Random Values Chapter Notes | AP Computer Science Principles - Grade 9 PDF Download

Introduction

Random values are a useful concept in AP Computer Science Principles, allowing programs to generate unpredictable numbers for various applications. This chapter explains how to generate random numbers in both AP Pseudocode and Python, emphasizing their importance in programming tasks like simulations. It covers the syntax for random number generation and the need to import specific modules in Python. Understanding random values helps programmers create dynamic programs that produce different results each time they run.

Generating Random Numbers

• Many programming languages, including AP Pseudocode, have tools to generate random numbers.
• Random numbers are useful in programs, especially for simulations.
• In AP Pseudocode:
  • Syntax: RANDOM(a, b) or RANDOM a, b
  • Generates a random integer from a to b, inclusive, with each number equally likely.
  • Example: RANDOM(1, 3) can return 1, 2, or 3.
• In Python:
  • Requires importing the random module: import random
  • Syntax: c = random.randint(a, b)
  • Generates a random integer from a to b, inclusive.
  • Example: c = random.randint(0, 5) can return 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
• Random number generation makes programs produce different results each time they run.
• Useful for applications like simulations.