Notes from Toppers

Permutation and Combination - Detailed Notes

1. Fundamental Principles:

  • Permutation: An arrangement of objects in a definite order.
    • Formula: $$nPr = n! / (n - r)!$$
  • Combination: A selection of objects without regard to order.
    • Formula: $$nCr = n! / (r!(n - r)!) $$
  • Factorial: The product of all positive integers up to a given number.
    • Formula: $$n! = n \times (n-1) \times (n-2) \times \dots \times 2 \times 1$$

2. Counting Techniques:

  • Permutation Formula (nPr): If there are n objects arranged in a specific order, then there are nPr possible permutations of those objects.
  • Combination Formula (nCr): If there are n objects and we want to select r objects, then there are nCr possible combinations of those objects.
  • Permutation with Repetition: If there are n objects and each object can be repeated any number of times, then there are n^r possible permutations of those objects.
  • Combination with Repetition: If there are n objects and each object can be repeated any number of times, then there are (n+r-1)Cr possible combinations of those objects.
  • Circular Permutation and Combination: If there are n objects arranged in a circle, then there are (n-1)! possible circular permutations of those objects. Similarly, there are (n-1)Cr possible circular combinations of those objects.

3. Applications in Probability

  • Permutations and combinations can be used to calculate the probability of an event occurring.
  • The probability of an event is the ratio of the number of favorable outcomes to the total number of possible outcomes.

4. Derangements

  • A derangement is a permutation in which no element remains in its original position.
  • The number of derangements of n objects can be calculated using the formula: $$ D_n = n! - n \cdot (n-1)! $$

5. Inclusion-Exclusion Principle

  • The inclusion-exclusion principle is a counting technique that allows for the calculation of the number of elements in a set by including and then excluding certain subsets.
  • The principle states that; if A and B are two finite sets, then $$|A \cup B| = |A| + |B| - |A \cap B|$$

6. Ordered and Unordered Arrangements

  • An ordered arrangement is an arrangement in which the order of the elements matters.
  • An unordered arrangement is an arrangement in which the order of the elements does not matter.
  • For n elements, there are n factorial (n!) ordered arrangements and n-1 factorial (n-1)! unordered arrangements.

7. Applications in Geometry and Algebra

  • Permutations and combinations can be used to solve various problems geometry and algebra.
  • For example, they can be used to determine the number of different ways in which a set of points can be arranged in a plane or the number of solutions of a system of linear equations.

8. Mathematical Reasoning and Problem Solving

  • Permutations and combinations require strong mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
  • To excel in this topic, it is important to develop the ability to analyze and solve complex counting problems.

9. Formulae and Identities

  • There are a number of important formulae and identities related to permutations and combinations.
  • It is important to memorize these formulae and be able to apply them efficiently.

10. Advanced Concepts

  • Advanced concepts in permutations and combinations include generating functions, recurrence relations, and the pigeonhole principle.
  • These concepts can be used to solve more challenging counting problems.

Reference:

  • NCERT Maths Textbook for Class 11 and Class 12