The freshman class has 160 students. Each freshman must write three reports from a list of 12 novels that the teacher has assigned them to read. How many different combinations of novels can a freshman student choose to write reports on?

i got 36? :)

Question

The freshman class has 160 students. Each freshman must write three reports from a list of 12 novels that the teacher has assigned them to read. How many different combinations of novels can a freshman student choose to write reports on?

i got 36? :)

parthkohli · Answer

The word "combinations" itself suggests that we have to use combinations here. Each freshman can choose 3 from 12, so the number of possible combinations is "12 choose 3" or 12C3.

hero · Answer

Parth, incorrect. I'm pretty sure you're supposed to use partitions for this.

anonymous · Answer

12!/9!*3!

parthkohli · Answer

$$12C3 = {12! \over (12 - 3)!3!} $$

hero · Answer

You're neglecting the 120 students part of it.

anonymous · Answer

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