Twelve swimmers compete in a race. In how many possible ways can the swimmers finish first, second, and third?

Question

Can you help me with this problem?

Answer 1

You are only concerned with the first three positions. 12 choices for first,11 choices for second, and 10 choices for third

12 • 11 • 10 = answer

1320 ways

Answer 2

Because we have permutations: P(12,3) = 12!/(12 - 3)! = 12!/9! = 12·11·10 = 1320