How Many Ways to Form Groups from Boys and Girls in a Classroom?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on combinatorial problems involving groups formed from 15 boys and 19 girls in a classroom. For part (a), the number of different groups containing exactly four girls and five boys is calculated using the combination formula, resulting in 11639628. Part (b) requires forming groups of 14 with an equal number of boys and girls, which necessitates selecting 7 boys and 7 girls. Part (c) explores the formation of groups of 5 with more boys than girls, requiring a breakdown of valid combinations.

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  • Understanding of combinatorial mathematics, specifically combinations
  • Familiarity with the combination formula C(n, k)
  • Basic knowledge of group formation and partitioning
  • Ability to analyze and categorize different group compositions
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Homework Statement


There are 15 boys and 19 girls in a room.
a) Find the number of different groups that contain exactly four girls and five boys.
b) How many groups of 14 have an equal number of boys and girls?
c) How many groups of 5 have more boys than girls?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


a) C(19,4) * C(15,5)
=11639628

b & c I have no idea where to start.
 
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Isn't b just like a? If you have 14 people with equal numbers of boys and girls then how many boys? Girls?

And for c, what are the choices that qualify from 5-0, 4-1, 3-2, 2-3, 1-4, 0-5. Figure them out and add them up.
 

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