Question

There are 16 people in a running race. The first 3 people to finish the race will he given prizes. How many different ways can the first, second, and third place prizes be awarded?

Answer 1

Answer : 3, 360 ways

Total number of people running the race = 16

We have three slot to be filled for first, second and third

Any person can take the first position irrespective of the arrangement

one out of the 16 people can come first

out of the 15 people remaining , one person can also come second remaining 14

out of the 14 people, one person can also come third

The number of ways the gift can be awarded = 16 x 15 x 14

The nummber of ways the prizes can be awarded = 3360 ways