Can someone help figure out how to solve this equation? Thank you!
There 20 people competing in a contest if first place earns $100, second place earns $50 and third place earns $25, How many ways can the three winners be selected?
We will use the binomial coefficient formula to work out the answer
The formula is given by: [tex]^nC_r= \left(\begin{array}{ccc}n\\r\end{array}\right)= \frac{n!}{(n-r)!r!} [/tex] Where: 'n' is the total population or sample population 'r' is the number of pick
We have: n = 20 r = 3 Substitute these values into the formula we have [tex]^{20}C_3= \frac{20!}{(20-3)!3!}=1140 [/tex]
Answer: There are 1140 different ways of picking three winners out of 20 people
