Use the formula for nCr to solve Exercises 49–56. An election ballot asks voters to select three city commissioners from a group of six candidates. In how many ways can this be done?
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10. Combinatorics & Probability
Combinatorics
Problem 27
Textbook Question
Evaluate each expression.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the components of the expression: \(\frac{4C2 \cdot 6C1}{18C3}\). Here, \(nCr\) represents the combination formula, which calculates the number of ways to choose \(r\) items from \(n\) items without regard to order.
Recall the combination formula: \(nCr = \frac{n!}{r! (n-r)!}\), where \(n!\) denotes the factorial of \(n\).
Calculate each combination separately using the formula:
- Calculate \$4C2 = \frac{4!}{2! (4-2)!}$
- Calculate \$6C1 = \frac{6!}{1! (6-1)!}$
- Calculate \$18C3 = \frac{18!}{3! (18-3)!}$
Substitute the calculated values of \$4C2\(, \)6C1\(, and \)18C3\( back into the original expression \)\frac{4C2 \cdot 6C1}{18C3}$.
Simplify the resulting fraction by multiplying the numerator values and then dividing by the denominator value to get the final simplified expression.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Combination Formula
The combination formula, denoted as nCr, calculates the number of ways to choose r items from n without regard to order. It is given by nCr = n! / [r!(n-r)!], where '!' denotes factorial. This concept is essential for evaluating expressions involving combinations.
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Factorials
Factorials represent the product of all positive integers up to a given number n, written as n!. They are fundamental in calculating permutations and combinations, as they help determine the total number of arrangements or selections.
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Simplifying Algebraic Fractions
Simplifying algebraic fractions involves reducing expressions by factoring and canceling common terms. This skill is crucial when evaluating complex expressions like the given combination formula multiplied and divided by other terms.
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