SOLUTION: In how many ways can first, second, and third prizes be awarded in a contest with 650 contestants?

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Question 595565: In how many ways can first, second, and third prizes be awarded in a contest with 650 contestants?
Answer by math-vortex(648) About Me  (Show Source):
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Hi, there!
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Assume that a contestant cannot win more than one award. Then the number of ways to choose the winner of first place is 650 since everyone has a chance to win. There are 649 ways to choose the second place winner because everyone but the first place winner is eligible. Likewise, there are 648 ways for the third place winner to be chosen. The total number of ways to choose the three awards is
%28650%29%28649%29%28648%29=273%2C358%2C800
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Hope this helps! Feel free to email if the explanation is unclear.
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Ms.Figgy
math.in.the.vortex@gmail.com