SOLUTION: Please help me solve this: Six hundred people are competing in a triathalon. there is a $1000 prize for first and a $500 prize for second. How many different first-second plac

Algebra ->  Permutations -> SOLUTION: Please help me solve this: Six hundred people are competing in a triathalon. there is a $1000 prize for first and a $500 prize for second. How many different first-second plac      Log On


   

Question 39219: Please help me solve this:
Six hundred people are competing in a triathalon. there is a $1000 prize for first and a $500 prize for second. How many different first-second place finishes are possible?
I know the answer is 359,400, but i don't know how to solve it.
Answer by Nate(3500) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If the person who got first place could not get second as well:
C(600,2) = (600!)/((598!)(2!)) = 179,700
If the person who got first place could get second as well:
P(600,2) = (600!)/(598!) = 359,400