162k views
1 vote
There are 44 runners in a race. how many ways can the runners finish first, second, and third

User Yanhong
by
4.7k points

1 Answer

2 votes
Answer:

79,464 ways

Step-by-step explanation:

Total number of runners in the race = 44

Number of ways one of the runners will finish first = 44 ways

Since the first position has already emerged, there are 43 runners left

Number of ways one of the runners will finish second = 43 ways

Two runners have already emerged as the first and second position respectively, there are 42 runners left

Number of ways one of the runners will finish third = 42 ways

Therefore, the number of ways the runners can finish​ first, second, and​ third = 44 x 43 x 42

The number of ways the runners can finish​ first, second, and​ third = 79,464

This can also be done by using 44P3


\begin{gathered} 44P3=(44!)/((44-3)!) \\ 44P3\text{ =}(44!)/(41!) \\ 44P3\text{ = 44 }*43\text{ }*\text{ 42} \\ 44P3\text{ = 79464} \end{gathered}

User Margaretkru
by
5.1k points