Calculating Routes on a Grid: Using Combinations and Pascal's Triangle

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the number of routes on a grid from point A to point B, specifically using combinations and Pascal's Triangle. Participants explore how to determine the total routes by only traveling north or east, with a specific interest in routes that pass through a designated intersection, C. One user initially struggles with the calculations, mistakenly believing the distance is 66 blocks instead of the correct total of 17 blocks (11 east and 6 north). After clarification, they realize their error and gain confidence in proceeding with the problem. The thread highlights the importance of accurately understanding grid distances in combinatorial problems.
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1. The streets of a city are laid out in a rectangular gird, as shown below

pbmlY.png


a) Use combinations to find the number of routes through the grid that lead from point A to point B by only traveling north or east. Show your calculations

b) How many of these routes pass through intersections C




2. Alright, so I've solved similar questions before. I get to P(66,6)/6! only to get some absurd answer. I understand that from point A to point B there is a distance of 66 blocks-11 east, 6 north. Somehow I believe that the exponential answer that comes from this is not what my professor expects.

I was wondering if I could have help with this please and thank you :D
 
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How did you get 66 blocks? No matter how you travel, the most you could possibly get is 17 (11 east + 6 north). Multiplying gives you the area, not the distance.
 
Whoops, lmao, sorry long day, that makes so much sense, I know what to do from here lol
 
Np, I know the feeling, gl :P
 
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