Probability that n men randomly select their own hats

[eku_girl83]

Suppose that each of N men at a party throws his hat into the center of the room. The hats are first mixed up, and then each man randomly selects a hat. What is the probability that
a)none of the men selects his own hat?
b) exactly k of the men select their own hats?

It's difficult for me to think of this problem in the abstract...I always work better with actual numbers as opposed to variables.

Any help explaining this would be appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[cookiemonster]

If you like numbers better, try it for N = 1, and then N = 2, and then N = 3, etc., until you see a pattern.

cookiemonster

 

[Damned charming :)]

suppose there are four men, the probability none would select their own hat would
be
$$\frac34 * \frac23 *\frac12$$

this problem will be speed up with factorials where
4!= 4*3*2*1
3!= 3*2*1
etc

 

[matt grime]

Have you done the inclusion exclusion principle? If so then P(no hats correct) = 1-P(at least one hat correct) and the second of those is easy to work out if you know Inc-exc