What is the mathematical basis for those Random Number Generators?

Question

anonymous · Answer

which are not truly 'random', but pseudorandom

mathteacher1729 · Answer

Depends on the random number generator in question.

anonymous · Answer

like the C standard library's rand() function

anonymous · Answer

They all use a "seed", which biases the randomness.

anonymous · Answer

but after that, how are the numbers themselves generated? is it like an equation?

mathteacher1729 · Answer

Relevant quote: "Any one who considers arithmetical methods of producing random digits is, of course, in a state of sin." -- John Von Neumann

anonymous · Answer

Yes, it is a set of equations. Each time, the seed changes, so the next time, you get a different number. Again, it is not quite random. But, serves some purposes.

anonymous · Answer

is it possible to predict it if it depends on time? why not?