Combinatorics Flashcards

1
Q

What does enumerating possibilities mean?

A

It means to determine how many possible outcomes can occur.

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2
Q

What are 3 components for the general framework for enumerating possibilities?

A
  1. Grouping 2. Permutation 3. Combination
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3
Q

What is combinatorics?

A

The method for determining the number of ways something can occur.

(the branch of math dealting with the study of finite or discrete objects.)

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4
Q

Why study combinatorics in psychology?

A
  1. Experimental design
  2. Probability theory – know the numbers of events for various outcomes to compute probabilities.
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5
Q

What is a probability?

A

The ratio (proportion of a specific event can occur divided by the total number of event occurrences.)

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6
Q

In other words what is a probability?

A

The total number of possible events (given some constraint–reference set–) out of the total number of events that are possible.

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7
Q

In order to compute a probability what do we need to do?

How is this done?

A

We need to figure out how many outcomes are possible.

Through enumeration i.e. counting

grouping

permutations

combinations

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8
Q

What is coutning rule 1?

A

n(n‐1)(n‐2)(n‐3)…1

which can be written as:

n!

so…

n(n‐1)(n‐2)(n‐3)…1 = n!

Where n = the number of objects that need to be arranged.

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9
Q

What does the first counting rule do?

A

IT tells us the NUMBER OF WAYS objects can be arranged in ORDER.

ORDER MATTERS.

EACH OBJECT IS COUNTED.

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10
Q

If ORDER MATTERS then which counting rule do you use?

How is it expressed?

A

Counting rule #1

n!

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11
Q

For which counting rule are items removed?

A

The first counting rule.

That is why they decrease each factor.

i.e. n(n-1)(n-2) etc until you reach 1

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12
Q

Which counting rule do you use if an item is not removed?

A

Counting rule #2

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13
Q

Does ORDER MATTER for counting rule #2?

What is a simple example of counting rule #2?

How is expressed?

A

YES.

A six-sided die is rolled 3 times how many possible outcomes are there?

6*6*6

Expressed as kn

k= the number of categories of events

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14
Q

What is counting rule #3 and how is different from counting rule #2?

A

Counting rule #3 is a generalization of #2 and it basically states that every k may have a different number of possible dimensions (k).

In counting rule #2 the number of dimensions remain the same.

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15
Q

Does ORDER MATTER for counting rule #3?

A

ABSOLUTELY.

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16
Q

Are items removed from the set for counting rule #3?

A

No. Each trial (k) has one event that occurs and one item is removed and then one moves onto the next trial (k)– that contains different dimensions.

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17
Q

What is a general framework for enumerating possibilities?

A

n (objects from a total pool)

r (a subset of n that is smaller and defined by some characteristic) r<=n

we place the objects into containers

18
Q

What are some characteristics of containers (k)?

A

The can be considered invidual trials

k containers can contain a single object or multiple objects

k containers can be eitehr distinguishable i.e. labled or indistinguishable–the same

19
Q

What are the three different types of counting problems?

And what are all of these types trying to do?

A

enumerate possibiltiies

grouping

permutation

combination

20
Q

What are the unique aspects of grouping?

A

All objects are selected. (r=n)

all objects are mutually distinguishable – i.e. different like race horses finishing a race or ingredients on a sandwhich

all objects are assigned to specific containers (trials) (k)

such that all containers contain objects (k>0)

21
Q

Does ORDER MATTER for grouping formulas?

A

ABSOLUTELY

22
Q

What is the general grouping formula?

A

Otherwise stated:

Counting rule #1

divided by the factoring of each sub group (r)

(each small r1 r2 rk) is a seperate container (trial)

23
Q

Why is a permutation considered a special type of grouping?

A

This is where:

n=r=k

each object goes into one and only one labled container

this equals counting rule #1

n!

24
Q

Are objects replaced with permutations?

A

No way.

That is why they decrease in number similar to counting rule #1.

25
Q

Does order matter with permutations?

A

ABSOLUTELY.

26
Q

Alternatively how can we note a permutation?

A
27
Q

What is a more general formula of permutations and when is it used?

A

This occurs when you have n>r

this is used when you have more objects (n) and they are placed in a smaller number of containers (k)

example: horse races

28
Q

How is the general permutation formula expressed?

A
29
Q

Does order matter for the general permutation formula?

A

ABSOLUTELY.

30
Q

How do you do permutation with repitition?

A

It is just the same as counting rule #2

nr

essentially whatever your sampling you are putting back each time to be sampled again and again for each event (container)

31
Q

Are distinguishable permutations groupings?

Why?

A

Absolutely.

Because ORDER MATTERS.

32
Q

What are indisnguishable permutations?

A

Combinations.

33
Q

What is so IMPORTANT about combinations?

A

order DOES NOT MATTER

34
Q

Which contains more possibilities, combinations or permutations?

A

permutations

Order matters and therefore duplicates such as

A1A2 does not equal A2A1

and therefore each counts as a unique combination.

If it was a combination then

A1A2 equals A2A1

35
Q

So is combination a special type of grouping?

A

Yes, one where we are not concerned with the ordering of objects.

36
Q

What is the combination formula and how is it noted?

A
37
Q

With combinations is the number of objects selected i.e. taken the same as the objects left behind?

A

Yes.

38
Q

How do you a combination with repititon?

What does this mean?

A

This means that objects can be repeated (and are either infinite in number or are replaced (put back) but the order of the objects DOES NOT MATTER.

39
Q

What is an example of a combination with repetition?

A
Assume there are ten different types of
donuts (n) on the menu and you want to
purchase three (r) donuts; of course you could
get all glazed if you wanted to.

How many different combinations of donuts could you purchase?

40
Q
A