Would i use the fundamental counting principal or is this a permutation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the Fundamental Counting Principle (FCP) versus permutations in determining the number of ways to select three candidates from a pool of eight. The correct answer is 336, derived from the permutation formula for selecting 3 from 8, calculated as 8!/(8-3)!. The FCP incorrectly yields 24, as it does not account for the sequential selection of candidates. The correct approach involves recognizing that each choice affects subsequent options, leading to the permutation calculation of 8 * 7 * 6.

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thare are 8 candidates for three student seats how many different ways can the seats be chosen? With the FCP I get 24 If it is a permutation I get 336 which is right and why? Thanks for the help
 
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336 is correct. If candidate 1 takes the first seat, you have 7 candidates to take seat two, and for each of the seven candidates you have 6 more to take seat three. So whichever of the candidates takes the first seat gives 42 possibilities for the remaining candidates to take the other. 42 * 8 = 336.
 
or 8 permutate 3. (8*7*6 as stated above)
 

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