Combinations & Counting: Is There a Proven Formula?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between combinations and the counting principle, specifically whether combinations can be viewed as an application of this principle and if there exists a formula that substantiates this view. The conversation touches on foundational concepts in combinatorics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that combinations might be considered an application of the counting principle, drawing parallels to permutations.
  • Another participant provides the combination formula, C(n,p) = (n!)/(p!)(n-p!), indicating a specific mathematical expression related to combinations.
  • A third participant introduces a logical statement regarding set containment, which may be intended to illustrate a principle of inclusion but does not directly relate to combinations.
  • A later reply confirms that the provided formula was indeed what the initial poster was seeking.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on whether combinations are definitively an application of the counting principle, as the initial claim remains open for further exploration and clarification.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes a mix of foundational concepts and specific formulas, but does not resolve the relationship between combinations and the counting principle or the implications of the provided formula.

skrying
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Is it fair to say combinations are just an application of the counting principle? I already understand that permutations are just an application of fundamental principle and that combinations are just an application of permutations. If it's fair to say that combinations are in fact, just an application of the counting principle, then would their be a specific formula that proves as such?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
the combination formula is : C(n,p) = (n!)/(p!)(n-p!) with n>p

is that what you have meant? :S
 
If A is completely contained in B, and B is completely contained in C, then A is completely contained in C.
 
Reply to A I and Who..

Yes, that was what I was looking for. Thank you for your help!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K