Math Problem Statement
two families with three members each and one family with four members are to be seated in a row. In how many ways can they be seated so that the same family members are not separated?
Solution
To solve this problem, we need to determine the number of ways to seat three families in a row such that the members of each family are seated together.
Step-by-Step Solution
-
Treat each family as a single unit or "block":
Since the members of each family must be seated together, we can treat each family as a single "block" or "unit." Let's denote the two families with three members each as and , and the family with four members as .
Thus, we have three "blocks" to arrange: , , and .
-
Arrange the "blocks" (families) in a row:
There are 3 families (or "blocks"), so they can be arranged in a row in:
-
Arrange the members within each family:
Now, for each family block, we need to arrange the members within that block:
-
For (3 members), there are:
-
For (3 members), there are:
-
For (4 members), there are:
-
-
Combine all the arrangements:
The total number of ways to seat the families so that members of the same family are not separated is obtained by multiplying the number of arrangements of the families (blocks) with the arrangements of members within each family:
Final Answer
Thus, the total number of ways to seat the families so that the members of each family are not separated is 5184.
Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are some related questions you might find interesting:
- What if there were two families with four members each?
- How would the answer change if the families could be seated in a circular arrangement?
- What if the restriction was that only two families should not be separated?
- How many ways are there if the members of a specific family must always sit in the same order?
- How does this change if there is an additional constraint, such as family members sitting alternately?
Tip: When dealing with grouping or seating problems, try to break them down into "blocks" to simplify the arrangement process.
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Permutations
Combinatorics
Factorials
Formulas
n! (Factorial): The number of ways to arrange n distinct items in order.
Product of permutations for each family: 3! for two families with three members, 4! for the family with four members.
Theorems
-
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
Related Recommendation
Calculate Arrangements of Family Members for a Picture
Arranging 5 Men, 4 Women, and 3 Children with Men Sitting Together
Calculate Seating Arrangements with Father and Mother Together
Arrange 5 Men, 4 Women, and 3 Children with Men Sitting Together
Arrangements of a Family with Parents Together in a Photo