Question

Ten runners are in a race. How many different ways can they finish in first, second, and third place?

Answer 1

Since there are 10 runners in all:

For the first position there 10 possibilities.

For the second position there are 9 possibilities, after the 1st has been taken.

For the third position there are 8 possibilities, after 1st and 2nd have already been taken.

Total = 10 * 9 * 8 = 720

So there are 720 ways.

I hope this helps.