Math Problem- How many different pins can you possibly create on your cell phone using the digits 0-9? How many different pins are possible using any given digit only once?

CCSS Math- HSS.CP.B.9 – (+) Use permutations and combinations to compute probabilities of compound events and solve problems.

This picture will help the students relate creating a pin number for their cell phone to mathematical content. This can be used for a mathematics activity in a statistics course to influence critical thinking and understanding mathematical concepts. By having the students recognize the total number of pins possible will introduce them to more complex ideas that involve permutations and combinations. The teacher can start off the lesson by using less digits and having the students work in groups to discuss and write out all the possible pins. This will actively engage them and stimulate their ability to critically think and solve problems. For further teaching, using a graphing calculator and the alphabet to create passwords can be used also.