Counting Problem - discrete math. There are three computers A, B, and C. Computer A has 10 tasks, Computer B has 15 tasks, and Computer C has 20 tasks. Each computer must complete its own tasks in order. After, each computer sends its output to a shared fourth computer. How many different orders can the outputs arrive at the fourth computer.

Pierre Holmes

Pierre Holmes

Answered question

2022-07-17

There are three computers A, B, and C. Computer A has 10 tasks, Computer B has 15 tasks, and Computer C has 20 tasks. Each computer must complete its own tasks in order. After, each computer sends its output to a shared fourth computer. How many different orders can the outputs arrive at the fourth computer.

Answer & Explanation

Ali Harper

Ali Harper

Beginner2022-07-18Added 16 answers

Step 1
This is not a permutation problem, because the order of tasks for each of the three computers is fixed; the only thing that varies is how the tasks for the three computers are interleaved. Once we know which 10 of the 10 + 15 + 20 = 45 positions in the output are occupied by A’s tasks, we know which of A’s tasks is in each of those 10 positions: they must have been done in order. Similarly, once we know which 15 positions have the output of B’s tasks, we know which of B’s tasks is in each of those positions.
Step 2
How many ways are there to choose the 10 positions in the output for A’s tasks?
Once that’s been done, how many ways are there to choose 15 of the remaining positions for B’s tasks?
At that point all 20 of the positions that still remain must be filled with C’s tasks in their proper order, so there are no more choices to be made. Putting the pieces together, how many different orders are there in which the 45 outputs can arrive at the fourth computer?

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in Discrete math

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?