Is a Random Number Generator Truly Uniformly Distributed?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of random number generators, specifically focusing on whether a random number that is uniformly distributed on the interval [0, 1] is irrational with probability 1. Participants explore definitions of random numbers, the measure of rational and irrational numbers, and methods for generating random numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a random number uniformly distributed on [0, 1] is irrational with probability 1, seeking a proof for this claim.
  • Others argue that the measure must be specified for the problem to be well-defined, noting that under the standard Lebesgue measure, the set of irrational numbers has measure 1 while the set of rational numbers has measure 0.
  • One participant presents a method for generating random numbers using a four-digit number and its square, questioning the effectiveness of certain initial values.
  • Another participant mentions the cardinality of rational and irrational numbers, suggesting that the rationals are countable while the irrationals are uncountable.
  • Some participants discuss the measure of rational numbers, explaining that it is 0 due to their countability and providing a method to demonstrate this.
  • Alternative methods for generating random numbers are shared, including using a telephone book to select digits from phone numbers.
  • Questions arise about the definition of a random number and the concept of a random variable, with requests for further clarification and references.
  • Several participants recommend resources for studying probability theory and random variables, including textbooks and online references.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the properties of random numbers and the implications of measure theory. There is no consensus on the proof regarding the irrationality of uniformly distributed random numbers, and multiple competing views remain regarding the definitions and methods discussed.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for clarity on the measure used in the discussion and the assumptions underlying the definitions of random variables and random numbers. Some proposed methods for generating random numbers may depend on specific initial conditions that are not universally applicable.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying probability theory, random number generation, and the mathematical properties of rational and irrational numbers.

adityatatu
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Can somebody prove the following:

A Random number which (truly) is uniformly distributed on [0 1] (or in fact any continuous random variable) is irrational with probability 1.
 
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In order for that problem to be "well-defined", you have to specify the measure. Assuming that the measure is the standard Lebesque measure, the set of all irrational numbers between 0 and 1 has measure 1 and the set of all rational numbers has measure 0.
 
I don" know the prove! but I know an interesting way to get random numbers.
just take a 4 digit number. get its square. keep two first digits away. then get the 4 next number az the next step iteration.
some initial values dosent work. can you tell them?!

for example:
1-0.3265
2-3265
3-3265^2=10660225
4-10_6602_25
5-6602 ----0.6602
6_ go to step 1.
 
The cardinality of the rationals is aleph_0 while that of the irrationals is aleph_1, I think !
 
It is easy to prove that the measure of the rationals is 0, because of countability. Make a list of rational numbers. Cover the nth member of the list (symmetrically) by an interval of length x/2n. All the rational numbers are then covered by a set of measure less than x, since the union of these intervals has measure less than the sum of the individual measures. Since x can be made arbitrarily small, the measure of the rationals is 0.
 
Another way to get random numbers:
Get ur telephone book, open it anywhere, choose a column, and pick the LAST digit in every phone number from the column…
 
adityatatu said:
Can somebody prove the following:

A Random number which (truly) is uniformly distributed on [0 1] (or in fact any continuous random variable) is irrational with probability 1.

I have a question:
What does random number exactly mean?
I have this question since I hear the word!
can you help me?
Thanks in advanced. :smile:
 
You need to first understand the concept of a random variable. It is a variable which has a value determined on the basis of a probability distribution. A random number is a random variable with a probability distribution uniform between 0 and 1.
 
dear mathman;
can you explain more or give me a reference to study?
thanks in advanced.
:smile:
 
  • #10
I am sorry to say that I haven't looked at any recent material on the subject. Feller's 2 volume "An Introduction to Probability ..." is a very good, but old, text. You can try probability theory with google.
 
  • #12
The wolfram reference is a good description for those using random numbers. However, you need to look at a good basic probability textbook to understand the mathematical foundations behind the concept of random variable.
 
  • #13
Thanks a lot for the informations
 

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