The check digit is used to confirm the initial digits of the card number. The benefits of using a checksum is that it prevents casual attempts to invent credit card numbers, as only one in ten will be valid.
Length (adj). the longest, or longer, dimension of any object, in distinction from breadth or width; extent of anything from end to end; the longest line which can be drawn through a body, parallel to its sides; as, the length of a church, or of a ship; the length of a rope or line.
Length. In geometric measurements, length is the longest dimension of an object. In other contexts length is the measured dimension of an object. For example it is possible to cut a length of a wire which is shorter than wire thickness.