Math Forums @ Math Goodies - SAT Math Question

testing header

Math Goodies is a free math help portal for students, teachers, and parents.

| More

Interactive Math Goodies Software

Math Forums @ Math Goodies

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Homework Help Forums

Standardized Test Preparation Help

SAT Math Question

New Topic

Reply to Topic

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Haven
Senior Member

USA
28 Posts

Posted - 09/19/2008 : 19:59:52

I need to know how to find the answer to the following question.

If 5 cards with the letters "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E" are placed in a row so that "A" is never at either end, how many different arrangements are possible?

Any help in regard to describing the math concept this problem involves would also be greatly appreciated.

skeeter
Advanced Member

USA
5634 Posts

Posted - 09/19/2008 : 20:25:11

hope I reasoned it out correctly ... see if this makes sense.

out of 5 cards ...

4 possible choices for one end card, leaving 3 possible choices for the remaining end card. that leaves 3*2*1 choices for the "middle" cards.

how's 4*3*3*2*1 = 72 possible combinations sound?

Haven
Senior Member

USA
28 Posts

Posted - 09/20/2008 : 16:49:08

Thank You Very Much Skeeter.

Topic