Math Problem Statement

Your English teacher has assigned the class a book report and is choosing the order in which everyone will present their reports. She has decided that on each day of presentations, three rows of students will present their reports. If there are seven rows worth of seats, how many permutations of rows exist for day 1 of presentations?

Solution

To solve the problem, let's carefully analyze it.

The question asks for the number of permutations of rows when selecting 3 rows out of 7 to present their reports. Since the order matters, we are dealing with permutations.

The formula for permutations is:

P(n,r)=n!(nr)!P(n, r) = \frac{n!}{(n-r)!}

Where:

  • nn is the total number of items (rows in this case, n=7n = 7),
  • rr is the number of items to be selected (r=3r = 3).

Substituting into the formula:

P(7,3)=7!(73)!=7!4!P(7, 3) = \frac{7!}{(7-3)!} = \frac{7!}{4!}

Simplifying step by step: 7!=7×6×5×4!7! = 7 \times 6 \times 5 \times 4!

Cancel 4!4! in the numerator and denominator: P(7,3)=7×6×5=210P(7, 3) = 7 \times 6 \times 5 = 210

Thus, there are 210 permutations of the presentation order for day 1.


Would you like further clarification on permutations or how I derived this answer? Here are five related questions for practice:

  1. How many permutations are there if 4 rows are selected from 8?
  2. What is the difference between permutations and combinations?
  3. How can you calculate factorials for larger numbers efficiently?
  4. If the order of presentations didn't matter, how would this change the calculation?
  5. Can you think of real-life examples where permutations are useful?

Tip: Always double-check whether the problem specifies that "order matters" or not—this determines whether to use permutations or combinations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Permutations
Factorials

Formulas

P(n, r) = n! / (n-r)!

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11