A simple permutation question - discrete math. There are five distinct computer science books, three distinct mathematics books, and two distinct art books. In how many ways can these books be arranged on a shelf if one of the art books is to the left of all the computer science books, and the other art book is to the right of all the computer science books?

reinzogoq

reinzogoq

Answered question

2022-09-06

A simple permutation question - discrete math
There are five distinct computer science books, three distinct mathematics books, and two distinct art books. In how many ways can these books be arranged on a shelf if one of the art books is to the left of all the computer science books, and the other art book is to the right of all the computer science books?
For my answer I was thinking since there are 10 books total and 5 are computer science books, then I could place an art book on the first, second, third, fourth slot ... but I do not know how to finish it, I am sure it has something to do with rule of sum. Any advice appreciated.

Answer & Explanation

Everett Mclaughlin

Everett Mclaughlin

Beginner2022-09-07Added 16 answers

Step 1
It's unclear (to me) from your question if the first art book must always be on the left and the second art book must always be on the right? Let's assume that's the case.
Order the computer books first. There are 5! ways, since they are distinct. Next put the art books on the ends, and there is only one way to do this (because of my assumption above). Finally, there are 3 math books left with 8 slots to choose from; there are no restrictions on these math books.
Step 2
You have 8 choices for the first math book, 9 for the second, and 10 for the last. So in total,
5 ! 8 9 10 = 86400
You should double this if my first assumption is wrong.
soyafh

soyafh

Beginner2022-09-08Added 17 answers

Step 1
There are five distinct computer science books, three distinct mathematics books, and two distinct art books. In how many ways can these books be arranged on a shelf if one of the art books is on the left of all computer science book, and the other art book is on the right of all the computer science books?
You want arrangements like _A_C_C_C_C_C_A_, where the 3 math books can be placed in any of these 8 spaces before before, between, and after the art and computer science books. So we count the ways to arrange the books of each type among themselves, then count the ways to place the math books
Step 2
You also have to account for cases where two or three math books are placed into the one spot (while preserving their already selected order).
5 ! 2 ! 3 ! ( 8 C 3 + 2 8 C 2 + 8 C 1 )

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