Question

There are 22 participants in a spelling bee. In how many ways can the top 5 participants finish? Use the formula for permutations to find your answer

Answer 1

• 3,160,080

Step-by-step explanation:

The formula for permuations is nPk:

• 
  `_nP_k=(n!)/((n-k)!)=(n)(n-1)(n-2)...(n-k+1)`

Where n is the total number of elements from which you must choose combinations of k number of elements, and where the order of selection is relevant.

In this case n = 22 (the number of participants), k = 5 (the number of top participants). Since, the order in which the participants finish is relevant, then you have to use the formula of permutations, such as the question states.

Calculations:

• 
  `_(22)P_5=(22!)/((22-5)!)=22.21.20.19.18=3,160,080`