Math Problem Statement

How many arrangements are possible based on this information

Solution

Given the problem and the seating conditions, we want to determine the number of possible arrangements for the six friends (A, B, C, D, E, F) based on the provided information:

Recap of the Conditions:

  1. B is sitting to the immediate right of A.
  2. C is between E and F.
  3. D is sitting at one end of the row.

Step-by-Step Analysis:

  1. Positioning D at an End:

    • D can sit either at the leftmost end or the rightmost end of the row. This gives us 2 possibilities.
  2. Positioning A and B:

    • B must be immediately to the right of A. If A is placed in any position except the last one, B must follow. There are 5 possible positions for A (since B must follow immediately to the right).
  3. Positioning C, E, and F:

    • C must be between E and F. For any given arrangement of E and F, C can only be placed between them. The possible sequences for these three friends are:
      • E-C-F
      • F-C-E

    For each of these sequences, once we have fixed the positions of A, B, and D, there is only 1 way to place C, E, and F.

Calculation of Total Arrangements:

  • Step 1: Choosing the position for D: 22 ways (leftmost or rightmost).
  • Step 2: Choosing the positions for A and B: 55 possible positions for A, and B must be to the immediate right.
  • Step 3: Positioning C, E, and F: 22 ways (either E-C-F or F-C-E).

Thus, the total number of possible arrangements is:

Total arrangements=2×5×2=20\text{Total arrangements} = 2 \times 5 \times 2 = 20

Conclusion:

There are 20 possible arrangements for the six friends based on the given conditions.

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. How would the number of arrangements change if D could be seated anywhere?
  2. What if A and B could be seated anywhere together without the "immediate right" restriction?
  3. How does the number of arrangements change if D can only be at the leftmost position?
  4. If C could be seated anywhere between E and F (not necessarily immediately), how many arrangements are possible?
  5. How many arrangements are possible if D must be at the rightmost position only?
  6. What if there were 7 friends instead of 6, and one more condition was added?
  7. How many arrangements would be possible if there were no restrictions at all?
  8. How would the arrangements change if B was immediately to the left of A instead?

Tip: When dealing with permutations and restrictions, break down the problem into smaller steps and calculate the possibilities step-by-step to avoid confusion.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Permutations
Restrictions in Permutations

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12