Multiplication Principle:	Let E1 and  E2 be two events. E1 can be performed in a1 ways.  E2 can be performed in a2 ways.  Event E1 followed by event E2  can be performed in   a1 · a2  ways.
Permutation:		An Ordered arrangement of objects P(n,r)   = the number of permutations of n objects taken r at a time.
Combination:		An Un-Ordered arrangement of objects C(n,r)   = the number of combinations of n objects taken r at a time.

Click here for Factorial, Permutations and Combinations calculator
   

Lets say 3 people (Andy, Betty, and Clark) compete in a running race.  How many different outcomes are possible?

This a permutation because order is important.
There 6 different outcomes possible.   1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Andy Betty Clark Andy Clark Betty Betty Clark Andy Betty Andy Clark Clark Andy Betty Clark Betty Andy
Solve	Step	Spot Check
	Permutation Formula
	Take 3 objects from 3 objects	P(n, n) = n!
You can also view this problem as 3! = 3 × 2 × 1 = 6.  That is, how many different ways can  3 objects be arrangement?
	There are 3 choices for the first spot.  That leaves 2 choices left for second spot.  After the first 2 spots are chosen, there is 1 left for the 3rd spot.

  

5 people are standing in a line.  How many different outcomes are possible?

	[Solution]

In how many ways can you select a committee of 3 people from a group of 12 members?

This is a combination because the 3 person committee are not ordered.
Solve	Step
	Combination Formula
	You can cancel the 9!'s
C(12, 3) = 220	220 different 3 people committees

 

In how many ways can you select a committee of 4 people from a group of 10 members?

	[Solution]

In how many ways can you select a committee of 3 people from a group of 12 members? The committee members consist of a chairperson, treasurer and a secretary.

This is a permutation because the 3 person committee is ordered because each person has a position. For example:   Andy - Chair, Betty - Treasurer, Clark - Secretary  is different from Andy - Treasurer, Betty - Chair, Clark - Secretary
Solve	Step
	Permutation Formula
	You can cancel the 9!'s
P(12, 3) = 1320	1320 different 3 person committees

In how many ways can you select a committee of 4 people from a group of 10 members? The committee members consist of a chairperson, treasurer, officer, and a secretary.

	[Solution]

A women has 4 blouses, 3 skirts and and 5 pairs of shoes.  Assuming the woman does not care what she looks like, how many different outfits can she wear?

Solve	Step
4 × 3 × 5 = 60	Use the Multiplication Principle - Click here
She has 4 × 3 × 5 = 60 different outfits.

License plates for cars have to be unique. If a license plate contains 6 characters consisting of 2 letters followed by 4 digits  example:  QW2354,  how many different license are possible? how many different license are possible if letters were allowed to repeated but numbers are not allowed to be repeated?

	[Solution]

Tutorials and Applets by
Joe McDonald
Community College of Southern Nevada