Answer: 7 Choose 4 | Solve Combination Question

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In summary, selecting 4 spaces within a sequence of 7 spaces allows for the placement of 4 ones, leaving 3 spaces for zeros. This follows the general identity nCk = nC(n-k). Using the example of 1111000, it is possible to rearrange the digits to find every possible combination, leading to a factorial relationship and the "N choose R" formula.
  • #1
Bachelier
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How many sequences of zeros and ones of length 7 contain exactly 4 ones and 3 zeros?

I'm having a hard time figuring out why it is 7 Chooses 4?

thx
 
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  • #2
Select any four spaces within the seven spaces in 7C4 ways, and put 1's in each of the four spaces. Where can all the zeros go now? Notice the identity 7C4=7C(7-4)=7C3. Can
you see, in the context of this problem , why 7C4=7C3?
 
  • #3
Bacle said:
Can
you see, in the context of this problem , why 7C4=7C3?

Yes, because we for 3 zeros and 4 ones.
 
  • #4
Exactly. Perfect. This is the general identity nCk =nC(n-k).
 
  • #5
Bacle said:
Exactly. Perfect. This is the general identity nCk =nC(n-k).

Thank you :)
 
  • #6
No problem; glad to help.
 
  • #7
Bachelier said:
How many sequences of zeros and ones of length 7 contain exactly 4 ones and 3 zeros?

I'm having a hard time figuring out why it is 7 Chooses 4?

thx

If you want to get some intuition, what you can do is to start with 1111000, and then find every way of re-arranging these digits so that each rearrangement is different from each other. For example 1111000 goes to 1110100, 1110010, 1110001 and so on.

Using this as your intuition base, you can develop a factorial relationship which will eventually give you the "N choose R" formula that you use.
 

1. What is "7 Choose 4"?

"7 Choose 4" is a mathematical notation that represents the number of ways to choose 4 objects from a set of 7 objects, without regard to their order. It is also known as a combination and is denoted as "C(7,4)" or "7C4".

2. How is "7 Choose 4" calculated?

The formula for calculating "7 Choose 4" is nCr = n! / (r! * (n-r)!), where n is the total number of objects and r is the number of objects to be chosen. In this case, it would be 7! / (4! * (7-4)!) = 35.

3. What is the difference between a combination and a permutation?

A combination is a selection of objects without regard to their order, while a permutation is a selection of objects with regard to their order. In other words, combinations are about choosing a group of objects, while permutations are about arranging a group of objects.

4. How can "7 Choose 4" be applied in real-life situations?

"7 Choose 4" can be applied in various real-life situations, such as selecting a team of 4 players out of a group of 7, choosing 4 items from a menu of 7 options, or picking 4 books from a shelf of 7 books. It can also be used in probability calculations and in solving certain types of counting problems.

5. Is there a general formula for calculating combinations?

Yes, the formula for calculating combinations is nCr = n! / (r! * (n-r)!), where n is the total number of objects and r is the number of objects to be chosen. This formula can be used to calculate combinations for any values of n and r, as long as n is greater than or equal to r and both n and r are positive integers.

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