Expert: Sherry Wallin - 8/26/2009

Question
I've tried to answer this problem over and over again, but I can't seem to come that close. Here it is:

If 10 sprinters are running a 200 meter dash, how many different ways can the 1st, 2nd, and third prizes be awarded?

Answer
Molly~
    You have 10 sprinters, so how many of the 10 can attain 3rd place? (hopefully you say any one of the 10 sprinters). Now if 1 of the 10 comes in third place then there are 9 sprinters left to try for 2nd place, correct? and so then you have only 8 sprinters left to come in first place so your answer for the number of ways 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes can be awarded is 10*9*8 = 720 ways.

Math Prof