Question 749544: This is a problem about probability.
"Six students of different heights are going to march in a single file line in a parade carrying flags. The order in which they march is randomly selected. What is the probability that they will march in order of height from shortest to tallest? Round your answer to six decimal places."
------------------------------------------
I don't really know where to begin with this problem; although I know that I will need to add the various chances together, I don't know how to set it up, or what to do from there. Please help ASAP.
-John
Answer by FrankM(1040)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! This is a factorial problem.
6! = 6*5*4*3*2*1 = 720 different ways they can line up. A random lineup being correct is a 1 in 720 events.
Note - This happens to be as simple as it looks, but there are situations choosing say 5 kids from a class of 20, which adds a layer of complexity. And whether those 5 are being chosen for 5 distinct slots (as in baseball) or 5 of the same type of position (say 5 extras in a play), the solutions become more complex.
|
|
|
