This is a permutations problem where we have repeats. I'm assuming that the items need to be displayed in a line, and that any two identical items can be swapped without giving a new display. There being 7 = 3 + 2 + 2 total items, there would be 7! = 7*6*5*4*3*2*1 ways of arranging them, but because of the identical items we count too many displays if we don't consider this. To account for the identical items, we divide the answer 7! by 3!, 2!, and 2! to account for each group of identical items and the number of ways we could rearrange them in their groups. So the total number of displays is 7!/(3!*2!*2!) = 210. Hope that helps!
Nancy R.
asked 05/16/18How many distinguishable displays are possible?
Window Display: a music store wants to display 3 identical keyboards, 2 identical trumpets, and 2 identical guitars in its store window
Follow
2
Add comment
More
Report
1 Expert Answer
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.