Permutations

Pn=n!P_n=n!

Result unit: — (number of arrangements)

What it describes

The number of different arrangements (orderings) of n elements.

Symbols

PnP_n
number of permutations
nn
number of elements

Where it comes from

When arranging n elements, the first position can be filled in n ways, the second in (n−1)(n-1), and so on — hence the factorial. Order matters.

When to use it

Arrangements in a row, ordering, anagrams (distinct elements).

Example

In how many ways can 4 people be arranged in a row?
Substitutionn=4n=4.
ResultP4=4!=24P_4=4!=24.

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