Precalculus (6th Edition) Blitzer

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13446-914-3
ISBN 13: 978-0-13446-914-0

Chapter 10 - Section 10.6 - Counting Principles, Permutations, and Combinations - Exercise Set - Page 1104: 45

Answer

The number of different ways in which the first three finishers come in a race Is 120.

Work Step by Step

The first three finishers come in from a competition of 6 automobiles. Te order in which the finishers win the race matters because each finisher will finish with a different rank and there are no ties. Therefore, we need to find the number of permutations of 6 things taken 3 at a time. Apply the formula, ${}_{n}{{P}_{r}}=\frac{n!}{\left( n-r \right)!}$ Where $ n=6,r=3$ $\begin{align} & {}_{6}{{P}_{3}}=\frac{6!}{\left( 6-3 \right)!} \\ & =\frac{6!}{3!} \end{align}$ Solve further the solution to get, $\begin{align} & _{6}{{P}_{3}}=\frac{6\times 5\times 4\times 3!}{3!} \\ & =6\times 5\times 4 \\ & =120 \end{align}$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.