Bunuel
A combination lock is set to open when the correct direction sequence is selected, either left-right-left or right- left-right, and when the correct three numbers from 1 to 60,inclusive,are selected in the correct order. If each number can be used only once, which of the following gives the number of different combinations that can be set to open the lock?
A. (30)(59)(58)
B. (60)(60)(60)
C. (60)(59)(58)
D. 2(60)(60)(60)
E. 2(60)(59)(58)
Say the code is 1-2-3. You need to get to 1 by rotating the dial left (clockwise) to reach 1, then right (counter clockwise) to reach 2 and then left to reach 3 OR the reverse, i.e. first right, then left and then right.
Thus, even if someone selected the correct numbers, the person would still have to get the above sequence correct, else the lock won't open.
For example, if someone uses the sequence L-L-L, it won't open. However, it is already known that the sequence is either L-R-L or R-L-R. Thus, while trying the sequence, someone would definitely use any one of those two. So, that information is redundant.
Thus, essentially, it is only about the choice of the 3 numbers in the correct order i.e., 60 * 59 * 58 ways
Note: To understand better, say, we have to key-in a password using the letters C, A, T, and while making the input, we can either use all caps or all small, both would be counted as equivalent passwords. To count the number of options, we will simply say CAT, CTA, ACT, ATC, TAC, TCA. We won't count the other case of all small since that is anyways equivalent to these 6. Thus, the answer is simply 3 * 2 * 1 = 6Answer C