Question

The Three Stooges (Larry, Moe, and Curly) and the four Marx Brothers (Chico, Harpo, Groucho, and Zeppo) are randomly assigned a place in line. What is the probability the first three in line will be Moe, Larry, and Curly in that order?

Answer 1

`(1)/(210)`

Explanation:

We can use the probability that one person will be assigned to one place.

For the first place in line, what is the probability that Moe will stand there?

`(1)/(7)` because there is 7 people and 1 of Moe.

Then, for the second place in line, what is the probability that Larry will stand there?

`(1)/(6)` because there are 6 people now and one of Larry.

Finally, for the third place in line, what is the probability that Curly will stand there?

`(1)/(5)` because there are 5 people now and one of Curly.

To find the probability that they'll stand in that order, we can multiply the probabilities together.

`(1)/(7)*(1)/(6)*(1)/(5)=(1)/(210)`