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Use generalized counting principle.​

Use generalized counting principle.​-example-1
User Dan Lord
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1 Answer

6 votes

Answer: 5040

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Step-by-step explanation:

We have 10 digits to choose from {0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9} for slot A

Then after making that first selection, there are 10-1 = 9 choices left for slot B

Then for slot C, there are 10-2 = 8 choices

Finally for slot D, there are 10-3 = 7 choices

We have a steady countdown: 10,9,8,7

Overall, there are 10*9*8*7 = 5040 different permutations

Order matters because a code like 1234 is different from 4321

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Alternative Method:

We can use the nPr permutation formula with n = 10 and r = 4

nPr = (n!)/((n-r)!)

10P4 = (10!)/((10-4)!)

10P4 = (10!)/(6!)

10P4 = (10*9*8*7*6!)/(6!)

10P4 = 10*9*8*7

10P4 = 5040

and we get the same result.

User Piotr Trochim
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