Engineering School Winter Party: Solving Tricky Combinations Question

Therefore, in summary, there are a total of 9 possible sets of attendees for the Winter Solstice party, with each set representing a different combination of department chairs and their spouses attending or not attending. The number of possible sets can be calculated by considering each department chair individually and determining the possible combinations of them attending or not attending, which would result in 2^9 = 512 possible sets.
  • #1
dspampi
16
0
The dean of an Engineering School invites all 9 department chairpersons and their spouses to his house for a Winter Solstice party. If each department chair may attend without a spouse, but the spouse may not attend without the department chair, how many different sets of attendees are possible?

Anyone know the logic to set this answer up?
 
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  • #2
Try it for the case of 1 department chair. Now do 2. You can count those pretty easily. Now do you see how to get to 9?
 
  • #3
Forget about the fact that there are 9 of them, for the moment, and just focus on one chair. How many ways can the chair be represented at the event?

EDIT: I see Dick beat me to it
 
  • #4
Actually, for a precaclulus math class, that can be a pretty complex problem, since for each possible set of department chairs that can show up, their corresponding spouses may or may not necessarily show up as well.
 

FAQ: Engineering School Winter Party: Solving Tricky Combinations Question

What is a "Tricky Combinations Question"?

A tricky combinations question is a problem or puzzle that involves finding a specific combination of elements or variables. These types of questions often require creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Why are "Tricky Combinations Questions" important in the field of science?

Tricky combinations questions are important in science because they help scientists develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. These types of questions also allow scientists to explore different possibilities and find innovative solutions to complex problems.

What types of skills are needed to successfully solve a "Tricky Combinations Question"?

Solving a tricky combinations question requires a combination of analytical skills, logical reasoning, and creativity. Time management and patience are also important in approaching these types of questions.

How can one improve their ability to solve "Tricky Combinations Questions"?

To improve your ability to solve tricky combinations questions, it is important to practice regularly and develop your problem-solving skills. You can also try breaking down the problem into smaller parts, brainstorming different approaches, and collaborating with others to find solutions.

In which fields of science are "Tricky Combinations Questions" commonly used?

Tricky combinations questions are commonly used in fields such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science. However, they can also be found in other areas of science that involve problem-solving and critical thinking, such as biology and engineering.

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