Final answer:
The number of 2-letter combinations that can be formed from the letters in the name 'whistler' is 56.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the number of 2-letter combinations that can be formed from the letters in the name 'whistler', we need to use the concept of permutations.
The name 'whistler' has 8 letters, so there are 8 choices for the first letter. After choosing the first letter, there are 7 remaining choices for the second letter.
Using the formula for permutations, the total number of 2-letter combinations is:
8 choices for the first letter * 7 choices for the second letter = 56 combinations.
Therefore, the correct answer is 56, option a.