Question

There are 10 runners in race. in how many ways can the first, second and third place finishes occur

Answer 1

there's 10 people in the race all together, they'll all have the chance to finish first. now, one person is 1st therefore there's 9 left. 9 will be able to be in 2nd place. then that leaves third place, there will be 8 people still trying to finish third.

10*9*8 = 720 ways