Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Regional Office IX, Zamboanga Peninsula

10 Zest for Progress

Z Peal of artnership

Mathematics
Quarter 3 - Module 4:
Problem Solving in Permutations
and Combinations
Combinations

Name of Learner: ___________________________

Grade & Section: 0
___________________________
Name of School: ___________________________
 What I Need to Know

The module contains only one lesson:

• Lesson 5 - Solve problems involving permutations and combinations

In this module, you are expected to:

1. solve problems involving permutation; and
2. solve problems involving combinations

What I Know
Directions: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is the formula in solving permutation taken n all at a time?

n!
A. nPr = (n−r )!
B. nPr = nr C. P = n! D. P = (n – 1)!

For items # 2 – 3.
Problem: In how many possible ways can a runner get the first, second, third place if there
are 12 runners join the race?

2. What is the value of n and r?

A. n = 3, r = 12 B. n = 12, r = 3 C. n = 12, r = 4 D. n = 4, r =12

3. What type of permutation or combination is the above problem?

A. Circular Permutation
B. Permutation of n taken all at a time
C. Permutation of n taken r at a time
D. Combination of n taken r at a time
For items #4 – 5.
Problem: In how many ways can 5 people A, B, C, D and E be seated at a
round table?

4. What would be the formula of the problem presented above?

n!
A. P = n! B. nPr = nr C. P = (n – 1)! D. P = p!q!r!…

5. How many possible ways 5 people be seated at a round table?

A. 6 B. 24 C. 120 D.720

6. How many distinct ways can we arrange the letters of the word “ELEVEN”?
A. 60 B. 120 C. 180 D. 240

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 7. How many possible 4 -digit password can be formed from numbers 0 to 9 with no
repetition of number?
A. 126 B. 182 C. 194 D. 252

8. How many ways can a committee formed 7 groups out of 21 members in the
organization?
A. 20,349 B. 54,262 C. 116,280 D. 716,352

9. How many ways can 9 persons be seated in a round table?

A. 5,040 B. 40,320 C. 362,880 D. 562,325

10. How many ways can 5 names be selected in a lucky draw with 15 names?
A. 1,365 B. 3,003 C. 5,005 D. 6,435

What’s In
Permutation is an arrangement of all possible collection of things, where order is
important. That is, ORDER MATTERS.
It is written as 𝑷(𝒏,𝒓) or as nPr. where n = total and r = want (arrangement)

2 Types of Permutation
1. Permutation in a Row
Under permutation in a row there are three different categories:
➢ Permutation of n different objects taken r at a time
a. With repetition
b. Without repetition
➢ Permutation of n different objects taken all at a time
➢ Distinguishable permutations

2. Permutation in a Circle (Circular Permutation)

Combinations refers to the number of ways of selecting from a set when the order is
not important.
It is written as 𝑪(𝒏,𝒓) or as nCr.
2 Types of Combination of n different object taken r at a time
1. With repetition
2. Without repetition

The difference between permutation and combinations is that in permutation the order of an
object important (order matters), while in combination the order of the object does not
important (order does not matter).

Previously, you have learned about the different types of permutation and
combination with its corresponding formulas. You also learned how to solve permutations
and combinations by applying the formula given in each type of permutations and
combinations.
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 Now, we will discover more differences on permutation and combinations specially
in identifying them as easy as possible to solve the problem correctly.

What’s New
Permutation and combination are tricky in problem solving but there were easy tricks to
easily identify permutation and combination in a problem. It is the power of its
“keywords”.

PERMUTATION
arrange, ordered ways, distinct ways, distinguish,
Keywords
unique and many more arranging words

Types of Permutation Formula

𝐧!
without repetition: nPr = (𝐧−𝐫 )!

n taken r at a time
with repetition: P(n, r) or nPr = n x n x …(r times)= n r

n taken all at a time P = n!

Distinct or distinguishable 𝐧!
P=
permutation 𝐩!𝐪!𝐫!…

Circular permutation P = (n – 1)!

COMBINATIONS
select/selected, choice/choose, pick/picked,
Keywords form/formed, draw/drawn and many other combining
terms
Types of Combination
Formula
𝒏!
without repetition: C (n, r) = (𝒏−𝒓)!𝒓!
, n≥r

n taken r at a time
(𝒓+ 𝒏−𝟏)!
with repetition: C (n, r) = 𝒓!(𝒏−𝟏)!

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Activity 1: Identify Me!!!

Directions: Identify the following given problem whether it is a permutation or

combination. Write your answer on the space provided.

______________1. In how many ways can 10 people be seated in a circular position?

______________2. In how many ways can first, second, third, and fourth prizes be selected
in a lucky draw bowl with 20 names in it?

______________3. In how many ways can we arrange distinctly the letters of the word
MATHEMATICS?

______________4. In how many ways can we arrange 15 people to occupy the 4 vacant seats
at the back of the driver’s seat?

_______________5. In how many ways can a president, a treasurer and a secretary be

chosen from among 7 candidates?

Activity 2: Complete Me!!!

Directions: Complete the table by filling the identified keywords, permutation or

combination and what type of permutation or combination is the given problem.

Types of
Permutation or
Problems Keyword Permutation or
Combination
Combinations
1. In how many ways can we
arrange 9 different fruits 3 in
a row?
2. How many distinct ways can
be made from the letters of the
word “INFINITY”?
3. In how many ways can 10
club members be seated in a
round dining table?
4. In how many ways can a
committee consisting of 4
members be formed from 8
people?
5. How many possible 5 -digit
password can be formed from
numbers 0 to 9 with repetition
of number?

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 What is it
This time, you will apply what you have learned from the previous topics, on how
to solve problems involving permutations and combinations through the following
examples:

Solving Problems Involving Permutations

➢ Finding permutation of n different objects taken r at a time, without repetition

Example 1: How many 3-digit numbers can be uniquely arranged from the digits 1,2,3,6,
and 7 if repetition of digits is not allowed?

Solution: keyword: uniquely arranged

For 3-digit numbers, there are obviously three place value, namely, ones, tens and
hundreds place value. Since the repetition of digit is not allowed, there are 5 possible
choices on the hundreds value, 4 possible choices on the tens place value and 3 place
value on the tens digit. Using the Fundamental Counting Principle, 5 x 4 x 3 = 60 3-digit
numbers. Using the formula,

𝒏!
nPr = , where n= 5 (composed of 1,2,3,6,7) and r = 3 (3-digit number)
(𝒏−𝒓)!

𝟓! 𝟓 𝒙 𝟒 𝒙 𝟑 𝒙 𝟐!
5P3 = = = 60
(𝟓−𝟑)! 𝟐!

Therefore, there are 60 3-digit numbers can be formed.

Example 2: In how many ways can we arrange 6 different potted plants if we wish to
arrange 4 of them in a row?

Solution: keyword: arranged

n = 6 and r =4, using the formula,
𝒏! 𝟔! 𝟔 𝒙 𝟓 𝒙 𝟒 𝒙 𝟑 𝒙 𝟐!
nPr = (𝒏−𝒓)! = = = 360
(𝟔−𝟒)! 𝟐!

Therefore, there are 360 ways that we can arrange 6 different potted plants if we wish to
arrange 4 of them in a row.

➢ Finding permutation of n different objects taken r at a time, with repetition

Example 1: How many 4 - letter words with or without meaning can be arranged out of
the letters of the word “MODULES” when repetition of letters is allowed?

Solution: keyword: arranged

There are 7 letters, then n=7, r= 4 (4 letter word). The repetition of letters is
allowed. Using the formula,
nPr = n x n x n … = n4 = 74 = 2,401
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 Therefore, there are 2,401 4-letter words can be formed.

Example 2: How many 3-digit codes can be arranged from the numbers
0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 if repetition of digits is allowed?

Solution: keyword: arranged

There are 10 digits, then n =10, and r = 3. Thus,

nPr = 10 x 10 x … (3 times) = 103 = 1,000

Therefore, there are 1,000 3-digit codes formed.

➢ Solving Permutation of n different object taken all at a time

Example 1: In how many ways can we arrange 6 different potted plants in a row?

“image: Freepik.com”

Solution: keyword: arrange

n= 6, then, P = n! = 6! = (6)(5)(4)(3)(2)(1) = 720 ways.

Therefore, there are 720 ways that we can arrange 6 different potted plants in a row.

➢ Solving Distinguishable Permutations

(The number of distinguishable permutations, P, of n objects where p objects are alike, q

objects are alike, r objects are alike, and so on…)

Example 1: In how many distinguishable ways can we arrange the letters of the word
STATISTICS?

Solution: keyword: distinguishable ways

There are 10 letters of the word STATISTICS, n = 10,

Repeated letters are: S = 3 = p; T = 3 = q; and I = 2 = r.
Using the formula:
n! 𝟏𝟎! 𝟑,𝟔𝟐𝟖,𝟖𝟎𝟎 𝟑,𝟔𝟐𝟖,𝟖𝟎𝟎
P= = = = = 50, 400
p!q!r!… 𝟑!𝟑!𝟐! 𝟔𝐱𝟔𝐱𝟐 𝟕𝟐

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 Therefore, there are 50, 400 distinguishable ways that we can arrange the letters
of the word STATISTICS.

Example 2: How many ways can 3 red, 4 yellow and 2 blue bulbs be arranged distinctly
in a string of Christmas tree lights with 9 sockets?

Solution: keyword: arranged distinctly

n = 9; p = 3 red; q=4 yellow and r = 2 blue.

Using the formula:

n! 9! 362,880 362,880
P= = = = = 1,260 ways.
p!q!r!… 3!4!2! 6 x 24 x 2 288

Therefore, there are 1,260 ways that 3 red, 4 yellow and 2 blue bulbs can be arranged
in a string of Christmas tree lights with 9 sockets.

➢ Solving problems involving Circular Permutations

Example 1: In how many ways can 6 people be seated around a circular table?

Solution: keyword: ways - seated around

n= 6, using the formula

P = (n -1)! = (6 – 1)! = 5! = 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 120 ways

Therefore, there are 120 ways can 6 people be seated around a circular table.

Example 2: In how many ways can 4 boys and 3 girls sit on a merry go round, where
there are no two girls sit together?

Solution: keyword: ways – sit on a merry go round

4 boys can be seated in a circular table in (4-1)! ways = 3! = 6 ways

There are 4 spaces between the boys, which can be occupied by 3 girls in
4! 4!
P (4,3) ways = (4−1)!
= = 24 ways. Hence, the total number of ways is
1!

6 x P (4,3) = 6 x 24 = 144 ways.

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 Therefore, there are 144 ways that 4 boys and 3 girls can sit around a circular
table, so that no two girls sit together.

Solving Problems Involving Combinations

➢ Solving Problem involving Combination without Repetition

Example 1: In how many ways can a committee consisting of 4 members be formed from
8 people?

Solution: Keyword: formed

n = 8, r = 4. Using the formula,

𝐧! 𝟖! 𝟖! 𝟖 𝐱 𝟕 𝐱 𝟔 𝐱 𝟓 𝐱 𝟒! 𝟖𝐱𝟕𝐱𝟔𝐱𝟓
C (n, r) = (𝐧−𝐫)!𝐫!
= (𝟖−𝟒)!𝟒!
= = = = 70
𝟒 !𝟒! 𝟒 !𝟒! 𝟒!

Therefore, there are 70 ways that a committee consisting of 4 members can be formed
from 8 people.

Example 2: In how many ways can a committee of 5 be formed from 5 junior and 7 senior
students if the committee must have 3 seniors?

Solution: Keyword: selected

a. Since there are 7 seniors, & we will be needing 3, so, n=7 and r = 3. Using the
formula,

𝐧! 7! 7!
C (n, r) = (𝐧−𝐫)!𝐫!
= C (7,3) = (7−3)!3!
= = 35
4!3!

b. For 5 juniors; we will be taking 2 only to complete a committee of 5. So, n=5 and r
=2
𝐧! 5! 5!
C (n, r) = (𝐧−𝐫)!𝐫!
= C (5,2) = (5−2)!2!
= 3!2!
= 10

By the fundamental counting principle, for every 3 seniors, they can be grouped with any
2 juniors.

So, 35 x 10 = 350

Therefore, there are 350 ways that a committee of 5 can be selected from 5 juniors and 7
senior students if the committee must have 3 seniors.

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➢ Solving Problem involving Combination with Repetition
A combination with repetition of r objects from n is a way of selecting r objects from a list of
n. The selection rules are:

1. The order of selection does not matter (the same objects selected in different orders
are regarded as the same combination.
2. Each object can be selected more than once.

Example 1: There are 4 colored pens in the store. If you can buy 10 pieces with your
money, how many combinations can you make if repetition is allowed?

Solution: keyword: combinations – repetition is allowed

n= 4 and r = 10 (that may be repeated). Using the formula

(𝒓+ 𝒏−𝟏)! (𝟏𝟎+ 𝟒−𝟏)! 13! 13 x 12 x 11 x 10! 13 x 12 x 11
C (n, r) = = = = = = 286
𝒓!(𝒏−𝟏)! 𝟏𝟎!(𝟒−𝟏)! 10!(3!) 10!(3!) 3!

Therefore, there are 286 possible combinations.

Example 2: Rowell has ₱50.00. He plans to spend this on pens worth ₱25.00 each. If
there are red-, blue-, black-, and violet-colored pens, how many different combinations of
these pens can he buy?

Solution: keyword: combinations

The order in which the pens are chosen does not actually matter. Moreover, pens
can be chosen more than once. Thus, the number of combinations of pens that Rowell
can choose is the number of possible combinations with repetition of 2 pens (2 pens can
be bought from ₱50.00 if each one costs ₱25.00) from 4. We have the following solution:
n= 4; r = 2
(𝒓+ 𝒏−𝟏)! (𝟐+ 𝟒−𝟏)! 5! 5 x 4 x 3! 5x4
C (n, r) = 𝒓!(𝒏−𝟏)!
= 𝟐!(𝟒−𝟏)!
= 2!(3!)
= 2!(3!)
= 2!
= 10

Therefore, there are 10 different combinations of the pens that Rowell can buy.

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 What’s More
Activity 3: Go with the Flow!!!
Directions: Complete the flow chart to solve the problems.

Problem 1: In how many ways can we arrange 8 different fruits if we want to arrange it 2
in a row?

Permutation or Type of Permutation or

Keyword: Combination Combination
_____________
Answer: _______________ Answer: _______________

Substitute: Value of Formula:

n: ___ r: ___

Simplify and Solve: Conclusion:

Problem 2: In how many ways can a commandant choose 3 platoon leaders from 21 boy
scout members?

Keyword: Permutation or Type of Permutation or

_____________ Combination Combination
Answer: _______________ Answer: _____________

Substitute: Value of
Formula:
n: ___ r: ___

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Simplify and Solve: Conclusion:

Problem 3: In how many ways can 15 senior scouts be seated around a circular table for
a dinner?

Keyword: Permutation or Type of Permutation or

_____________ Combination Combination
Answer: _______________ Answer: _____________

Substitute: Value of
Formula:
n: ___ r: ___

Simplify and Solve: Conclusion:

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 What I Have Learned

In solving problems involving permutations and combinations, we must know how

to:

1. Identify the keywords in the problem.

2. Distinguish whether it is a permutation or a combination.
3. Identify what type of permutation or combination is the problem.
4. Use the formula given in each type of permutation or combination.
5. Determine the value of n and r.
6. Substitute the value n and r to the formula.
7. Simplify and Solve.
8. Write a conclusion.

What I Can Do
Activity 4: Solve Me!!!
Directions: Solve the following problems. Write your solutions on a separate sheet of
paper.
1. In how many ways can 10 boy scout members arrange themselves at a bonfire in
a circular position?

2. In how many distinguishable ways can we arrange the letters of the word
“MISSISSIPPI”?

3. A platoon will select a Leader, Flag Bearer, and Secretary – from among 30 boy
scout members. How many ways can this three be selected from the platoon?

4. In how many ways can we arrange 10 boy scout members in a row?

5. A rover scout wants to buy an ice cream with the following flavors: rocky road,
chocolate, ube cheese, strawberry, and mango. In how many ways can he select
2 flavor of ice cream for his members?

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 Assessment
Directions: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

For numbers 1 -2
How many 4 – digit numbers can be arranged from the digits 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9 if
repetition is allowed?
1. What would be the formula to be used in the above problem?
𝐧!
A. P = n! B. nPr = nr C. P = (n – 1)! D. P =
𝐩!𝐪!𝐫!…

2. In how many 4 – digit numbers can be arranged?

A. 360 B. 216 C. 1,296 D. 1,210
For numbers 3 -4
How many possible ways can a runner get the first, second, third place if there
are 12 runners join the race?

3. What type of permutation or combination stated in # 3?

A. Circular Permutation C. Permutation of n taken all at a time
B. Permutation of n taken r at a time D. Combinations of n taken r at a time
4. In how many possible ways can a runner get the first, second, third place?
A. 132 B. 1,320 C. 11,880 D. 95,040

5. How many ways can we arrange 7 different flowers in a row?

A. 1,204 B. 3,200 C. 5,040 D. 720

6. How many ways can we arrange 9 persons be seated in a round table?

A. 720 B. 5,040 C. 40,320 D. 362,880

7. How many possible ways can 11 bottle soft drinks be arranged if it has 3 Cokes, 5
Sprites and 3 Royals?
A. 9, 240 B. 9, 550 C. 10,140 D. 10, 620

8. How many possible 4 -digit password be formed from numbers 0 to 9 if repetition

of digits is not allowed?
A. 126 B. 210 C. 252 D. 330
9. Donna has ₱25.00. She will use this money to buy cookies with 5 different flavors.
Each cookie is worth ₱5.00. How many combinations of these cookies can she
buy?
A. 98 B. 126 C. 130 D. 146

10. A bookstore has 7 types of notebooks wherein you need to buy 3. How many
different selections can you make if repetition is allowed?
A. 32 B. 48 C. 84 D. 102

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 Additional Activities
Directions: Solve the following problems. Write your solutions on a separate sheet of
paper.

Situation # 1: Graduation Photo

“image: Freepik.com”

a. In how many ways can 5 friends be arranged themselves for their graduation photo
in a row?

b. In how many ways can they be arranged male and female together?

Situation #2: Classroom

“image: Freepik.com”

a. In how many ways can a class choose a President, Vice – President, Secretary and
Treasurer?

b. In how many ways can we select 3 students to sit on the front row?

c. In how many ways can we arrange the students if we wish to arrange them in
circular formation?
14
References
Callanta, Melvin M.,Allan M. Canonigo, Arnaldo I. Chua, Jerry D. Cruz, et.al, 2015,
Mathematics Learner’s Module – Grade 10, edited by Maxima J. Acelajado, 5th floor
Mabini Building, Deped Complex Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Rex Books Store, Inc.

Callanta, Melvin M.,Allan M. Canonigo, Arnaldo I. Chua, Jerry D. Cruz, et.al, 2015,
Mathematics Teaching Guide – Grade 10, edited by Maxima J. Acelajado, 5th floor
Mabini Building, Deped Complex Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Rex Books Store, Inc.

Suheb Hussain, GMAT, June 27, 2018, https://e-gmat.com/blogs/difference-between-

permutation-and-combination/

Theresa Hoang, STUDENT LEARNING ASSISTANCE CENTER (SLAC), Spring 2014,

https://gato-docs.its.txstate.edu/slac/Subject/Math/Pre-Algebra/Permutations -
Combinations/Permutations%20and%20Combinations.pdf

Pierce, Rod, Math Is Fun, September 30, 2018, https://www.mathsisfun.com/

combinatorics/combinations-permutations.html

Development Team
Writer: Danniel M. Manlang
Siay National High School

Editor/QA: Ivy V. Deiparine

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EPS – Mathematics

Illustrator:
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