Math Problem Statement
To log on to a certain computer account, the user must type in a 5-letter password. In such a password, no letter may be repeated, and only the lower case of a letter may be used. How many such 5-letter passwords are possible? (There are 26 letters in the alphabet.)
Solution
To calculate how many possible 5-letter passwords can be created using the given constraints (no repeated letters, and only lowercase letters), we can approach the problem step by step.
Step-by-Step Calculation:
-
Number of Choices for the First Letter:
- Since the password must be a 5-letter combination with no repetitions, for the first letter, there are 26 possible choices (since there are 26 letters in the alphabet).
-
Number of Choices for the Second Letter:
- The second letter must be different from the first, so there are now 25 remaining choices.
-
Number of Choices for the Third Letter:
- The third letter must be different from the first two letters, leaving us with 24 choices.
-
Number of Choices for the Fourth Letter:
- The fourth letter must be different from the first three letters, giving us 23 choices.
-
Number of Choices for the Fifth Letter:
- Finally, the fifth letter must be different from the first four letters, so there are 22 choices left.
Total Number of Passwords:
To find the total number of possible passwords, we multiply the number of choices for each letter:
Thus, the total number of 5-letter passwords is:
Would you like further details or have any questions about this process?
Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:
- How would the calculation change if uppercase letters were also allowed?
- How many 4-letter passwords could be created under the same conditions?
- What is the probability of randomly guessing the correct password on the first try?
- How many passwords can be created if repetition of letters is allowed?
- How would the result change if only vowels were used for the password?
Tip: When dealing with permutations (like this case with no repetition), remember to reduce the number of choices for each subsequent selection!
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Combinatorics
Permutations
Formulas
n! / (n - r)!
Multiplication rule of counting
Theorems
Permutation without repetition
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 8-10
Related Recommendation
Combinatorics Problem: Counting 5-Letter Passwords Without Repetition
Calculate the Number of 5-Letter Passwords with No Repetition
Combinatorics: Calculate Passwords with One Letter and Eight Digits
How Many Passwords Are Possible for a 7-character Password with 3 Letters and 4 Digits?
Calculate Possible Password Combinations for Non-Repeating Digits and Letters