Permutation and Combination Videos
In this permutation and combination tutorial we will lern how to find the number of possible arrangements in a set of objects. Let's start by watching the following two videos.
Definition - Permutations
An arrangement of a set of objects in a certain order is called a PERMUTATION. To find the number of permutations of a certain set, use the factorial notation.
Example 1
Kerri wants an ice cream cone with one scoop of chocolate, one scoop of vanilla, and one scoop of strawberry. In how many ways can the scoops be arranged on the cone?
Long Solution
The following SIX arrangements are possible:
(chocolate, vanilla, strawberry)
(chocolate, strawberry, vanilla)
(vanilla, chocolate, strawberry)
(vanilla, strawberry, chocolate,)
(strawberry, chocolate, vanilla)
(strawberry, vanilla, chocolate)
Quick Solution
To quickly find the number of arrangements, use the factorial notation:
3! = 3 x 2 x 1 = 6 arrangements
Example 2
In how many ways can you arrange 5 books on a bookshelf?
Solution
5! = 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 120 ways
Example 3
Tom rented six movies. In how many different ways can he watch the six videos?
Solution
6! = 6 x 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 720 ways
Example 4
The password of a computer program is made-up of 4 different digits. How many different passwords can exist?
Solution
4! = 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 24 passwords
Definition - Combinations
A COMBINATION is a selection of items in which the order of the elements is not considered.
Example 5
Return from this
Permutation and Combination Tutorial
to
Probability Videos.