Combinations
An arrangement of objects in which the order is not important is called a combination. This is different from permutation where the order matters. For example, suppose we are arranging the letters A, B and C.
In a permutation, the arrangement ABC and ACB are different. But, in a combination, the arrangements ABC and ACB are the same because the order is not important.
$$ C(n,r)= \ ^nC_r= \frac {n!}{(n-r)!r!} $$
Example:
In how many ways can a coach choose three swimmers from among five swimmers?
Solution:
There are 5 swimmers to be taken 3 at a time.
Using the formula:
$$ C(n,r)= \frac {n!}{(n-r)!r!} $$
$$ C(5,3)= \frac {5!}{(5-3)!3!} $$
$$ C(5,3)= \frac{5\times 4\times 3\times 2\times 1}{2\times 1\times 3\times 2\times 1 } $$
$$ C(5,3)= 10 $$
Using the formula:
Factorial formula:
$$ n!= n \cdot (n − 1) \cdot (n − 2)\cdots 3 \cdot 2 \cdot 1 $$