Data Analysis (Permutations/combinations)

[Psychguy98]

A scientist is trying to select three members for her research team from six possible applicants. How many possible combinations are there, assuming all applicants are qualified?


Can I use n!/r!(n-r) ? Thank you!!!

6!/3!(6-3) 6 * 5* 4 *3 *2 *1 /3*2*1(3 * 2 * 1) ?

 

[Mrspi]

A scientist is trying to select three members for her research team from six possible applicants. How many possible combinations are there, assuming all applicants are qualified?


Can I use n!/r!(n-r) ? Thank you!!!

6!/3!(6-3) 6 * 5* 4 *3 *2 *1 /3*2*1(3 * 2 * 1) ?

Yes, you can....

The ORDER in which the three members are chosen for the team does not matter, so you are looking for a COMBINATION of six things, taken three at a time....

n C r = n! / [ r! (n- r)!]

6 C 3 = 6! / [ 3! (6 - 3)!]

6 C 3 = 6! / [3! 3!]

6 C 3 = (6*5*4*3!)/(3! * 3!)

6 C 3 = (6*5*4) / (3!)

6 C 3 = (6*5*4) / (3*2*1)

Now...do the arithmetic....