Alex has 14 bulbs to make a string of holiday lights. How many distinct arrangements can he make if
he has 3 red bulbs, 4 green bulbs, 2 blue bulbs, and 5 yellow bulbs?

Respuesta :

We have "9 sockets choose 3" for the 3 red lights. That's (9C3) ways.

After screwing in those 3 red bulbs, there remain only 6 open sockets.

We have "6 sockets choose 4" for the 4 yellow lights. That's (6C4) ways.

After screwing in those 4 red bulbs, there remain only 2 open sockets.

We have "2 sockets choose 2" for the blue lights. That's (2C2) = 1 way.

After screwing in those 2 bulbs, all the sockets have a bulb in them.

Answer (9C3)(6C4)(2C2) = 1260.