Algebra for College Students, 5e
Skill Builder 12.6
Counting Principles, Permutations, and Combinations
When determining whether to use n Pr or n C r remember that permutation problems involve
situations in which order matters and combination problems involve situations in which the order
of items makes no difference.
Evaluate each expression.
1.
3
P2
2.
4 C1
3.
7 C6
4.
8
P6
5.
5 C5
6.
8 C4
7.
4
P0
8.
4
P3
9.
4 C2
10.
Six comedians will perform at a club. One of them insists on going first. If the one is
allowed to go first, how many different ways are there to schedule the remaining five
performers?
11.
Six people form a line. How many ways can the line be formed?
12.
Mrs. Graham’s chapter test had six discussion questions. Each student was to complete 4
questions by the end of the period. In how many ways could the questions be chosen?
13.
There are 8 members on the Executive Council. You must randomly choose 3 officers.
How many different outcomes are there?
14.
An auto dealer attends a local auction. He plans on purchasing 3 SUV’s out of 20 being
sold. How many different ways could this be done?
15.
An electronic warehouse stocks 10 different brands of MP3 players. The warehouse is to
ship a different brand of MP3 player to each of the 6 stores it serves. How many different
distribution ways exist?
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