Thread: Combinatorics - L preceding N

How many ways can the letters of the word PENCILS be arranged so that the L is preceding the N?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by DivideBy0

How many ways can the letters of the word PENCILS be arranged so that the L is preceding the N?

Thanks.

Half of the number of ways that can the letters of the word PENCILS be arranged

RonL

Originally Posted by CaptainBlack

Half of the number of ways that can the letters of the word PENCILS be arranged

RonL

why?

Originally Posted by Jhevon

Half of the number of ways that can the letters of the word PENCILS be arranged.
why?

In any arrangement either L comes before N or visa versa.
That is one-half for L before N.

Oh geeze, now it seems so obvious thanks.