Permutation
GMAT glossary · GMAT
Definition
An ordered arrangement of k items chosen from n items: P(n,k) = (n!)/((n-k)!).
Permutation in plain English
A permutation counts how many ways you can arrange things when the order matters. Picture handing out gold, silver, and bronze medals to 8 runners: who comes 1st vs 2nd is a different outcome, so 'Ann then Bob' counts separately from 'Bob then Ann.' You multiply the choices for each spot: 8 options for gold, then 7 left for silver, then 6 for bronze. The formula P(n,k) = (n!)/((n-k)!) just does that multiplication for choosing and ordering k items out of n, where n! means multiplying every whole number from n down to 1.
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