How Do You Solve Combination Problems for the GRE?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter greprep
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Combination
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving combination problems, specifically in the context of GRE preparation. Participants explore strategies for calculating the total number of cars that contain specific parts based on given conditions, including overlaps and exclusions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for advice on quickly solving combination problems related to cars containing parts A, B, and C.
  • Another participant requests that the original poster share their progress to better assist with their question.
  • The original poster suggests considering maximum and minimum scenarios for the number of cars containing parts A and B, based on potential overlaps.
  • A suggestion is made to construct a Venn diagram to visualize the problem and aid in solving it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion remains unresolved, with participants exploring different approaches without reaching a consensus on a specific solution or method.

greprep
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
Hi, All! Prepping for the GRE here and definitely notice a weakness in calculating potential combination questions. Any advice on how to solve the following type of problem quickly?

"An automotive manufacturer installed part A into 82 cars, part B into 73 cars, and part C into 25 cars. At least one of the cars contains both parts A and B, and exactly 8 cars contain both parts B and C. None of the cars contains both A, B, and C.

What are the total number of cars that contain part A, part B, or both? "
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello greprep and welcome to MHB! :D

We ask that our users show their progress (work thus far or thoughts on how to begin) when posting questions. This way our helpers can see where you are stuck or may be going astray and will be able to post the best help possible without potentially making a suggestion which you have already tried, which would waste your time and that of the helper.

Can you post what you have done so far?
 
Of course, thanks for your help.

I'm thinking that I would look for the max and min. Meaning, the maximum number of cars that have A or B are if there is no overlap, meaning 82 + 73. And the minimum, is if there is full overlap (excluding the fact that 8 have B and C), and we know that we can't have A, B, and C. Meaning, the minimum would be 82 + 73 - 8?
 
Can you construct a Venn diagram?
 

Similar threads

MHB How to exclude combinations for defined sequences?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
MHB Solving Combinations Problem with up to 5 Roles: 40 Employees
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad Combinations Question. Could someone please explain the logic behind part (c).
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad How Do You Solve Combination Problems with Duplicate Elements Efficiently?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
MHB Please help with bool algebra and logic things
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad How Do You Calculate the Probability of Bus Frame Cracks?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Hashing Problem Homework: Generate Hash Function from Table
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How to use the coefficient of kinetic friction?
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
4K
Question about two different combination problems
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Testing C & Python Resources for Problems in Astrophysics for upcoming CS Exam
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K