Question

Now suppose that not every player can play in every position. The outfielders (left field, center field, right field) can play any outfield position, the infielders (1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, short stop) can play any infield position, the pitchers can only pitch, and the catchers can only catch. Suppose a certain team has 20 players, of whom 3 are catchers, 4 are outfielders, 6 are infielders, and 7 are pitchers.

How many ways can the team assign field positions to 9 of the 19 players, putting each of the 9 selected players in a position he can play, and ensuring that all 9 field positions are filled?

Answer 1

The team can assign field positions to 9 of the 19 players in 181,440 different ways.

Explanation:

Since the outfielders (left field, center field, right field) can play any outfield position, the infielders (1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, short stop) can play any infield position, the pitchers can only pitch, and the catchers can only catch, supposing a certain team has 20 players, of whom 3 are catchers, 4 are outfielders, 6 are infielders, and 7 are pitchers, to determine how many ways can the team assign field positions to 9 of the 19 players, putting each of the 9 selected players in a position he can play, and ensuring that all 9 field positions are filled, the following calculation must be performed:

3 x 7 x 6 x 5 x 4 x 3 x 4 x 3 x 2 = X

21 x 30 x 12 x 24 = X

630 x 12 x 24 = X

181,440 = X

Therefore, the team can assign field positions to 9 of the 19 players in 181,440 different ways.