Question

(i) A workshop venue has 35 participants. Each participant shakes ands with each and every other participant. (a) How many handshakes will be made by the first participants? (1)​

Answer 1

Answer: The number of handshakes made by each participant can be calculated using the combination formula.

In this case, there are 35 participants, and each participant shakes hands with every other participant. When participant A shakes hands with participant B, it is the same handshake as when participant B shakes hands with participant A.

To find the number of handshakes made by each participant, we can use the formula:

• nC2 = n! / ((n-2)! * 2!)

where n represents the number of participants.

Plugging in the value for n = 35:

• 35C2 = 35! / ((35-2)! * 2!)
• = 35! / (33! * 2!)

Simplifying the expression:

• 35C2 = (35 * 34) / 2
• = 595

Therefore, the first participant will make 595 handshakes.