A book shelf has 6 different math books on the top level and 5 different language books at the bottom level. In how many ways can one math book and one language book be picked?

Question

perl · Answer

6 choose 1 * 5 choose 1

perl · Answer

30

perl · Answer

|dw:1408487738192:dw|

campbell_st · Answer

but what about choosing language 1st and maths 2nd... ?

percyjackson&theω · Answer

its multiplication right?
5x6=30
6x5=30

anonymous · Answer

Well to be able to find this out you have to analyze the possibilities. It doesn't matter what you start with, the end result will be the same, but I'll start with math. Since there are 6 different math books you can choose one of those, and then you have 5 language books to choose from. The drawing above might be confusing, but it's correct all the same. For each math book you choose, there is the option of choosing 1 of 5 language books to go with it. For each math book there are five possibilities, and since there are six math books with five possible language books to go with them, you can multiply 6 by 5.

campbell_st · Answer

its fundamental counting theory

i'd say 

6 x 5 x 2 =

perl · Answer

the question does not specify that the order in which you pick the category (language versus math) matters. so usually in these cases i assume it does not matter. if it did matter the author should say

anonymous · Answer

@campbell_st there is no two involved in the equation

campbell_st · Answer

yes there is.... which shelf you choose 1st...

perl · Answer

If you want to  go home from the library with one language and one math book , then order does not count .

campbell_st · Answer

we all have views... that's the great thing... everyone contributes...

perl · Answer

you want to pick a math book and a language book because you *want* a math book and a language book. why would it matter if you picked math shelf before language shelf, or vice a versa

perl · Answer

you can assume that you select math book first, then language book. of course in some situations you would need to multiply by 2 . so

anonymous · Answer

for another demonstration I will have the numbers 1-6 be math books, and the letters a-e be language books
1paired with a      2with a    3a    4a   5a   6a
1paired with b      2with b    3b    4b   5b   6b
1paired with c      2with c     3c    4c   5c   6c
1paired with d      2with d    3d    4d   5d   6d
1paired with e       2with e    3e    4e   5e   6e

anonymous · Answer

In the end 30 is your answer.