Final answer:
To find the number of combinations of side dishes and main dishes, multiply the number of side dish options by the number of main dish options, resulting in 9 possible combinations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the number of different combinations of side dishes and main dishes that can be ordered from Jestine's restaurant menu. With three side dishes (rice, potatoes, and vegetables) and three main dishes (chicken, fish, and beef) to choose from, and assuming you can order only one side dish and one main dish, we can use the fundamental principle of counting to determine the number of different combinations.
To calculate the number of possible combinations, you multiply the number of choices for side dishes by the number of choices for main dishes:
- Number of side dishes = 3 (rice, potatoes, vegetables)
- Number of main dishes = 3 (chicken, fish, beef)
Using the formula:
Total combinations = number of side dishes × number of main dishes
Total combinations = 3 × 3 = 9 possible combinations