This problem involves counting the number of possible license plates with the given constraints for each character position.

We are given:

• First character: Can be one of the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, so there are 5 possibilities.
• Second character: Can be one of the 26 letters of the alphabet, so there are 26 possibilities.
• Third character: Similarly, can be one of the 26 letters of the alphabet, so there are 26 possibilities.
• Fourth character: Can be one of the 10 digits (0 through 9), so there are 10 possibilities.
• Fifth character: Can also be one of the 10 digits (0 through 9), so there are 10 possibilities.

To find the total number of possible license plates, we multiply the number of possibilities for each position:

$\text{Total possibilities} = 5 \times 26 \times 26 \times 10 \times 10$

Let's calculate this. Define the possibilities for each character position first_pos = 5 second_pos = 26 third_pos = 26 fourth_pos = 10 fifth_pos = 10

Calculate the total number of possibilities

total_pos = first_pos * second_pos * third_pos * fourth_pos * fifth_pos total_posThe total number of possible license plates in this state is 338,000.

Would you like to explore more about counting principles or have any further questions? Here are some related questions:

1. How do counting principles apply to situations with different restrictions or conditions?
2. What is the difference between permutations and combinations in counting?
3. How do you handle counting when repetitions are not allowed?
4. What is the general multiplication principle in counting? 5