Permutation denotes ways of arranging items or objects in a definite order.

Linear Permutation
- permutation of n different objects taken all together

If there are n items to be arranged all at a time, and none of these items are repeated, the number of permutations is computed by taking n! (n factorial). The formula is as follows:
n

Pn = n!

where: P = permutation n( left) = total number of items n(right) = number of items taken at a time n! = n factorial

Suppose the three letters xyz are arranged such that all three letters are taken at a time. The total number of ways by which they can be arranged is

3P3

= 3!

If there are n items taken r at a time with no item is repeated, the number of permutations is computed by using the formula below:
n

Pr =

n! (n-r)!

where: P = permutation n = total number of items r = number of items taken at a time n! = n factorial

Suppose the letters x,y and z be taken two at a time. The possible arrangement is as follows:
xy xz yz yx zx zy

Solution:

nPr = n! (n-r)! 3P2 = 3! = 3.2.1 (3-2)! 1!

=6

In how many ways can 3 different prizes be awarded among 8 people if no person is to receive more than one prize?
Solution:
8

P = ___8!___ = _8!_ (8 3)! 5! P = 336

3 3

Distinguishable Permutation / Permutation of Identical Objects

If there are n items taken all at a time but when some of the items are repeated the formula is as follows:

P=

n! n ! n !...n !
1 2 k

! P = permutation n! = n factorial n subscript = total number of items n1! n2!... nk! = number of times each item is repeated

Suppose the word STATISTICS is arranged. Hence, n1 (S) = 3; n2 (T) = 3; n3 (A) =1; n4 (I) =2; n5 (C) =1
Solution:
P= n! n1! n2!...nk!

10! 3!3!1!2!1! = 10.9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1. 3.2.1.3.2.1.1.2.1.1 = 3 628 800 72 P = 50 400

P=

In how many ways may 12 flags be arranged if 4 are red, 3 are blue and 5 are white?
Solution:

P=

n! n1! n2!...nk!
! !!!

P = 27,720

Circular Permutation
- is a special type of permutation where the objects are arranged in a circular pattern.

Six guests were invited

by Mr. and Mrs. Bernardo to dinner. They are to be all seated around a circular table. How many ways can they be seated?

. When 8 people (hosts plus the guests) are placed in a line, there are 8! or 40,320 arrangements of the 8 people taken 8 at a time. However, when they are

arranged in a circle, some of the arrangements are alike. These arrangements fall into groups of eight, each of which can be found by turning the circle. Thus, the number of really different arrangements around a circle is 1/8 of the total arrangements in a line.

8! = 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 = 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 = 7! or (8 1)!

There are (8 1)! arrangements of 8 persons in a circle. If n objects are arranged in a circle, then there

! are (n 1)! permutations of the n objects around

the circle.

PC = (n 1)!
where: PC = circular permutation n = number of objects

In how many ways can eight different colored beads be made into a bracelet?
Solution:

Pc = (8-1)! = 7! Pc = 5,040

1. Fives wires need to be connected to a machine, but the mechanic forgot the order. How many different orders are possible for connecting these wires?

2. Using the digits 3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9, how many four-digit numbers can be written if no digits can be repeated?

3. Janice would like to arrange 5 red, 3 white and 2 green beads in a row. How many ways can she do it? 4. How many distinct permutations can be formed from the word PHILIPPINES?

5. In how many ways can you sit 10 people on a round table a. If there are no restrictions? b. If two particular persons want to sit next to each other?