Question

In a race, there are 20 runners. Trophies for the race are awarded to the runners

finishing in first through fourth place.
In how many ways can first through fourth place by determined?

Answer 1

116,280 ways

Explanation:

Because your finish place is mutually exclusive (if you come in first you cant come in second, if you come in second you cant come in third, etc) you have to decrease the amount of runners for each place.

20 runners can get first

19 for second

18 for third

17 for fourth.

To find out the total amount of possibilities you multiply each amount. 20 x 19 x 18 x 17 = 116,280.

I hope this helps!

-TheBusinessMan