Identifying Combinations and Permutations

Choosing 3 toppings for your sundae out of a list of 15.

• Permutation
• Combination
• Neither

Determine whether the following scenarios are a permutation or a combination:
 
Selecting a lead and an understudy for a school play.

• Combination
• Permutation

Permutation, combination, or neither?
The batting order for seven players on a 12 person team.

• combination
• permutation
• neither

Permutation, combination, or neither?
Rob and Mary are planning trips to 9 countries this year.  There are 13 countries they would like to visit.  They are deciding which countries to skip.

• combination
• permutation
• neither

A book club offers a choice of 8 books from a list of 40. In how many ways can a member make a collection?

Is this a Permutation or a Combination?

• Permutation - the order matters

• Combination - the order does not matter

The ski club has 10 members and is choosing three officers for the season. How many ways can they pick a captain, co-captain and secretary?

Is this a Permutation or a Combination?

• Permutation - the order matters

• Combination - the order does not matter

There are 15 racers running a race. There are medals for the first three racers to cross the finish line. How many ways are there to award medals to the first three racers?

Is this a Permutation or a Combination?

• Permutation - the order matters

• Combination - the order does not matter

Permutation or Combination: The student body of 30 students wants to elect a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.

• permutation

• combination

Permutation or Combination: Rob and Micaela are planning trips to four countries this year. There are 5 countries they would like to visit. One trip will be one week long, another two days, another two weeks, and the other a month.

• permutation

• combination

Which of the following is an example of combination?

• Form a passcode with 4 digits
• Students line up in a queue to assembly
• Choose 4 students in a class committee
• Choose the chairperson, secretary and treasurer in a club