Question

What does the following statement do? \(x=\) random. randint (1,100)

Short answer

#Answer#: The statement x = random.randint(1, 100) in Python generates a random integer between 1 and 100, inclusive of both bounds, and assigns the resulting value to the variable x. Each time the statement is executed, the value of x will change, as it depends on the randomly generated number.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the statement

The given statement is a piece of Python code that uses the random.randint() function to generate a random integer between 1 and 100 (including both 1 and 100), and assigns the resulting value to the variable x.

Breaking down the components

There are three main components in the statement: 1. The 'x' variable: to store the random integer. 2. The 'random' module: a built-in Python module that helps to generate random numbers. 3. The 'randint()' function: a function within the random module that generates a random integer in the specified range.

Explaining random.randint()

random.randint(a, b) is a function from the random module in Python, that returns a random integer between a and b, including both the lower and upper bounds. In our case, a = 1, and b = 100, so it will generate a random integer between 1 and 100.

Putting it all together

When the statement \(x = \text{random.} \text{randint} (1,100)\) is executed, it calls random.randint(1, 100) and generates a random integer between 1 and 100. Then, it assigns this randomly generated value to the variable x. The value of x will change each time the statement is executed since it depends on the random number generated.

Key concepts

Python Programming

Python is a versatile and widely-used programming language that's well-regarded for its simplicity and readability. It's an excellent first language for new programmers, due to its approachable syntax and the vast community support. Python is great for a range of tasks from data analysis to web development.

Python programming involves writing instructions in Python code that the computer can execute. These instructions are known as statements and are executed by the Python interpreter to perform various tasks.

Random Number Generation

What is Random Number Generation?

Random number generation is a computational process by which a sequence of numbers or symbols, which cannot be reasonably predicted better than by random chance, are generated. In programming, this is commonly used in simulations, games, security systems, and more to bring unpredictability into the applications.

Python facilitates random number generation through its 'random' module, which includes a suite of functions such as 'randint()' for this purpose.

Python Variables

Storing Data with Variables

Variables in Python are like containers that hold data. They allow programmers to store data values such as numbers, strings, or objects. When you create a variable, you're essentially telling Python to reserve some space in memory for a value that you can reference and manipulate throughout your code.

Variables are pivotal for handling data dynamically. They are assigned using the equal sign '='. In the context of our exercise, 'x' is a variable that is being used to store the outcome of 'random.randint(1,100)'.

Python Built-in Modules

Expanding Python's Functionality

Python's built-in modules are libraries of pre-written code that come with Python, and they offer additional functions and tools without needing to write extra code. For random number generation, Python provides the 'random' module, which includes various functions to perform different kinds of randomization actions.

By importing the 'random' module, you gain access to functions like 'randint()', which is used in this exercise to generate a random integer within a specified range. This is a clear example of how Python makes it easy to accomplish complex tasks with minimal code.