Permutations and Combinations

Summary

this topic is about finding the numbers of distinct arrangements or selections from a given number of objects. where the order of the objects is important permutations are used. if the order of the objects is not important then combinations are used.

some calculators can evaluate the formulae for permutations and combinations.

a table of combinations, called binomial coefficients, for values from 0 to 15 objects, is available for bursary examinations.

Key Skills

find numbers of distinct arrangements or selections from a given number of objects including cases where repetitions are permissible.

Vocabulary

factorial, permutationcombination.