Ordering objects

Question

In how many different ways can 5 different colored flags be hoisted on a mast?

Answer 1

Hi Chris;

 

Here are the positions on a mast...

 

_____   _____   _____  _____  _____

 

 

When you hoist these on the mast, you first have a selection of 5...

 

5 X ____  X  ____  x ____ X_____

 

Then, you have 4 to select from...

 

5 x 4 x ____  x  ____ x ____

 

Then, you have 3 to select from...

 

5 x 4 x 3 x ____ x ____

 

Then, you have 2 to select from...

 

5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x ____

 

Then, you have 1...

 

5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1

 

=120 different ways 5 different colored flags can be hoisted on a mast.

 

Thank you.