Need help with number of equiprobable outcomes

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The discussion revolves around calculating the probability of r passengers boarding n subway cars, ensuring no two passengers end up in the same car. The total number of equiprobable outcomes, denoted as N, is correctly identified as n^r, representing all possible combinations of passengers entering cars. A misunderstanding arises when the user calculates restricted outcomes, mistakenly equating them with total outcomes. The correct interpretation clarifies that N(A) represents the restricted outcomes where no car has more than one passenger. Ultimately, the probability is derived from the ratio of restricted outcomes to total outcomes.
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Homework Statement



A subway train made up of n cars is boarded by r passengers (r < n),
each entering a car completely at random. What is the probability of the
passengers all ending up in different cars?

Homework Equations



P(A) = \frac{N(A)}{N}

A - no more than one passenger enters any car

The Attempt at a Solution



Part 1. Finding the total number of equiprobable outcomes N
The book says that the number of equiprobable outcomes N is n^r.
I've set up a table (included in the attachment) with 3 cars and 2
passengers and came up with only 6 equiprobable outcomes. What
I don't understand is that the passenger will not be in two cars at
once so why would the solution be N = n*n*...*n = n^r.

EDIT:
Another book with the same problem with the same solution.
 

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controlswhiz said:

Homework Statement



A subway train made up of n cars is boarded by r passengers (r < n),
each entering a car completely at random. What is the probability of the
passengers all ending up in different cars?

Homework Equations



P(A) = \frac{N(A)}{N}

A - no more than one passenger enters any car

The Attempt at a Solution



Part 1. Finding the total number of equiprobable outcomes N
The book says that the number of equiprobable outcomes N is n^r.
I've set up a table (included in the attachment) with 3 cars and 2
passengers and came up with only 6 equiprobable outcomes. What
I don't understand is that the passenger will not be in two cars at
once so why would the solution be N = n*n*...*n = n^r.

EDIT:
Another book with the same problem with the same solution.

The 6 you have there is the number of restricted outcomes where there aren't two passengers in any car N(A). The N in the problem is the number of total outcomes, where any number of passengers can be in a car. The N is 3^2=9. which is the n^r. The probablity is the quotient. Got it? The N isn't the restricted outcomes. N(A) is the restricted outcomes.
 
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Oh yeah. That's very stupid of me. :redface: Thanks Dick.
 

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