Combinatorics Problem: How Many Ways Can I Put K Birds into M Cages?

[iamalexalright]

Homework Statement

I have K birds to put into M cages. How many ways can I do this(no limit on the amount of birds in a cage - there can be empty cages)?


Unfortunately I haven't had a combinatorics course (and my friends who have apparently have forgotten all of it...) so I'm a little lost.

A push in the right direction would be most appreciated.

 

[Outlined]

Are the cages numbered/labeled?
Are the birds numbered/labeled?

 

[iamalexalright]

Both the birds and the cages are labeled

 

[tiny-tim]

hi alex!

if the birds are all distinguishable, you just line them up, put a letter from 1 to M round their necks, and read off the overall number …

how many different overall numbers are there? ​

 

[Outlined]

well, in that case the answer is really trivial and straightforward. Give it another try.