It had 6 figures. Each figure had the possibility of being one of the ten digits - 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. How many different combinations were possible?
The Safe Combination
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Bertie had forgotten the combination to
his safe. It had 6 figures. Each figure had the possibility of being one of the ten digits - 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. How many different combinations were possible? |
HINT: Start off with a smaller number of figures and a smaller number of digits, e.g. 2 figures and 3 digits. Work out how many combinations. The increase the number of digits and set your results out in a table.
Now increase the number of figures with varying numbers of digits. Look for patterns.
When we multiply CONSECUTIVE numbers together, they are called FACTORIALS, e.g. 5! = 1 x 2 x 3 x 4 x 5 = 120