Probability and combinatrics with words

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The discussion focuses on calculating probabilities related to the arrangement of the letters in the word "TARANTULA." Participants attempt to solve various probability scenarios, including the likelihood of the first three letters containing no A's, the positioning of A's, and specific sequences like "RAT." Some users express uncertainty about their calculations and seek clarification on using combinations for more accurate results. The conversation highlights the complexity of the problems and the need for a deeper understanding of combinatorial principles. Overall, the thread emphasizes the challenge of applying probability concepts to letter arrangements.
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4. An experiment consists of randomly rearranging the 9 letters of the word
TARANTULA into a sequence of 9 letters, where all possible orders of these 9 letters are equally
likely. Find the probability of each of the following events:

(a) the first three letters include no A's;
(b) the first three letters or the last three letters (or both) include no A's;
(c) the fourth letter is the first A;
(d) the first letter and the last letter are the same;
(e) the word `TARANTULA' is obtained;
(f ) the sequence contains the word `RAT'.Attempt at solutions :

a) 6/9 * 5/8 * 4/7 (Probability of first non A * another non A letter * another non A letter)

b) 6/9 * 5/8 * 4/7 + ( I am stuck I don't get it - I think it might just be 2 * anser of part a but I'm unable to think it through, I know though that if first 3 and last 3 have no A's, then middle will have all A's so it becomes more weird )

c) 6/9 * 5/8 * 4/7 * 3/6 ( Prob. in a * probability of 4th letter being A in the scenario of question a)

d) 5/9 * 1/8 + 5/9 * 2/8 (Probability of choosing a repeatable letter * probability of second letter coming up for both T and A since R U L N are not repeatable)

e) 1/9!

f) After working it out on paper it seems there are 6 permutations of RAT so 6 * 1/9!
I am still not sure if these are correct and I know there must be a better way of doing these using combination formula so I would be greatful if someone could help me out.

Thanks!
 
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Anyone? Please this is from a past paper that I am attempting since I have an exam on monday.
 
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