Lesson plan
Luhn algorithm
The Luhn algorithm or Luhn formula (creator: IBM scientist Hans Peter Luhn), also known as the "modulus 10" or "mod 10" algorithm, is a simple check digit formula used to validate a variety of identification numbers. The purpose is to design a numbering scheme in such a way that when a human is entering a number, a computer can quickly check it for errors. The algorithm is in the public domain and is in wide use today. It is specified in ISO/IEC 7812-1. It is not intended to be a cryptographically secure hash function; it was designed to protect against accidental errors, not malicious attacks. Most credit card numbers and many government identification numbers use the algorithm as a simple method of distinguishing valid numbers from mistyped or otherwise incorrect numbers.
Article summary
The Luhn algorithm or Luhn formula (creator: IBM scientist Hans Peter Luhn), also known as the "modulus 10" or "mod 10" algorithm, is a simple check digit formula used to validate a variety of identification numbers. The purpose is to design a numbering scheme in such a way that when a human is entering a number, a computer can quickly check it for errors. The algorithm is in the public domain and is in wide use today. It is specified in ISO/IEC 7812-1. It is not intended to be a cryptographically secure hash function; it was designed to protect against accidental errors, not malicious attacks. Most credit card numbers and many government identification numbers use the algorithm as a simple method of distinguishing valid numbers from mistyped or otherwise incorrect numbers.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.