Need Help w/ Beginner Permutations Question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the number of valid 3-digit numbers formed from the digits 0 to 7, with specific conditions for each case. Participants analyze the calculations for four scenarios: no restrictions, ending in 5, ending in 0, and divisibility by 5. There is a consensus that the book's provided answers appear incorrect, particularly when considering the range of digits, which may only extend to 6 instead of 7. Several users share their own calculations, leading to different results, especially for the divisibility case. The need for clarification from the math teacher is emphasized, as the discrepancies in answers highlight potential misunderstandings in applying permutation principles.
teetar
Messages
35
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


"A 3-digit number is made up using the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 at most once each. The number cannot start with 0. How many such numbers can be formed if:
a. there are no other restrictions
b. the number ends in a 5
c. the number ends in a 0
d. the number is divisible by 5 ?"

2. The attempt at a solution

a:
Three digits: _ _ _
First number can't be 0, 7 other possibilities: 7 _ _
Second number can be 0, 1 number has been used (of the 8), 7 more possibilities: 7 x 7 _
Third number can be any remaining 6: 7 x 7 x 6 = 294 Correct Answer is 180

b:
Three digits: _ _ _
First number can't be 0, 5 is used, 6 other possibilities: 6 _ _
Second number can be 0, 2 numbers used, 6 other possibilities: 6 x 6 _
Third Number is 5: 6 x 6 x 1 = 36 Correct Answer is 25

c:
Three digits: _ _ _
First number can't be 0, 0 is used, 7 other possibilities: 7 _ _
Second number can't be 0, 2 numbers used, 6 other possibilities: 7 x 6 _
Third Number is 0: 7 x 6 x 1 = 42 Correct Answer is 30

d:
Three digits: _ _ _
First number can't be 0, 7 other possibilities: 7 _ _
Second number can be 0, 7 remaining possibilities: 7 x 7 _
Third number is either 0 or 5 (divisible by 5): 7 x 7 x 2 = 98 Correct Answer is 55

I am sorry for this post being so large, but that is all my work. I am probably missing some simple step that is messing up all my answers, however, that is how my book has taught me to look at the problems. Any help with what I'm doing incorrectly would be greatly appreciated!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
It looks to me like the 'correct answers' are incorrect! I agree with your answers.
 
I get a different answer for d), I get 84 (mentally so this may be wrong).
 
I agree with the others, the "correct" answers seem wrong.
 
Wouldn't answer D be the sum of B and C?P.S.
Are you sure the digits go up to 7?

If the digits only go up to 6, then the given answers are correct, otherwise they're wrong.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes 1 person
verty said:
I get a different answer for d), I get 84 (mentally so this may be wrong).

I get 78 for case (d).
 
Ray Vickson said:
I get 78 for case (d).

This is the correct answer.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
Perhaps instead of "correct answer" I should have put "book answer." I do not agree with the book's answers, and now that I have others who also disagree with them I think I'll e-mail my math teacher for clarification over the matter. Thanks!
 
Also thanks everyone for your clarifications on case d, as I didn't think of using the sum principle because I wasn't paying enough attention and just kept going with the product principle.
 
  • #10
teetar said:
Perhaps instead of "correct answer" I should have put "book answer." I do not agree with the book's answers, and now that I have others who also disagree with them I think I'll e-mail my math teacher for clarification over the matter. Thanks!

Did you notice Nathanael's (edited) post #5? All the book answers correspond to the numbers going up to 6, not 7.
 
Back
Top