All possible multi sets out of a 3 element set We want to know how many possible multi sets can be

juanberrio8a

juanberrio8a

Answered question

2022-06-22

All possible multi sets out of a 3 element set
We want to know how many possible multi sets can be formed from a set that has only 3 elements.
My try:
If we look at the multiplicities we get:
μ ( a 1 ) = 4 μ ( a 2 ) = 0 μ ( a 3 ) = 0, we can do this 3 times. μ ( a 1 ) = 3 μ ( a 2 ) = 1 μ ( a 3 ) = 0 we can do this 2 3 2 3 times.
However I know there is a faster way. So if we distinguish between the three elements, I guess we can't use x 1 + x 2 + x 3 = 4, with formula ( n + r 1 r ) .
Is it correct if I use stirling number here: S(4,3)

Answer & Explanation

Angelo Murray

Angelo Murray

Beginner2022-06-23Added 23 answers

Step 1
The most suitable approach is to use generating functions , because of the fact that the number of elements of the multiset is not stated , i will find it for size of n.
Then ,write the generating function of each element such that
- For the first element: 1 + x + x 2 + . . + x k + . . = 1 1 x
- For the second element:
1 + x + x 2 + . . + x k + . . = 1 1 x
- For the third element: 1 + x + x 2 + . . + x k + . . = 1 1 x
Step 2
Then , find the coefficient of x n in the expansion of
( 1 1 x ) 3 where n is the size of desired multiset.

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