If you have a typical lock that takes 3 numbers to open it. 1 to the left, 1 to the right, 1 to the left (you guys know what i'm talking about) - and there are 36 numbers to choose from (0-35) What is the FORMULA to find out how many possible combinations there are? I know there has got to be a standard formula for this - isn't there? PLEASE Help! Your time & response is greatly appreciated!!
2007-10-22 05:34:48 · 5 answers · asked by Cassie K 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
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2007-10-22 08:31:56 · update #1
36 cubed possible combinations. Think of it like this: You have three slots (__ __ __). How many choices do you have for the first slot? 36 How many choices do you have for the second slot? 36 How many choices do you have for the third slot? 36
Therfore, you have 36 x 36 x 36 number of combinations.
2007-10-22 05:42:16 · answer #1 · answered by williamh772 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, there is a formula. Because the number in one slot doesn't affects the other (so there could be all possible combinations), the formula is m^n, where m is the number of numbers that could be in that slot and n is the number of slots you have. In your problem you have three slots and 36 numbers (35 and the zero = 36), so the possible combinations are 36^3 = 46656.
2007-10-22 05:52:23 · answer #2 · answered by ~AsSaSsIn~ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can go to the left to any one of the 36 numbers , then to the right to any one of 35 numbers, then to the left to anyone of 35 numbers so there are 36*35*35 left-right-left combinations = 44,100. There is an equal number of right left right combinations, so total is 88,200.
This assumes you do not take 1 turn to the left, 3 turns to the right and 2 turns to the left kind of thing.
2007-10-22 05:51:10 · answer #3 · answered by ironduke8159 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
36C3 i.e 36combination3=7140
there are 7140 possible combination...
the formula would be nCr..
where n and r are the amount of number to choose from and r is the number of selection.
2007-10-22 05:43:10 · answer #4 · answered by George 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
999 combinations....cuz ur startin from 001 all the way to 999
2007-10-22 05:51:34 · answer #5 · answered by H.B. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋