Question

The Plainview Middle School basketball team has 8
players. If a player can play any position, in how many ways can 5 starting players be selected?

Answer 1

To solve a probability, you need to determine if the order is important or not. The word "If a player can play any position," indicates that the team doesn't need to specify the order. So, the possible way to pick a team of 5 players out of 8 people would be:
8C5= 8!/ 5!(8-5)!=
8C5= 8*7*6/ 3*2=56 ways

Answer 2

Probability is easier than talked through or with pictures
denominator 8 positions
8
lose one position (2nd player)
X 7
lose one position (3rd)
X 6
lose one position (4th)
X 5
lose one position (5th)
X 4

8 x 7 x 6 x 5 x 4 = 6720 combinations