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#1 2012-01-23 00:47:15
- BlitzBall
- Member
- Registered: 2012-01-07
- Posts: 92
Puzzled with combinations and permutations.
I understand the methods and differences. But, when I look at the questions, I can't determine whether order matters or not 
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#2 2012-01-23 00:49:25
- anonimnystefy
- Real Member
- From: Harlan's World
- Registered: 2011-05-23
- Posts: 16,049
Re: Puzzled with combinations and permutations.
hi Blitzball
in some cases,the "order matters"-ness of a problem will be specified.in others,just use common sense.
do you have a particular problem that's been bothering you?
Here lies the reader who will never open this book. He is forever dead.
Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most. ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment
The knowledge of some things as a function of age is a delta function.
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#3 2012-01-23 01:02:07
- BlitzBall
- Member
- Registered: 2012-01-07
- Posts: 92
Re: Puzzled with combinations and permutations.
Ohh. I guess most of it's common sense. I'll let you guys know if i get stuck on something in this topic.
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#4 2012-01-23 01:31:26
- bobbym
- bumpkin
- From: Bumpkinland
- Registered: 2009-04-12
- Posts: 109,606
Re: Puzzled with combinations and permutations.
Hi BlitzBall;
That is a problem that everyone has. Sometimes even experienced problem solvers make mistakes. Experience will eliminate alot of them but not all.
If they say arrangements you are dealing with a permutation and order matters. When they say selction then it is a combination and order does not.
One more thing, you will be pleased to know that I am considered to be the best Combinatoricist on the planet! Not Earth of course, the other planet. Post your problems.
In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.
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