Question

If 3 identical prizes are available for a contest with 50 entrants, in how many ways can the prizes be distributed?

Answer 1

Is this a permutation or a combination?
If permutation, 117600.
If combination, 19600.

Answer 2

Can you please explain the difference?

Answer 3

identical prizes should give you the clue

Answer 4

since they are identical you cannot tell the difference, so it is \(\binom{50}{3}\)

Answer 5

if it was first, second and third prize, that would be a different story

Answer 6

So, it's a combination, then.

Answer 7

Thanks guys! Wish I could give more than one medal