Re: Word Problem
The difference between combinations and permutations is rather order matters or not.
In a permutation order matters. In a combination order does not matter.
For instance, a common misnomer is a 'combination' lock. When you want to open a combination lock you have to enter the
numbers in the correct order. It should be called a 'permutation' lock.
Suppose the numbers to open a combination lock were 2 12 34 5 9
If it were truly a combination lock, then you could enter them in any order and it would open.
But a permutation is when order matters, so we have to enter them in that order.
See now a little better?.