# Math Help - Calculating probable configurations

1. ## Calculating probable configurations

I was looking to find a formula for calculating configuration probability.

I need to find out how to calculate what the multiple configurations could be for a 5 position application.

Heres an image to help me describe what I am talking about:

2. Originally Posted by 40b1t
I was looking to find a formula for calculating configuration probability.

I need to find out how to calculate what the multiple configurations could be for a 5 position application.

Heres an image to help me describe what I am talking about:

Is this not the same as the number of binary 5-bit numbers?

CB

3. ## binary 5-bit numbers?

Im not sure about that CB. I have not looked into that aspect of this problem.

The actual problem stems from a mechanical device that receives imput through the five pins depicted in the image. The device will generate different output based on the configuration of the pin imput received.

4. Originally Posted by 40b1t
Im not sure about that CB. I have not looked into that aspect of this problem.

The actual problem stems from a mechanical device that receives imput through the five pins depicted in the image. The device will generate different output based on the configuration of the pin imput received.
$2^5=32$

CB

5. ## Formula Question

CB,

If the answer is 2 to the 5th power; $2^5=32$

Then is it possible for you to explain, how this formula was / is decided?

Also according to that formula and my image created by research, I am apparantly missing a combination. I am failing to see another combination.
Do you see one or is the formula not correct for this scenario?

40b1t

6. Originally Posted by 40b1t
CB,

If the answer is 2 to the 5th power; $2^5=32$

Then is it possible for you to explain, how this formula was / is decided?

Also according to that formula and my image created by research, I am apparantly missing a combination. I am failing to see another combination.
Do you see one or is the formula not correct for this scenario?

40b1t
All empty

CB

7. Originally Posted by CaptainBlack
All empty

CB

Is there any articles you could possibly point me to that can answer the questions?

40b1t

8. Originally Posted by 40b1t

Is there any articles you could possibly point me to that can answer the questions?

40b1t
No all five circles are empty

CB

9. ## All Empty

Wow, I didnt even think of that one as being relevant.

Given the situation, the device is an I/O, its buttons are in the normaly open position. It receives the imput from an applied source that has pins. According to the pin configuration, the related buttons are pushed down and the triggered circuits are closed and an output occurs in relation to the source applied.

Thus, an all open ( empty ) configuration didnt even cross my mind. Never the less you are absolutely right. As far as all possible configurations are considered "all empty" is a relevant configuration. Thank you very much.

Lastly what decides this formula? I have a few other similar situations that I could use some explanation, as to coming up with a formula on my own in the future.

Better yet maby, what category of mathematics does this scenario fall under?

40b1t

10. Originally Posted by 40b1t
Wow, I didnt even think of that one as being relevant.

Given the situation, the device is an I/O, its buttons are in the normaly open position. It receives the imput from an applied source that has pins. According to the pin configuration, the related buttons are pushed down and the triggered circuits are closed and an output occurs in relation to the source applied.

Thus, an all open ( empty ) configuration didnt even cross my mind. Never the less you are absolutely right. As far as all possible configurations are considered "all empty" is a relevant configuration. Thank you very much.

Lastly what decides this formula? I have a few other similar situations that I could use some explanation, as to coming up with a formula on my own in the future.

Better yet maby, what category of mathematics does this scenario fall under?

40b1t
Each position can be in either of two states, so with $n$ positions there are $2^n$ possible configurations ( $2$ for each position).

I suppose this is part of discrete maths

CB