How Do You Calculate Different Combinations for Committee Selections?

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To calculate the number of ways to select 5 committee members from a class of 70 students, the formula nCr is used, resulting in 70C5 for the first part. For the second part, where each committee member has a different role, the correct approach involves multiplying the selections for each role, specifically 70C1 x 69C1 x 68C1 x 67C1 x 66C1. A mistake was noted in the initial attempt, as the last term should not include 65C1. The discussion emphasizes understanding the distinction between simple combinations and role-specific selections.
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Homework Statement



We need to select 5 committee members form a class of 70 students.
  • How many possible samples exists?
  • How many possible samples exists if the committee members all have different roles?

Homework Equations



nCr = n! / (r!(n-r)!)

The Attempt at a Solution



I am able to solve the first part.
"How many possible samples exists?" = 70C5

But I am unsure of the second.
Would it simply be:
70C1 x 69C1 x 68C1 x 67C1 x 66C1 x 65C1
 
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Second part is very close. I think you understand it but made a mistake when writing it down.
 
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jz92wjaz said:
Second part is very close. I think you understand it but made a mistake when writing it down.

My mistake, 65C1 should not be there.
 
I tried to combine those 2 formulas but it didn't work. I tried using another case where there are 2 red balls and 2 blue balls only so when combining the formula I got ##\frac{(4-1)!}{2!2!}=\frac{3}{2}## which does not make sense. Is there any formula to calculate cyclic permutation of identical objects or I have to do it by listing all the possibilities? Thanks
Since ##px^9+q## is the factor, then ##x^9=\frac{-q}{p}## will be one of the roots. Let ##f(x)=27x^{18}+bx^9+70##, then: $$27\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)^2+b\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)+70=0$$ $$b=27 \frac{q}{p}+70 \frac{p}{q}$$ $$b=\frac{27q^2+70p^2}{pq}$$ From this expression, it looks like there is no greatest value of ##b## because increasing the value of ##p## and ##q## will also increase the value of ##b##. How to find the greatest value of ##b##? Thanks
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