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Perms and combs with probability help (1 Viewer)

HeroicPandas

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1) Eight people are to be divided into 2 groups. What is the probability that there will be 4 in each group.

My go



NOTE:Some LaTeX error: 'm77' is 7C7

2) 6 humans, of whom A and B are two, arrange themselves at random in a row. What is the probability that there are at least 3 humans between A and B?

my go







For question 2, my explanation is:

For 3 between:

[A _ _ _ B] _

Deal with elements between A and B. A and B are gone, 4 are left, so choose 3 out of 4 (4C3) then times by 3! for their arrangements

Arrangements of individual elements (the grouped and single one) = 2!

A and B can switch places = 2

Therefore = 2 x 2! x 4C3 x 3!

For 4 between:

[A _ _ _ _ B]

Elements between A and B = 4C4 x 4!

A and B can switch = 2

Therefore = 2 x 4! x 4C4


what am i doing wrong??

I'd appreciate help with this :) (I am not good at this)
 
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RealiseNothing

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The denominator of the first one should just be:



By having the rest you are double counting as choosing a group of 3 and a group of 5 is the same as choosing a group of 5 and a group of 3 etc.
 

HeroicPandas

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The denominator of the first one should just be:



By having the rest you are double counting as choosing a group of 3 and a group of 5 is the same as choosing a group of 5 and a group of 3 etc.
Yep i know, double counting my total
 

HeroicPandas

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Anyone? What did i do wrong in the 2nd question?
 
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braintic

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Anyone? What did i do wrong in the 2nd question?
I agree with your answer. And I've checked - continuing with this pattern for 0, 1, and 2 people between A and B gives probabilities that add up to 1.

But I'm wondering why you confused the issue by using nCr.
Its easier to say 2 × 2 × 4! + 2 × 4!
 

HeroicPandas

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I agree with your answer. And I've checked - continuing with this pattern for 0, 1, and 2 people between A and B gives probabilities that add up to 1.

But I'm wondering why you confused the issue by using nCr.
Its easier to say 2 × 2 × 4! + 2 × 4!
haha ok, cool, thanks , and i feel more comfoortable using combinations
 

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