TMUA 2017 · Paper 2 · Question 20
SaveI have forgotten my 5-character computer password, but I know that it consists of the letters `a`, `b`, `c`, `d`, `e` in some order. When I enter a potential password into the computer, it tells me exactly how many of the letters are in the correct position.
When I enter `abcde`, it tells me that none of the letters are in the correct position. The same happens when I enter `cdbea` and `eadbc`.
Using the best strategy, how many further attempts must I make in order to guarantee that I can deduce the correct password?