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Difficulty: 3/102022 NMTC 2022 (QII-31)

In 3 fingers, the number of ways four rings can be worn is ... ways.

Guide / Hint

Hint 1: For each ring, count how many fingers are available as options.

Hint 2: Since there are 4 independent rings and 3 fingers, each ring has exactly 3 choices.

Hint 3: Multiply the choices: .

Solution

Step 1 (Formulate Independent Choices): We want to distribute 4 rings among 3 fingers. Each ring can be placed on any of the 3 fingers independently of the others.

Step 2 (Apply Choices):

  • Ring 1 can be worn in: 3 ways (Finger 1, 2, or 3)

  • Ring 2 can be worn in: 3 ways

  • Ring 3 can be worn in: 3 ways

  • Ring 4 can be worn in: 3 ways

Step 3 (Calculate Product): Using the product rule of counting, the total number of ways is:

Step 4 (Conclusion): The rings can be worn in exactly 81 different ways.

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    2022 NMTC 2022 QII-31 - Olympiad Math Olympiad Question | Leminno