Resources for the Simplex Lock Problem

Combinations and Permutations

Education Development Center, Inc., Mathematical Methods in High School, (in preparation http://www.edc.org/LTT/M2HS/, for more information contact Helen Lebowitz at hlebowitz@edc.org).

Rosen, Kenneth L., Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications, WCB McGraw-Hill, 1999. pp 250-260

Graham, R.L., D.E. Knuth, O. Patasknik, Concrete Mathematics, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1992. pp 153-163

Extension problems using algebraic approach

Velleman, Daniel J. and Gregory S. Call, "Permutations and Combination Locks", Mathematics Magazine Vol 68 No 4, October 1995

Extension problems using computer science approach

Harvey, Brian, Computer Science Logo Style, 2nd ed. vol 3, MIT Press, 1997. pp 85-106 (available in pdf version - http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~bh/v3-toc2.html)

Extension problems using algebraic/computer science approach

Cuoco, Albert, Investigations in Algebra, MIT Press, 1990. pp 209-254

Stirling Numbers

Graham , R.L., D.E. Knuth, O. Patasknik, Concrete Mathematics, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1992. pp 243-253

Algebraic Connections

Cuoco, Al, E.Paul Goldenberg, and June Mark, "Habits of Mind: An Organizing Principle for Mathematics Curricula", Journal of Mathematical Behavior 15:375-402, 1996. (available on the web - http://www.edc.org/LTT/ConnGeo/HOM/alg.html)

How to Operate a Simplex Lock

http://www.versamount.net/operating_your_simplex_lock.htm