This document provides an overview of advanced counting methods in probability, focusing on factorials, permutations, and combinations. It explains how to calculate total possibilities and probabilities for specific events, emphasizing the importance of order in permutations versus combinations. The document includes guided examples and strategies for solving probability problems, highlighting the differences between permutations and combinations.
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Probability Counting Methods
This document provides an overview of advanced counting methods in probability, focusing on factorials, permutations, and combinations. It explains how to calculate total possibilities and probabilities for specific events, emphasizing the importance of order in permutations versus combinations. The document includes guided examples and strategies for solving probability problems, highlighting the differences between permutations and combinations.
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF or read online on Scribd
Probatility with
Permutations and Wao T
Combinations
Learning how to count complex groups and calculate likelihoods.
‘Welcome to this esson on advanced counting ~—- Lesson Goals
and probability. inthis presentation, we wil lea sais (TE
how to count the total number ofpossibilitiesfor_* Understand Factorials $18 and how theyhelp us count.
specficeventand calculate the probability of | * Use Permutations to count arrangements when order mater.
that event happening, + Use Combinations to count selections when order does not matter.The Foundation: Understanding Factorials
Before we calculate probability,
we must learn a specific way to
count. We use a symbol called
a factorial, which is written as N= 7xX6x5x4x3x2x1 = 5,040
an exclamation point ($!). The
factorial of a number is the
product of that integer and Multiply the number by
every positive integer less than every integer below it.
it, down to 1.
Note: We define $0! (zero
factorial) as equal to 1.Concept 1: Permutations (When Order Matters)
The Concept
A Permutation is an arrangement of objects
where the order is strictly important. If you
move an item to a different position, it counts
as a completely new arrangement.
<
GB track
GD tack 2 se
BD tracks
Eicon eee
The Formula
7= The total number of items available.
T = The number of items we are selecting and
arranging.
Key Takeaway: Use this when specific positions (1st, 2nd, 3rd) define the result.Guided Example: Probability with Permutations
The Problem
Tyesha and Liam sign up for an open mic night with 32 total performers. The order is
chosen randomly. What is the probability that Tyesha performs 1t and Liam performs 2"4?
Step 1: Count Total Outcomes
Since the performance order matters, we use factorials. The total number of,
ways to arrange 32 performers is 32!.
Step 2: Count Favorable Outcomes
‘We want Tyesha in slot 1 and Liam in slot 2. These two spots are fixed.
That leaves 30 other performers to arrange in the remaining 30 spots.
‘The number of ways to arrange the rest is 30!.
Step 3: The Probability
Display the calculation clearly:
!
( Probability = Favorable Outcomes _ 30! _
Total Outcomes 32! 32x 31x 30!
Result: The probability is approximately 0.1%.
82 = 82x 81x B0x...x1
[retain] rest oma]
(30! ways))
pealccve Ble
32x31 992Concept 2: Permutations with Repetition
ecitton =.
‘The Twist: Sometimes, the group of objects we are arranging
items that look exactly the same. Imagine the word
‘LEVEL. If you swap the two''U's, the word looks exactly the same.
‘The standard permutation formula counts this swap as anew
arrangement, which is incorrect. We must remove these Sa
duplicates.
Resulting Arrangement: LEVEL (Identical)
The Formula
‘The Adjusted Formula: To find the number of distinguishable permutations, we divide the total factorial by the
factorials of the repeated items.
nl
Permutations = |
i! X Ta! X ...
Explanation: We divide by the factorial of each repeated group (lke the two "L's and two "E's in LEVEL) to “cancel out"
the arrangements that look identical.Guided Example: Repetition in a Game Show
__-« Saee
A contestant is given five number tiles: 2, 2, 5, 5, and 8. They must arrange them to guess the price of a car.
‘What is the probability they arrange the correct price of $25,852?
Step 1: Count Total Arrangements Step 2: Count Favorable Outcomes
Total tiles (n) = 5. There is only 1 correct price ($25,852).
Repeated 2s = 2 tiles (2!).
Repeated 5s = 2 tiles (21). . ee
Calculation: Step 3: The Probability
5! 120 Bee og
eon = or Probability = —.
@xm 4 -% v= 30
‘There are 30 distinct ways to arrange these numbers.Concept 3: Combinations (Order Does Not Matter)
Concept Nar
‘A Combination is a selection of objects aa
where the order is not important. Cr
Fruit Salad: Choosing Apple then Banana is the
same salad as choosing Banana then Apple.
The Formula
Because order doesn’t matter, there are fewer combinations than permutations. We divide by an
extra factor (r!) to remove the order.
This formula counts how many groups of size r can be created from a total of n items.Comparison: Permutations vs. Combinations
To solve any problem, first ask: “Does the order change the outcome?”
Permutations (Order Matters) Combinations (Order Does Not Matter)
+ Arrange * Select
* Order + Choose
+ Line up mA * Group
* Assign Roles Bey? + Team
Code 1-2-3 is distinct from 3-2-1. Mushroom & Pepperoni is the same as
Pepperoni & Mushroom.
piles (Larger result) nCr (Smaller result)Guided Example: Probability
with Combinations
The Problem Step 1: Total Outcomes
‘Apentagon has points A, C,E,G,and.J. We choose 3 points from 10 total points on the shape.
If3 points are chosen randomly, what is io!
the probability that they all lie on the Total = 10C: BToomcsribleerounes
same line segment? 103 = Car xl) Pr Came
Step 2: Favorable Outcomes
Analysis By looking at the pentagon, we can see 5 specific lines where 3
Does order matter? No. Choosing points points sit together.
A,C, and E is the same geometric
group as choosing E, C, and A. Step 3: The Probability
‘We use Combinations. The probability is the ratio of favorable outcomes to total outcomes.
Probability = ==> o 2, which simplifies to =.Strategy: How to Solve Probability Problems
Follow these four steps to solve any problem in this lesson.
1. Identify
Ask “Does order
matter?”
YES
> Permutation (P)
2. Count Total
Calculate the total
possible outcomes
(Sample Space)
1S using your formula.
> Combination (C)
3. Count
Favorable
ivide
Calculate the FE .
specific outcomes Ratio
that match what Total
you are looking for.
Favorable Outcomes
P(Event) = Total Possible OutcomesPractice A: Student Council Speeches
The Problem fied
‘There are 7 finalists for class president. The order of speeches is ‘Alan Shepherd
chosen randomly. What is the probability that Denny speaks first, Kelli speaks ‘Cilarninade Hudson:
second, and Chaminade speaks third?
Denny Murano
Step 1: Identify Kelli Baker
The problem asks for a specific speaking “order. This is a Permutation. Tanika Johnson
‘Jerome Murdock
Total Arrangements = 7! = 5,040 Marlene Lindeman
Step 3: Calculate Probability
Step 2: Count Outcomes The probability is the ratio of favorable outcomes to
We fix the first 3 specific people. There are 4 people total outcomes.
left to arrange in the remaining spots. 24 1
Probability =
5,040 210
Favorable Arrangements = 4! = 24Practice B: The Trophy Display
The Problem:
from grades 1 through 9 are the ones chosen?
Step 1: Identify
We are choosing a group to display. The
problem does not say the order on the shelf
matters, only which ones are chosen. This is a
Combination (C).
Step 2: Count Total Outcomes
Choose 9 from 15. Calculate 15Co.
Calculation: 45Co = eT 5,005
total possible groups.
Taryn has 15 soccer trophies but only a=
has room to display 9 on a shelf. If she chooses them
at random, what is the probability that the trophies
Extra Trophies
Step 3: Count Favorable Outcomes
There is only 1 specific group that contains
exactly trophies from grades 1 through 9.
Step 4: Divide (Calculate Probability)
The probability is the ratio of favorable
outcomes to total outcomes.
Probability = 5005Quick Check: Permutation or Combination?
Read the scenario and decide which method to use.
Creating a 4-digit PIN code.
Answer: Permutation
Reason: Order of numbers
matters (1234 # 4321).
Identifying Gold, Silver, and 9
Bronze winners in a race.
Answer: Permutation
Reason: Rank/Order defines the outcome.
Choosing 3 friends for a concert.
Answer: Combination
Reason: The group is the same
regardless of invite order.
Selecting 4 books to pack for (SS)
vacation. ( e \
Answer: Combination
Reason: Order in the bag does not matter.Review: Why do the formulas differ?
Why is the Combination formula ,,C,. almost the same as
the Permutation formula ,P,, but divided by an extra r!?
Permutations: Combinations: The Difference:
Order Matters Order Does Not Matter Removing Duplicates
ooG« :
nl
2 P=) rl
ooe- Gee (Oe
o0G* same Group (8)
‘The Permutation formula counts every ‘The Combination formula treats We divide by r! (the factorial of
different order as a unique result all those diferent orders asthe the group size) to remove all the
(e.g., A-B-C is different from C-B-A). same group. duplicate versions of the same
‘group. This is why there are
always fewer combinations than
permutations.
Refer to the logic in lmustasockinsConclusion
You have learned to use advanced counting methods to calculate
accurate probabilities.
Factorials ($!):
Use to count total arrangements.
Permutations:
Use when specific order creates a new outcome.
Combinations:
Use when only the selected group matters.
Favorable Outcomes
Total Outcomes
Probability: Ratio of
When faced with a complex problem, pause and ask: “Does the order matter?”
The answer to that question is the key to finding the correct solution.