POW #3 - Code Lock Riddle

A safe has a code lock that unlocks if you input the correct three digit code, in any order. The
lock has a keypad with the digits 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9.

For example, suppose the unlock code is 100. The safe will open for any order you input those
digits: 100, 010, and 001.

Or consider the unlock code 123. The safe will open for any permutation of the same number
(123,132, 321, ect.)

1) How many different unlock codes are there? (Two unlock codes are the same if they
contain the same digits - like 100 and 010. And are different if they do not use the same
digits like 100 and 123.)

2) Honors: How many different codes are there if the input for my lock is a 4 digit code?
(You may still put them in any order.)

Problem Statement:
There is a safe with a code lock that requires a three-digit code to unlock. The digits 0 through 9
are available for input, and the lock will open for any permutation of the correct code. The goal
is to determine the total number of different three-digit codes that can be used to unlock the
safe.

Process/Work:
To determine the total number of different three-digit codes, we first need to consider the
number of possible combinations of digits that can be used to form a three-digit code. There are
10 choices for each digit, resulting in a total of 10 x 10 x 10 = 1000 possible combinations.
However, since any permutation of the same three digits is considered the same code, we need
to divide by the number of permutations of three digits, which is 3 x 2 x 1 = 6. Therefore, the
total number of different three-digit codes is 1000/6 = 166.667, which we round down to 166.

For the honors question, we need to determine the total number of different four-digit codes.
Following the same process as before, we have 10 choices for each digit, resulting in a total of
10 x 10 x 10 x 10 = 10,000 possible combinations. Dividing by the number of permutations of
four digits, which is 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 24, we get a total of 10,000/24 = 416.667, which we round
down to 416.

Solution:
The total number of different three-digit codes that can be used to unlock the safe is 166, and
the total number of different four-digit codes is 416.

Evaluation:
Working through this POW, we learned how to use combinatorics to determine the total number
of possible combinations and permutations of digits in a code lock. Overall, this POW helped us
strengthen our understanding of combinatorics and its applications in real-world scenarios.

Rubric:
 Self-Grade Points
Problem Statement: The problem statement should be a condensed version
of what the problem says in your own words. You should be able to give this
/2
to another teacher and they should have an idea of what you are trying to
solve. This should also include some sort of mathematical language.
Process/Work: This section is the bulk of the write up. This should clearly
describe all of the methods that you tried in detail. If a method was
unsuccessful, what did you learn from it and how did it shape your approach?
This should show your method from the start to finish whether or not you
were able to find a solution. If you received assistance, describe how it
/4
helped (or didn’t help) you and what ideas or methods resulted from this
assistance. This is for you to show me your thinking and the direction that
you went with the problem. Does not need to include who you got assistance
from, exactly what you did, but should be mathematically what you solved
and why.
Solution: Clearly state your answer. State your solution as a sentence that
/2
states what you solved and what the answer is.
Evaluation: Describe your work on the POW. What did you learn about while
/2
working through this POW.
/10