# Math Help - Distributing different objects

1. ## Distributing different objects

Hi Guys,

I need a little help with this problem.

In how many ways can 10 different books be distributed among 20 people if each person can get any number of books.

I can do 10 books among 20 people, 1 each, but the condition with any number of books is confusing me. How should I proceed?

Thanks for your help.

2. Originally Posted by mathguy80
Hi Guys,

I need a little help with this problem.

In how many ways can 10 different books be distributed among 20 people if each person can get any number of books.

I can do 10 books among 20 people, 1 each, but the condition with any number of books is confusing me. How should I proceed?

Thanks for your help.
The first book can go to any of the 20 people. Similary for the second, third, ... and tenth books.

The number of ways is $20\times20\times ...\ (10\ times)=20^{10}$.

3. Originally Posted by alexmahone
The first book can go to any of the 20 people. Similary for the second, third, ... and tenth books.

The number of ways is $20\times20\times ...\ (10\ times)=20^{10}$.
Thanks @alexmahone. That checks out.