Pseudorandom number
= Pseudorandom number
{title2=$U_i$}
A pseudorandom number is an output of a deterministic algorithm chosen to imitate samples from a specified <probability> law. For example, a <linear congruential generator> returns fractions $S_i/M$ on a finite grid in $[0,1)$. Their intended <uniform distribution> is an approximation, and their serial dependence must be assessed separately from the generator's period.