Question about two different combination problems

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The discussion focuses on solving various combination problems involving subsets and strings of decimal digits. Participants clarify the correct answers to questions about subsets of the set S = {1,2,3,...,10}, emphasizing the need to accurately interpret the conditions for each subset. Misunderstandings arise regarding the answers to the string problems, particularly the calculations involving the placement of the digit '3' and the total number of strings. The conversation highlights the importance of precise notation and understanding the problem requirements to arrive at the correct solutions. Overall, the thread serves as a collaborative effort to resolve confusion around combinatorial problems in preparation for an exam.
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  1. Find the number of subsets of S = {1,2,3,...,10} that contain

    (a) the number 5.
    (b) neither 5 nor 6.
  2. (c) both 5 and 6.
  3. (d) no odd numbers.
  4. e) exactly three elements.
  5. (f) exactly three elements, all of them even.
  6. (g) exactly five elements, including 3 or 4 but not both. (h) exactly five elements, but neither 3 nor 4.
  7. (i) exactly five elements, the sum of which is even.

  1. 2. Let A be the set of all strings of decimal digits of length seven. For example 0031227 and 1948301 are strings in A.
  2. (a) Find |A|.
  3. (b) How many strings in A begin with 1237 (in this order)?
  4. (c) How many strings in A have exactly one 3?
  5. (d) How many strings in A have exactly three 3s?
First of all, sorry about the numbers - the page seems to add numbers when I just want to get to a new line.

So, I'm trying to figure out the difference between what these two questions are asking (I am studying for a final next week).

I know that the answer to the first question is 10^9 and 10^7, respectively.

The answer to part b and c for the first question is 10^8. For c in the 2nd question, I would assume that the answer would be 10^6, but that is wrong. The answer is 7*(9^6). Also, for part d, the answer is C(7, 3) * 9^4, and I don't quite see how that is gotten.

Thanks for looking.
 
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leo255 said:
I know that the answer to the first question is 10^9 and 10^7, respectively.
10^9 is not the answer to any question, and I'm not sure what "first question" means as you have two problems with multiple subquestions. Mixing the two doesn't help.
leo255 said:
The answer to part b and c for the first question is 10^8.
It is not.

Can you list some example subsets? I think you misinterpret question 1.
leo255 said:
For c in the 2nd question, I would assume that the answer would be 10^6, but that is wrong.
Why do you assume this?
leo255 said:
Also, for part d, the answer is C(7, 3) * 9^4, and I don't quite see how that is gotten.
The "3"s have to be somewhere. How many options do you have to fix their positions? What about the digits in the other 4 positions?
 
leo255 said:
I know that the answer to the first question is 10^9 and 10^7, respectively
I assume you are referring to 1a and 2a (see below). As mfb wrote, these are wrong. Did you make the same typo consistently?
Here's what I presume to be the right numbering:
1. Find the number of subsets of S = {1,2,3,...,10} that contain
(a) the number 5.
(b) neither 5 nor 6.
(c) both 5 and 6.
(d) no odd numbers.
(e) exactly three elements.
(f) exactly three elements, all of them even.
(g) exactly five elements, including 3 or 4 but not both.
(h) exactly five elements, but neither 3 nor 4.
(i) exactly five elements, the sum of which is even.​

2. Let A be the set of all strings of decimal digits of length seven. For example 0031227 and 1948301 are strings in A.
(a) Find |A|.
(b) How many strings in A begin with 1237 (in this order)?
(c) How many strings in A have exactly one 3?
(d) How many strings in A have exactly three 3s?​

leo255 said:
For c in the 2nd question, I would assume that the answer would be 10^6, but that is wrong. The answer is 7*(9^6).
In how many places can the 3 appear?
 
@haruspex, thanks for cleaning up my numbering/lettering.

Yeah, my mistake - I meant b and c of #1 are 10^8.

Regarding 2 C, I think I see what is being asked. There are 7 different places the 3 could appear, and then after that, the rest of the 6 spots have nine available choices for numbers (everything besides the number 3). So, that would explain the 7 * 9^6. I also understand 2 D now.
 
leo255 said:
I meant b and c of #1 are 10^8
No, none of the answers are any power of 10. (Assuming that's 10 as in "ten", not some other base.)
 
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