Four boys and three girls are at a playground.
- ((a))
In one of their games, all seven of them have to stand in a straight line.
- ((i))
If all the girls are separated, find the number of ways in which this can be done.
- ((ii))
If all the boys are to be together, find the number of ways in which this can be done.
- ((i))
- ((b))
In another game, only six of them can play at a time and the six players have to stand in a circle with all the girls separated. Find the number of ways in which this can be done.
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Worked solution
6((a))((i))
1. Arrange the boys and identify the number of available spaces for the girls.
First, we arrange the boys in a straight line. The number of ways to do this is:
This arrangement creates available spaces (between the boys and at the two ends) where the girls can be placed so that no two girls are together:
2. Arrange the girls into the spaces and calculate the total number of ways.
We then choose of these spaces for the girls to stand in. The number of ways to arrange the girls is:
Using the multiplication principle, the total number of ways the children can stand such that all girls are separated is:
6((a))((ii))
1. Treat the boys as a single block and find the number of ways to arrange this block along with the girls.
By treating the boys as single block, we have girls block entities to arrange in a line.
2. Find the number of ways to arrange the boys within their block, and compute the total number of arrangements.
The boys can be arranged among themselves within the block in ways.
6((b))
1. Determine the number of ways for Case 1: 3 boys and 3 girls play.
Case 1: The chosen players are 3 boys and 3 girls.
Number of ways to select the players = .
To ensure all the girls are separated, we arrange the 3 boys in a circle first.
Number of ways to arrange the boys = .
The boys create 3 distinct spaces between them. The 3 girls must be placed in these spaces.
Number of ways to arrange the girls = .
Number of ways for Case 1 = .
2. Determine the number of ways for Case 2: 4 boys and 2 girls play.
Case 2: The chosen players are 4 boys and 2 girls.
Number of ways to select the players = .
To ensure the girls are separated, we arrange the 4 boys in a circle first.
Number of ways to arrange the boys = .
The boys create 4 distinct spaces between them. The 2 girls must be placed in 2 of these spaces.
Number of ways to arrange the girls = .
Number of ways for Case 2 = .
3. Sum the outcomes of both cases to find the total number of ways.
Since these are the only two possible cases to choose 6 players from the 7 children, we sum the results.
Total number of ways = .
AI analysis — may contain mistakes.
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