Question 1
From 10 colors, in how many ways can we select 4 colors for a design?
Step-by-Step Solution:
Concept: This is a combination problem because the order of selection doesn't matter.
Formula: C(n,r) = n! / [r!(n-r)!]
Given:
- n = 10 (total items)
- r = 4 (items to select)
Calculation:
C(10,4) = 10! / [4! × 6!]
= 10! / [24 × 720]
= 3628800 / [24 × 720]
= 210
Alternative Method (using simplified calculation):
C(10,4) = (10 × 9 × ... × 7) / 4!
Key Distinction:
- Use COMBINATION when order doesn't matter (selecting)
- Use PERMUTATION when order matters (arranging)
Verification: The answer must be less than 10! since we're selecting, not arranging.
Concept: This is a combination problem because the order of selection doesn't matter.
Formula: C(n,r) = n! / [r!(n-r)!]
Given:
- n = 10 (total items)
- r = 4 (items to select)
Calculation:
C(10,4) = 10! / [4! × 6!]
= 10! / [24 × 720]
= 3628800 / [24 × 720]
= 210
Alternative Method (using simplified calculation):
C(10,4) = (10 × 9 × ... × 7) / 4!
Key Distinction:
- Use COMBINATION when order doesn't matter (selecting)
- Use PERMUTATION when order matters (arranging)
Verification: The answer must be less than 10! since we're selecting, not arranging.