Solving Permutation Word Problems with Probability

In summary, the probability of these events happening is 1/5, 4/10, and 3/5 respectively. To determine the success outcome, you need to consider the conditions or requirements of each event and count the number of outcomes that satisfy those conditions.
  • #1
blackandyello
11
0
can somebody help me to know the proper way to solve this kind of problem.

Code: 
Five employees of a firm are ranked from 1 to 5
based  on  their  ability  to  program  a  computer.
Three  of  these  employees  are  selected  to  fill
equivalent  programming  jobs.  If  all  possible
choices  of  three  (out  of  the  five)  are  equally
likely, find the following probabilities
a  The employee ranked number 1 is selected.
b  The  highest-ranked  employee  among  those
   selected has rank 2 or lower.
c  The employees ranked 4 and 5 are selected.

correct answers are as follows, 6/10 or (36/60) , 4/10 , 3/5

the formula for probability is s/n ; where n is the total number of outcomes. I know how to get n by using 5P3 (5 ways taking 3 at a time). now, how do i get s (success outcome)? that confuses me. (I know that s(success outcome) is the number that will lock / target your condition) Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
.For part a, the probability that the employee ranked number 1 is selected is 1/5. For part b, the probability that the highest-ranked employee among those selected has rank 2 or lower is 4/10. For part c, the probability that the employees ranked 4 and 5 are selected is 3/5.
 

FAQ: Solving Permutation Word Problems with Probability

1. What is a permutation word problem?

A permutation word problem is a type of mathematical problem that involves arranging or selecting objects in a specific order. It is often used in probability and combinatorics to determine the number of ways that a set of objects can be arranged or selected.

2. How do you solve a permutation word problem?

To solve a permutation word problem, you first need to identify the number of objects or elements in the set. Then, determine if the order of the objects matters or not. Next, use the appropriate formula (nPr or n!) to calculate the number of possible arrangements or combinations. Finally, plug in the values and solve the equation to get the final answer.

3. What is the difference between permutations and combinations?

Permutations and combinations are both methods of counting the number of ways that objects can be arranged or selected. The main difference between them is that permutations take into account the order of the objects, while combinations do not. In other words, permutations consider the arrangement of objects, while combinations only focus on which objects are selected.

4. Can permutation word problems be applied in real-life situations?

Yes, permutation word problems can be applied in real-life situations. For example, if you have 10 different books on a shelf and you want to know how many ways you can arrange them, you can use the permutation formula to determine the answer. Permutation word problems can also be used in probability calculations, such as determining the chances of winning a lottery or the probability of getting a specific combination of cards in a deck.

5. Are there any tips for solving permutation word problems?

One helpful tip for solving permutation word problems is to carefully read the question and identify the key information, such as the number of objects and whether order matters or not. Another tip is to use the appropriate formula (nPr or n!) based on the given conditions. It is also important to double-check your calculations and answer to ensure accuracy.

Similar threads

I Probability to get a certain number or less by throwing two 6-faced die
Replies
6
Views
2K
A Area distribution of inscribed triangles in a circumference
Replies
12
Views
693
I Sample space, outcome, event, random variable, probability...
Replies
6
Views
2K
MHB Can Training Reduce Workplace Offensiveness?
Replies
15
Views
4K
B Can You Calculate the Odds of These Unlikely Events?
Replies
8
Views
1K
A Calculating Probability of N Points on a Line Being Within Given Distance
Replies
7
Views
2K
I What distribution to use for a 'lavatorial' problem?
Replies
6
Views
2K
A What is the Probability of Sampling a Set with a Certain Size?
Replies
6
Views
2K
A Probability distributions in an ordered set of extracted elements
Replies
2
Views
1K
I A variation of the sleeping beauty problem
2
Replies
57
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top