1. Lesson 1

1.1. Discover

Mathematics 30-2 Module 3

Module 3: Permutations, Combinations, and the Fundamental Counting Principle

 

Discover
 

When you solved probability problems in Module 2, you had to know the total number of possible outcomes in order to determine the probability of an event. In some cases, the total number of outcomes was obvious, as in the number of cards in a deck or the number of faces on a cube. In other cases, determining the number of outcomes was more difficult.

 

This is an image of Louie’s Bistro menu. It lists the choices of salads, entrees, and desserts that customers can choose.

© StarJumper/19751364/Fotolia

Try This 1

 

Louie’s Bistro offers a special three-course meal for $20.00. You have a choice of 2 salads—mixed or Caesar—and a choice of 4 entrées: chili, club sandwich, roasted chicken, or grilled fish. Finally, for dessert, you may choose a brownie, a cupcake, or a piece of cheesecake.

 

How many different three-course meals are possible?

 

course folder Save your responses in your course folder.

 

Share 1

 

With a partner or in a group, discuss whether there is a more efficient way for determining the number of meals rather than writing out all possible meal combinations.

 

course folder If required, save a copy of your discussion in your course folder.

One method to solve this problem is to write out all the possible meals. For example, mixed salad with chili and a cupcake would be one meal. You may decide on another appropriate strategy that you like better.