SOLUTION: There are 12 color pencils in different colors. If the 4 boxes are filled with different colors,how many different patterns can be formed? (each box can only be filled with one col

Algebra ->  Permutations -> SOLUTION: There are 12 color pencils in different colors. If the 4 boxes are filled with different colors,how many different patterns can be formed? (each box can only be filled with one col      Log On


   

Question 1175171: There are 12 color pencils in different colors. If the 4 boxes are filled with different colors,how many different patterns can be formed? (each box can only be filled with one color)
Found 2 solutions by ewatrrr, ikleyn:
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Hi
 12C4
Use Your calculator  0r nCr = (n!)/(r!(n - r)!)   
Wish You the Best in your Studies.


Answer by ikleyn(52778) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

Each pattern is an  ORDERED  sequence of colors.

Therefore,  the answer to the problem's question is

                12*11*10*9 = 11880   different patterns.

Ordering is important,  so we use  PERMUTATIONS,  not combinations.

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As usual, @ewatrrr gives incorrect answer/solution to this class of problems.