What are some tips for solving combination and permutation problems?

What are some tips for solving combination and permutation problems?

Start by understanding the difference between combinations and permutations. Combinations are for selections without regard to order, while permutations are for arrangements where order matters.

Can you give me an example of a combination problem?

Sure! If you have 5 fruits and want to choose 3, how many ways can you do that? This is a combination problem.

And what about a permutation example?

An example of a permutation problem is arranging 3 books out of 5 on a shelf. The order in which you arrange them matters.

What formulas should I use for these problems?

For combinations, use the formula C(n, r) = n! / (r!(n-r)!), and for permutations, use P(n, r) = n! / (n-r)!.

Any tips for remembering these formulas?

A good tip is to remember that combinations involve 'choosing' (C for choose) and permutations involve 'arranging' (P for position).