Thread: permutation and combinations

3 men and 4 women are seated at a round table. Find the number of possible arrangements if one particular woman must sit between 2 men.

My answer: (5-1)!2! but answer is 144

Originally Posted by Punch

3 men and 4 women are seated at a round table. Find the number of possible arrangements if one particular woman must sit between 2 men.

My answer: (5-1)!2! but answer is 144

Since table is round answer is :

Originally Posted by princeps

Since table is round answer is :

Yes, the answer is right but I dont understand why it is 6x4

In addition, what is wrong with 4!2!? I don't see how it is wrong...

Originally Posted by Punch

Yes, the answer is right but I dont understand why it is 6x4

Actually correct formula is :

Originally Posted by princeps

Actually correct formula is :

I see, I understand the 4! part, but I still dont get the 3!/(3-2)! part.

Originally Posted by Punch

I see, I understand the 4! part, but I still dont get the 3!/(3-2)! part.

That part represents number of permutations with no repetition .

You have 3 men and 2 seats . Do you understand now ?

Originally Posted by princeps

That part represents number of permutations with no repetition .

You have 3 men and 2 seats . Do you understand now ?

So there are 3 men vying for 2 seats, but I still dont understand how it is worked out

Originally Posted by Punch

So there are 3 men vying for 2 seats, but I still dont understand how it is worked out

There are three ways to select the two men who will sit on either side of that woman. There are two ways the seat those three. That gives six. Put that group at the table. Now there are 4! ways to seat the other four.

Originally Posted by princeps

That part represents number of permutations with no repetition .

You have 3 men and 2 seats . Do you understand now ?

So that is 3P2 whereby 2 man are selected to sit beside the woman. Why is there no 4C1 included to select 1 woman from the 4 to sit in between the men?

Which gives, (choose 2men from 3)*(permute the 2men)*(choose 1 woman from 4)*(Permute in a circle)=3C2*2!*4C1*4!=576

Hello, Punch!

3 men and 4 women are seated at a round table.
Find the number of possible arrangements
if one particular woman must sit between 2 men.

Since we have a round table, that woman can sit anywhere.

She will be flanked by two men.
There are 3 choices for the man on her right, 2 choices for the man on her left.

The remaining 4 people (one man, 3 women) can be seated in ways.


Therefore, there are: . arrangements.