Popcorn Hack 1

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

Video Games: Usernames can be randomly generated for users who don’t want to make their own username. Randomly generated numbers can also be stored in a database and referred to more easily.
YouTube: Random video generation on the Explore page helps show users a variety of videos they might not have searched for, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.

Popcorn Hack 2

import random

def magic_8_ball():
    rand_num = random.random()  # generates a number between 0.0 and 1.0
    if rand_num < 0.5:
        return "Yes"
    elif rand_num < 0.75:
        return "No"
    else:
        return "Ask again later"

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

Popcorn Hack 3

# Traffic light simulation (no randomness)

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}")

Short Answer:

This is a simulation because it models the real-world behavior of a traffic light over time without physically building one. Simulations like this can help city planners test traffic patterns and optimize light timings to reduce traffic congestion and accidents.

Homework Hack 1: Create a Simple Dice Game (Randomness AND Simulation)

Dice Game Features:

Player rolls two dice.
If the sum is 7 or 11, the player wins immediately.
If the sum is 2, 3, or 12, the player loses immediately.
If the sum is any other number, that becomes the “point.”
Player continues to roll until they either roll the point again (win) or roll a 7 (lose).
Track win/loss statistics.

Completed Dice Game Code:

import random

def roll_dice():
    """Roll two dice and return their values and sum."""
    die1 = random.randint(1, 6)
    die2 = random.randint(1, 6)
    dice_sum = die1 + die2
    print(f"You rolled a {die1} and a {die2} (Sum: {dice_sum})")
    return dice_sum

def play_dice_game():
    """
    Play one round of the dice game.
    Returns True if player wins, False if player loses.
    """
    sum_dice = roll_dice()

    # Immediate win
    if sum_dice in [7, 11]:
        print("You win!")
        return True
    # Immediate loss
    elif sum_dice in [2, 3, 12]:
        print("You lose!")
        return False
    else:
        # Establish point
        point = sum_dice
        print(f"Your point is now {point}. Keep rolling!")

        while True:
            sum_dice = roll_dice()
            if sum_dice == point:
                print("You hit your point! You win!")
                return True
            elif sum_dice == 7:
                print("You rolled a 7. You lose!")
                return False

def main():
    """Main game function with game loop and statistics."""
    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":
            break
        else:
            print("Please enter 'yes' or 'no'.")

    print("\nGame Over!")
    print(f"Total Wins: {wins}")
    print(f"Total Losses: {losses}")

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

Simulation/Games and Random Algorithms Submission

Class of 2025