Question

1. Suppose that 7 people enter a swim meet. Assuming that there are no ties, in how manyways could the gold, silver, and bronze medals be awarded?

Answer 1

ANSWER

210

EXPLANATION

In this case, the order of presentation matters. For the first place (gold medal) 7 people can get it. For the second place, since the first was awarded already, 6 people can win the silver medal. And for third place, there are 5 people left.

The number of ways the medals can be awarded is 7*6*5 = 210.