Permutations & Combinations

ssb

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Apr 23, 2014
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Hey guys,

I'm having trouble distinguishing between a permutation and combination. What are some methods that help you? Please share!

Thanks.
 
I'm having trouble distinguishing between a permutation and combination. What are some methods that help you? Please share!
In a combination, the order doesn't matter (like picking three people for a team). In a permutation, the order does matter (like putting those three people in a line). ;)
 
I'm having trouble distinguishing between a permutation and combination. What are some methods that help you?
I'm having trouble distinguishing between a permutation and combination. What are some methods that help you?
While I completely agree with that reply, I use different vocabulary.
For years I told students that permutations are about order whereas combinations are about content.

Consider this example. In a class of twenty people we select a group of four who will be representatives on the homecoming committee; select a slate of four people to serve as officers of the class.

Which of those two events is a permutation and which is a combination?
Which of those is about content and which is about order?
 
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