Activity 8: Reason Out

Answer the following questions completely.

1. How do you determine if a situation or problem involves permutations?
2. Differentiate between permutation in general (n objects taken r at a
time), circular permutation, and distinguishable permutation (when
some objects are alike).
3.
a. Find the number of permutations of n objects when arranged (n - 1)
at a time for any positive integer n.
b. Find the number of permutations of n objects when taken all at a
time.
c. Compare the two (a and b). Explain why the answers still make
sense.
4. Going back to the “combination” lock problem on page 285,
suppose that the lock contained the 4 digits 1, 4, 7, 9 but
you totally forgot the order in which they come. What are
you going to do? How can you apply your knowledge of
permutations here? Elaborate.