is a result of a random process where the result is not deterministic. We can only know the exact value of the variable a posteriori, meaning after the fact. For example, the next roll of a dice is random. We only know the face after we roll it. A coin toss is also random. We only know the fact after it happens. Another way of looking at a random variable is looking at what information it reveals. For example, while the test score of a student in a class is already fixed, it is random because it is unknown or uncertain to us before we look ...