3.3 Simulation/Games and Random Algorithms

Big Idea 3.3

• 2 min read

Big Idea3

Popcorn Hack 1: Real-World Applications

Question: Name two real-world applications where random number generation is essential and briefly explain why.

Answer:

  1. Cybersecurity – Random number generators are used to create encryption keys which are essential to secure online communication.
  2. Game Development – Random numbers are used for things like loot drops, enemy behavior, or card shuffling to ensure unpredictability and fairness.

🎱 Popcorn Hack 2: Magic 8-Ball

import random

def magic_8_ball():
    roll = random.randint(1, 4)
    if roll <= 2:
        return "Yes"
    elif roll == 3:
        return "No"
    else:
        return "Ask again later"

# Test your function
for i in range(10):
    print(f"Magic 8-Ball says: {magic_8_ball()}")

Magic 8-Ball says: Yes
Magic 8-Ball says: Yes
Magic 8-Ball says: Ask again later
Magic 8-Ball says: Ask again later
Magic 8-Ball says: Yes
Magic 8-Ball says: No
Magic 8-Ball says: Ask again later
Magic 8-Ball says: Yes
Magic 8-Ball says: No
Magic 8-Ball says: No

Popcorn Hack 3

states = ["Green", "Yellow", "Red"]
durations = {"Green": 5, "Yellow": 2, "Red": 4}
timeline = []

# Simulate 20 time steps
time = 0
state = "Green"
counter = 0

while time <= 20:
    timeline.append((time, state))
    counter += 1
    if counter == durations[state]:
        counter = 0
        current_index = states.index(state)
        state = states[(current_index + 1) % len(states)]
    time += 1

for t, s in timeline:
    print(f"Time {t}: {s}")


Time 0: Green
Time 1: Green
Time 2: Green
Time 3: Green
Time 4: Green
Time 5: Yellow
Time 6: Yellow
Time 7: Red
Time 8: Red
Time 9: Red
Time 10: Red
Time 11: Green
Time 12: Green
Time 13: Green
Time 14: Green
Time 15: Green
Time 16: Yellow
Time 17: Yellow
Time 18: Red
Time 19: Red
Time 20: Red

This is a simulation because it models the behavior of a traffic light system over time using predefined rules. Its real-world impact includes helping city planners design efficient traffic flow systems and improving road safety.

HW Hack 1

import random

def roll_dice():
    die1 = random.randint(1, 6)
    die2 = random.randint(1, 6)
    total = die1 + die2
    return die1, die2, total

def play_dice_game():
    die1, die2, total = roll_dice()
    print(f"Player rolled: {die1} + {die2} = {total}")
    
    if total in [7, 11]:
        print("You win!")
        return True
    elif total in [2, 3, 12]:
        print("You lose!")
        return False
    else:
        point = total
        print(f"Point is set to {point}")
        while True:
            die1, die2, total = roll_dice()
            print(f"Rolling again: {die1} + {die2} = {total}")
            if total == point:
                print("You win!")
                return True
            elif total == 7:
                print("You lose!")
                return False

def main():
    wins = 0
    losses = 0
    
    while True:
        play = input("Do you want to play a round? (yes/no): ").strip().lower()
        if play == "yes":
            if play_dice_game():
                wins += 1
            else:
                losses += 1
        elif play == "no":
            print(f"Final Stats - Wins: {wins}, Losses: {losses}")
            break
        else:
            print("Please enter 'yes' or 'no'.")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    print("Welcome to the Dice Game!")
    main()


Welcome to the Dice Game!
Player rolled: 2 + 2 = 4
Point is set to 4
Rolling again: 4 + 1 = 5
Rolling again: 1 + 6 = 7
You lose!
Player rolled: 5 + 2 = 7
You win!
Final Stats - Wins: 1, Losses: 1