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Exploring the secrets of Luhn's formula: How does it help identify ID numbers?
In our daily lives, whether it is applying for credit cards, government identification, or many other business transactions, we come into contact with a variety of identification numbers. However, have you ever thought about how these numbers are verified to be valid? One of the keys to this is the famous Luhn formula.
"Luhn's formula is a simple check digit calculation method used to verify the validity of various identity numbers."
The Luhn algorithm was proposed by IBM scientist Hans Peter Luhn in 1960. It is a public algorithm and is widely used in various identification codes. Its purpose is to prevent the identification number from being entered incorrectly. invalid. Across systems, this algorithm acts as a gatekeeper to check data accuracy.
Principles and steps of Luhn algorithm
The basic operations of this algorithm can be simplified into several steps. First, remove the check digit from the number to be verified, then double the number every other digit from right to left, subtracting 9 for results greater than 9. After that, all the resulting numbers are added up, and finally the check digit is calculated modulo 10, which will make the sum of the entire number divisible by 10.
"The Luhn algorithm can be used not only for credit card numbers, but also for various types of identification numbers."
Strengths and weaknesses in practical applications
The advantage of Luhn's algorithm is that it can detect all single-digit errors and almost all exchanges of adjacent numbers. However, this algorithm cannot detect certain situations, such as the exchange of 09 and 90. Compared with more complex check bit algorithms such as Verhoeff or Damm, the detection capability of the Luhn algorithm is more limited.
However, its practicality cannot be underestimated, especially in modern data processing. The Luhn algorithm provides an effective line of security for our various identity numbers. This not only facilitates business operations, but also protects users’ information security.
Conclusion
Whether it is in daily life or business transactions, the Luhn algorithm appears almost everywhere and has become the only way to verify identity numbers. The simplicity and practicality of this formula provide support for various identification systems and reduce the risk of human error.
"The broad applicability of the Luhn algorithm has become the cornerstone of modern financial transactions and identity verification."
Have you ever thought that there is such a simple but effective algorithm hidden behind the identity numbers you use every day?
