Jane D.

asked • 05/29/15

Challenge Question// Algebra 2 Help please

How many 5 card hands having exactly 3 kings and 2 other cards can be dealt from a standard 52 card deck?

2 Answers By Expert Tutors

By:

Mark M. answered • 05/29/15

Tutor
5.0 (278)

Mathematics Teacher - NCLB Highly Qualified

Michael W.

Isn't one of those other 49 cards a king?  So, wouldn't some of your hands have all 4 kings?
 
I think you choose 3 of the 4 kings (4C3, as you showed), and then choose two of the other 48 cards (48C2), not 49.
 
Report

05/29/15

Mark M.

The condition was exactly three kings. The fourth king cannot be used.
Report

05/29/15

Michael W.

Your formula says to choose 3 out of the 4 kings, and then two random cards from the other 49.  One of those other 49 cards is the remaining king, so the formula you gave would allow the fourth king to accidentally be picked.  That's exactly the issue.  
 
To avoid choosing the last king when we pick the last two cards in the hand, we can only choose from 48 cards in the deck...the non-kings.  That's 48-choose-2, not 49-choose-2.  
Report

05/29/15

Mark M.

Understood, thank you.
Report

05/29/15

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.