Education Technology


Let Us Count the Ways!

Activity Overview

Students evaluate expressions using permutations and combinations of data elements on the calculator. They solve problems using these counting principles.

Before the Activity

  • Understand the concept of permutations and combinations
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 141 - 142 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the activity procedures:

  • Find the number of all possible arrangements in a situation using the multiplication counting principle
  • Use the calculator to solve factorial problems
  • Use the multiplication counting principle to understand permutation and use the calculator to solve permutation problems
  • Determine the various possible arrangements of letters in a given word
  • Apply the formula for determining the number of combinations and solve problems
  • After the Activity

    Students complete the Student Activity pages.

  • Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary