Question
Question: If\[{\rm{\;}}{{\rm{P}}_{\rm{n}}}\]denotes the number of n-letter words which can be formed using all...
IfPndenotes the number of n-letter words which can be formed using all letters of the word “GOOGLE” under the condition that no two consecutive letters are identical. Then the value of Pn−1Pnis (where unlimited supply of each letter of the above word is given)-
A.4
B.5
C.3
D.A number greater than 25
Solution
Here we have to use the concept of the permutation to form an n letter word with five letters in the word “GOOGLE”. So here firstly we have to see how many distinct letters are there to make a word as no two consecutive letters are identical. Then we have to apply the formula of permutation to find out the number of n letter words that can be formed. Then similarly finding the number of n−1 letter words that can be formed. Then by dividing them, we will get the required ratio.
Formula used:
Number of permutations of n things, taken r at a time, denoted by nPr=(n−r)!n!
Complete step-by-step answer:
The given word is “GOOGLE” whole letters are used to form words. So, there are only 4 distinct letters available for the formation of the words i.e. G, O, L, E.
The words that are formed is subjected to a condition of no two consecutive letters are identical. So, for the first letter of the word we have a choice of 4 letters but for all the remaining letters of the word we will have a choice of 3 letters.
So number of ways in which first letter of the word is selected=4P1=(4−1)!4!=(3)!4!=4
Now number of ways in which all the remaining letters of the word is selected =3P1=(3−1)!3!=(2)!3!=3
Here 3 is multiplied n−1 times as for the first letter is selected in 4 ways and then all the remaining n−1 letters is selected in 3 ways. Therefore, we get
Therefore, number of ways n letter words that can be formed =4×3×3×....
We can write number of ways n letter words that can be formed as =4×3(n−1)
⇒Pn=4×3(n−1)
Similarly, number of ways n−1 letter words that can be formed=4×3(n−2)
⇒Pn−1=4×3(n−2)
Now we have to find their ration, we get
⇒Pn−1Pn=4×3(n−2)4×3(n−1)=4×3(n−2)4×3(n−2)×3=3
⇒Pn−1Pn=3
Hence, option C is the correct option.
Note: Here we have to keep in mind to use the concept of permutation rather than combination. As permutations may be defined as the different ways in which a collection of items can be arranged. For example: The different ways in which the numbers 1, 2 and 3 can be grouped together, taken all at a time, are123,132,213231,312,321.
Combinations may be defined as the various ways in which objects from a set may be selected. For example: The different selections possible from the numbers 1, 2, 3 taking 2 at a time, are 12,23and31