HP 33S, User Manual

Page: 79 / 388

Real–Number Functions
4–15
File name 33s-English-Manual-040130-Publication(Edition 2).doc Page : 388
Printed Date : 2004/1/30 Size : 13.7 x 21.2 cm
The RANDOM function uses a seed to generate a random number. Each random
number generated becomes the seed for the next random number. Therefore, a
sequence of random numbers can be repeated by starting with the same seed. You
can store a new seed with the SEED function. If memory is cleared, the seed is reset
to zero. A seed of zero will result in the calculator generating its own seed.
Example: Combinations of People.
A company employing 14 women and 10 men is forming a six–person safety
committee. How many different combinations of people are possible
?
Keys: Display: Description:
24
Ï
6

_

Twenty–four people grouped six
at a time.
¹ x

Total number of combinations
possible.
If employees are chosen at random, what is the probability that the committee will
contain six women
?
To find the probability of an event, divide the number of
combinations for that event by the total number of combinations.
Keys: Display: Description:
14
Ï
6  _ 
Fourteen women grouped six
at a time.
¹ x

Number of combinations of
six women on the committee.
w

Brings total number of
combinations back into the
X–register.
¯

Divides combinations of
women by total combinations
to find probability that any
one combination would have
all women.