You have created a (random) 5-digit password for your computer. A hacker tries to break in to your computer. What is the probability that he is successful on the first attempt?

1 Answer
NJ
May 15, 2018

#1# in #100,000#

Explanation:

Each digit of the password can be one of ten possible digits (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9). There are 5 password digits that need to be selected.

The first position has #10# possible digits.
So does the second.
And the third, fourth, and fifth.

#10 * 10 * 10 * 10 * 10 = 10^5 = 100,000#

So there are #100,000# total combinations of passwords.

Hence, the odds the hacker guesses is #1# out of #100,000#.

Related questions
See all questions in Combinations and Permutations
Impact of this question
27509 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License