Question

60 countries compete in a gymnastics tournament.
a) how many outcomes are there for the first three places
b) how many outcomes have USA in first place
c) How many outcomes have USA and China among the first 3?

Answer 1

_,_,_
60 countries are competing for 3 places, right ?
so first place can be taken by any one of the 60 countries in 60 ways
after this, second place can by taken by remaining 59 countries in 59 ways.
lastly, for the third place can by taken by any of 58 in 58 ways.

so total outcomes are : 60 x 59 x 58

can you try applying similar logic for b) ?

Answer 2

hmm.. u trying b) ?

Answer 3

Doubt it, as he posted 10 hours ago :) Sleeping maybe?

Answer 4

lol dont think so... he just gave me medal.. and is here till few seconds back...