ACT Math : How to find permutation notation

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : How To Find Permutation Notation

In permutation notation, what does 8P4 represent?

 

Possible Answers:

336

6720

1680

210

Correct answer:

1680

Explanation:

The expression  8P4 represents the number of permutations of 8 objects arranged 4 at a time. Thus, 8 x 7 x 6 x 5 = 1680

                                                                                               

 

 

Example Question #11 : Permutation / Combination

How many different ways can five books be lined up on a shelf?

Possible Answers:

100

120

80

150

60

Correct answer:

120

Explanation:

Order matters, so we use permutations:  (5)(4)(3)(2)(1) = 120

There are five possibilities for the first book, four possibilities for the second book, three for the third, and two for the fourth, and one possibility for the last book.

Example Question #3 : How To Find Permutation Notation

How many different ways can cheese slices be stacked in piles containing  unique types if you are presented with a selection of  different cheeses?  (Presume that the order of the cheese slices does matter.)

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Since the order matters, you are dealing with a permutation in this question. A permutation like this could be done with the equation:

For our values, this would be:

However, it is easiest just to think of this like it has  slots. Into the first, you have  choices, into the second , and so forth. This generates for you

more easily.

This is . That is a lot of cheese arrangements!

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