Do you know what nC5 and nC4 represent?

  • Thread starter dancing_math
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In summary, the expression nC5/nC4 can be simplified to \displaystyle \frac{(n-4)}{5(n-5)} or (n-4)/5.
  • #1
dancing_math
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Homework Statement



The expression nC5/nC4 can be simplified to:

Homework Equations



I'm assuming that I'm to use n!/(n-r)!r!

The Attempt at a Solution



I attempted to do this:
n!/(n-5)!5! / n!/(n-4)!4!
n!/(n-5)!5! x (n-4)!4!/n!
1/(n-5)!5! x (n-4)!4!
And I'm stuck after this point. The possible answers are:
A. 1/5(n-5)
B. (n-4)/5
C. 5(n-5)
D. none of the above.
 
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  • #2
dancing_math said:

Homework Statement



The expression nC5/nC4 can be simplified to:

Homework Equations



I'm assuming that I'm to use n!/(n-r)!r!

The Attempt at a Solution



I attempted to do this:
n!/(n-5)!5! / n!/(n-4)!4!
n!/(n-5)!5! x (n-4)!4!/n!
1/(n-5)!5! x (n-4)!4!
And I'm stuck after this point. The possible answers are:
A. 1/5(n-5)
B. (n-4)/5
C. 5(n-5)
D. none of the above.
Hello dancing_math. Welcome to PF !


1/(n-5)!5! x (n-4)!4! is equivalent to [itex]\displaystyle \frac{(n-4)!\,4!}{(n-5)!\,5!}\ .[/itex]

You should be able to further simplify [itex]\displaystyle \frac{4!}{5!}[/itex] and [itex]\displaystyle \frac{(n-4)!}{(n-5)!}\ .[/itex]
 

FAQ: Do you know what nC5 and nC4 represent?

What is the difference between permutations and combinations?

Permutations and combinations both involve selecting items from a given set, but permutations take into account the order of the items while combinations do not. This means that in permutations, the order of the items matters, while in combinations, it does not.

How do I calculate permutations and combinations?

To calculate permutations, use the formula n! / (n - r)!, where n is the total number of items and r is the number of items being selected. To calculate combinations, use the formula n! / (r! * (n - r)!).

Can permutations and combinations be used in real life?

Yes, permutations and combinations have many real-life applications, such as in probability and statistics, genetics, and computer science. For example, combinations can be used to calculate the number of possible combinations in a lottery game, while permutations can be used to determine the number of ways a password can be arranged.

What is the difference between permutation with and without repetition?

Permutation with repetition means that the same item can be selected more than once, while permutation without repetition means each item can only be selected once. For example, in the word "MISSISSIPPI," the letter "I" appears four times, so finding the number of permutations with repetition would include all possible arrangements of the four "I" letters, while finding the number of permutations without repetition would only include the unique arrangements of the letters.

How can I use permutations and combinations in problem-solving?

Permutations and combinations can be used in problem-solving by helping to determine the number of possible outcomes or arrangements. They can also be used to calculate the probability of a certain event occurring. It is important to carefully read and understand the problem to determine which formula to use and make sure to properly apply the formula to the given situation.

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