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Combinations

A combination is a method of selecting items from a group where the order does not matter, contrasting with permutations where order is significant. The formula for combinations is nCr = n! / (r!(n - r)!), and it is used in various real-life scenarios such as selecting committee members or lottery numbers. To determine whether to use combinations or permutations, one should ask if the order matters; if not, combinations are applicable.

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7 views2 pages

Combinations

A combination is a method of selecting items from a group where the order does not matter, contrasting with permutations where order is significant. The formula for combinations is nCr = n! / (r!(n - r)!), and it is used in various real-life scenarios such as selecting committee members or lottery numbers. To determine whether to use combinations or permutations, one should ask if the order matters; if not, combinations are applicable.

Uploaded by

jerwinmigue22
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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📘 Concept Notes: Combinations

🔍 What is a Combination?
A combination is a way of selecting items from a group, where order does NOT matter.

●​ Unlike permutations, changing the order of items does not create a new
combination.​

🧠 Key Concepts
✅ 1. Formula for Combinations
The number of ways to choose r items from n items is:

nCr=n!r!(n−r)!\boxed{^nC_r = \dfrac{n!}{r!(n - r)!}}

●​ Read as "n choose r"​

●​ n = total items​

●​ r = items selected​

✅ 2. Example
From 5 students, choose 2 to represent the class:

5C2=5!2!(5−2)!=1202×6=12012=10^5C_2 = \dfrac{5!}{2!(5-2)!} = \dfrac{120}{2 × 6} =


\dfrac{120}{12} = 10

So, there are 10 combinations.

✅ 3. Real-Life Uses of Combinations


●​ Selecting committee members​

●​ Picking lottery numbers​

●​ Choosing groups or teams​


●​ Making food combos (e.g. selecting 3 fruits from a basket)​

🔄 Permutations vs Combinations
Feature Permutations Combinations

Order Matters Does NOT matter

Formula nPr=n!(n−r)!nP_r = nCr=n!r!(n−r)!nC_r =


\frac{n!}{(n-r)!} \frac{n!}{r!(n-r)!}

Example 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in a Picking 3 friends to form a group


race

✍️ Practice Tip
Ask:​

👉
"Does the order matter?"​

👉
If NO → Use Combinations​
If YES → Use Permutations

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