Question 1
In how many ways can 10 distinct people be divided into 3 groups of sizes 7, 2, 1 (groups are unlabeled but have different sizes)?
Step-by-Step Solution:
Concept: Partitioning into groups of specified sizes. When group sizes are different, groups are automatically distinguishable by size.
Given:
- Total people: 10
- Group sizes: 7, 2, 1
- Groups are unlabeled (no names like Team A, Team B)
Formula:
$$\frac{n!}{n_1! \cdot n_2! \cdot ... \cdot n_k!}$$
Step 1 - Choose first group:
Choose 7 people from 10: C(10, 7) = 120
Step 2 - Choose second group:
From remaining 3 people, choose 2: C(3, 2) = 3
Continue for all groups:
C(10,7) = 120
C(3,2) = 3
C(1,1) = 1 (last group)
Step 3 - Multiply:
Total ways = 120 × 3 × 1 (last group)
= 360
Simplified formula:
= 10! / (7! × 2! × 1!)
= 3628800 / (5040 × 2 × 1)
= 360
Key Insight: Since groups have different sizes, we don't divide by k! (they're naturally distinguishable by their sizes).
Contrast with equal groups:
- If groups were same size: would divide by k!
- Here, sizes differ: no division needed
Verification: Sum of group sizes = 10 = 10 ✓
Concept: Partitioning into groups of specified sizes. When group sizes are different, groups are automatically distinguishable by size.
Given:
- Total people: 10
- Group sizes: 7, 2, 1
- Groups are unlabeled (no names like Team A, Team B)
Formula:
$$\frac{n!}{n_1! \cdot n_2! \cdot ... \cdot n_k!}$$
Step 1 - Choose first group:
Choose 7 people from 10: C(10, 7) = 120
Step 2 - Choose second group:
From remaining 3 people, choose 2: C(3, 2) = 3
Continue for all groups:
C(10,7) = 120
C(3,2) = 3
C(1,1) = 1 (last group)
Step 3 - Multiply:
Total ways = 120 × 3 × 1 (last group)
= 360
Simplified formula:
= 10! / (7! × 2! × 1!)
= 3628800 / (5040 × 2 × 1)
= 360
Key Insight: Since groups have different sizes, we don't divide by k! (they're naturally distinguishable by their sizes).
Contrast with equal groups:
- If groups were same size: would divide by k!
- Here, sizes differ: no division needed
Verification: Sum of group sizes = 10 = 10 ✓