# Thread: Total number of combinations for combination lock

1. ## Total number of combinations for combination lock

Hi, does anyone know how to calculate the total number of combinations for a 6XN combination lock? i.e. for each of the 6 wheel columns, there are N possible numbers.

2. ## Re: Total number of combinations for combination lock

Originally Posted by scalpmaster
Hi, does anyone know how to calculate the total number of combinations for a 6XN combination lock? i.e. for each of the 6 wheel columns, there are N possible numbers.
There are six positions that can be filled by any one of N numbers.

3. ## Re: Total number of combinations for combination lock

Originally Posted by Plato
There are six positions that can be filled by any one of N numbers.

Not sure, 6^N?

4. ## Re: Total number of combinations for combination lock

Originally Posted by scalpmaster
Not sure, 6^N?
Can you explain why you think that is the answer.
Here is a hint there are $10^3$ three digit numbers from $000,001,\cdots 999$.

5. ## Re: Total number of combinations for combination lock

Originally Posted by Plato
Can you explain why you think that is the answer.
Here is a hint there are $10^3$ three digit numbers from $000,001,\cdots 999$.

6. ## Re: Total number of combinations for combination lock

Originally Posted by scalpmaster
Which one do you think it is and why?

The lock looks like: $\boxed{|__}\boxed{|__}\boxed{|__}\boxed{|__}\boxed {|__}\boxed{|__}$

7. ## Re: Total number of combinations for combination lock

Originally Posted by Plato
Which one do you think it is and why?

The lock looks like: $\boxed{|__}\boxed{|__}\boxed{|__}\boxed{|__}\boxed {|__}\boxed{|__}$
NxNxNxNxNxN
looks more like N^6?