Question 1
In a group of 9 people, 3 people are VIPs who shake hands with everyone. The remaining 6 people only shake hands with other non-VIPs (not with VIPs). How many handshakes occur?
Step-by-Step Solution:
Concept: Handshake problem with selective participation.
Given:
- Total: 9 people
- VIPs: 3 (shake with everyone)
- Non-VIPs: 6 (only shake with other non-VIPs)
Step 1 - Total possible handshakes without restrictions:
Total possible = C(9, 2) = 9×8/2 = 36
Step 2 - Handshakes that DON'T occur:
Non-VIPs shaking with VIPs (these don't happen because non-VIPs only shake with non-VIPs)
Non-VIP to VIP handshakes = 6 × 3 = 18
Step 3 - Subtract restricted handshakes:
Actual handshakes = Total possible - Forbidden handshakes
= 36 - 18
= 18
Alternative direct count:
- VIP to VIP: C(3, 2) = 3
- VIP to Non-VIP: 0 (forbidden)
- Non-VIP to Non-VIP: C(6, 2) = 15
Total = 3 + 15 = 18
Verification: Both methods give the same result.
Concept: Handshake problem with selective participation.
Given:
- Total: 9 people
- VIPs: 3 (shake with everyone)
- Non-VIPs: 6 (only shake with other non-VIPs)
Step 1 - Total possible handshakes without restrictions:
Total possible = C(9, 2) = 9×8/2 = 36
Step 2 - Handshakes that DON'T occur:
Non-VIPs shaking with VIPs (these don't happen because non-VIPs only shake with non-VIPs)
Non-VIP to VIP handshakes = 6 × 3 = 18
Step 3 - Subtract restricted handshakes:
Actual handshakes = Total possible - Forbidden handshakes
= 36 - 18
= 18
Alternative direct count:
- VIP to VIP: C(3, 2) = 3
- VIP to Non-VIP: 0 (forbidden)
- Non-VIP to Non-VIP: C(6, 2) = 15
Total = 3 + 15 = 18
Verification: Both methods give the same result.