Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Factorial
A factorial, denoted as n!, is the product of all positive integers from 1 to n. For example, 5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 120. Factorials are fundamental in combinatorics, probability, and algebra, as they help in calculating permutations and combinations.
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Permutations
Permutations refer to the different ways of arranging a set of items where the order matters. The formula for permutations of n items taken r at a time is given by n!/(n-r)!. This concept is crucial for solving problems involving arrangements and selections.
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Introduction to Permutations
Combination vs. Permutation
While both combinations and permutations deal with selecting items from a set, the key difference lies in order. Combinations do not consider order (e.g., choosing 3 fruits from 5), while permutations do (e.g., arranging 3 fruits in a line). Understanding this distinction is essential for correctly applying the factorial formula.
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Permutations vs. Combinations