Question 5 (1 point) A password is required to log into a system that only recognizes numbers and letters of the alphabet (not case sensitive). You want to create a password using 5 numbers or letters, but cannot reuse any of them. How many different passwords are possible?

When creating a password that is made up of 5 characters from the 36 available options (26 letters + 10 digits), using the concept of permutations is essential since the order matters. The number of ways to choose the first character is 36, for the second character it’s 35, continuing this way down to 32 for the fifth character. So, the formula looks like this: 36 × 35 × 34 × 33 × 32, which results in a staggering number of unique password possibilities! Creating strong passwords is not just about length; it’s also about variety and complexity. By incorporating a mix of upper case, lower case, numbers, and symbols if the system allows, you can significantly reduce the chances of someone guessing your password. A common mistake is using easily guessable information like birthdays or names, so opt for a unique combination that resonates with you but won't be obvious to others!