10

Mathematics
Quarter 3 – Module 1:
Permutations
Mathematics – Grade 10
Quarter 3 – Module 1: Permutations
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Arlene Z. Rivera
Editor:
Reviewer: Emery Aquino
Layout Artist: Arlene Z. Rivera and Emery Aquino
Management Team:
Josephine L. Fadul – Schools Division Superintendent
Melanie P. Estacio - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Christine C. Bagacay – Chief – Curriculum Implementation Division
Maria Fe D. Sibuan – Education Program Supervisor – Mathematics
Lorna C. Ragos - Education Program Supervisor
Learning Resources Management

Inilimbag sa Pilipinas ng __________________________________________

Department of Education – Region XI
Office Address: F. Torres St., Davao City
Telefax: (082) 291-1665; (082) 221-6147
E-mail Address: regionxi@deped.gov.ph * lrms.regionxi@deped.gov.ph
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Mathematics
Quarter 3 – Module 1:
Permutations
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our
dear learners, can continue your studies and learn while at
home. Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and
discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each
lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide
you step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson
prepared for you.
Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on
lessons in each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on
completing this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or
your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson.
At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to
self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each
activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher
are also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and
reminders on how they can best help you on your home-based
learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks
on any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in
answering the exercises and tests. And read the instructions
carefully before performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in
answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult
your teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.

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 Let Us Learn!

In this module, you will apply the key concepts of permutations in

which arrangement or order is important. It is here to help you use
mathematical ideas in solving real-life problems or in making conclusions
and decisions.

This module has two lessons:

• Lesson 1: Permutations
• Lesson 2: Solving Problems Involving Permutations

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Illustrate the permutation of objects.

(M10SP-IIIa-1)

2. Calculate the permutation of n objects taken r at a time.

3. Solve problems involving permutations.

(M10SP-IIIb-1)

1
Lesson

1 Permutations

Let Us Try!

Let us find out how much you already know about the topic for today.
Solve for what is asked in each item and choose the answer among the
choices.

1. Which illustrates permutation?

a. Choosing 5 questions to answer out of 10.
b. Matching shirts and pants
c. Forming a committee of Brigada Volunteers
d. Forming plate numbers of vehicles

2. Evaluate P(5,2)?
a. 5 b. 10 c. 15 d. 20

3. If P(n,3) = 210, what is n?

a. 5 b. 6 c. 7 d. 8

4. If P(6,r) = 360, then r = ____.

a. 3 b. 4 c. 5 d. 6

5. Find the permutation of 4 objects taken 2 at a time.

a. 12 b. 16 c. 20 d. 24

Let Us Study
Study the illustrative examples below on how to evaluate factorials
as pre-requisite skill in evaluating permutations of n objects taken r at a
time.

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Factorial Notation
For any positive integer n,
n! = n (n – 1)(n – 2) … (3)(2)(1)
You multiply together the descending whole numbers from “n” until 1.
By convention 0! = 1

Examples:
1: 3 ! = 3 x 2 x 1 Start with the number 3, and count
down until you reach 1. Then multiply
=6 those numbers to get the answer.

2. 5! = 5x4x3x2x1 = 120 Start with the number 5, and count

down until you reach 1. Then
multiply those numbers to get the
answer.
3. 3! x 2!
For easy solving, you
=3x2x1 x 2x1 may cancel common
numbers found both
= 6 x2 in the numerator and
= 12 in the denominator.

6 x5 x 4 x3x 2 x1
4. 6! ÷ 3! = = 120
3x 2 x1

How did you find the given illustrative examples on factorials? Are
you ready to learn about permutations? How can permutations help in
solving real-life problems or in making conclusions and decisions? You
will find out in the next lesson. Before doing these activities, read and
understand first some important notes on permutations particularly in
calculating the permutation of n objects taken r at a time.

Permutation
Study the task below and identify which situations are orders or
arrangement important.

1. Choosing 4 questions to answer out of 6.

2. Assigning seats to guests
3. Determining the top three winners in a contest
4. Entering the PIN of ATM card

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 5. Picking 2 balls out of 5 balls from a box
6. Matching blouses and skirts
7. Forming plate numbers of vehicles
8. Forming a committee of 3 members from 10 people
In the activity that you have just done, situations 2, 3, 4, and 7 are
examples of permutations in which order of arrangements are important.

The next activity will provide you illustrative examples that will improve
your skills in calculating the number of permutations of n objects taken r at
a time? Read the concept and study the given examples:

The permutation of n objects taken r at a time is denoted by P (n,r).

𝑛!
P (n,r) = (𝑛−𝑟)!
, n ≥ r.

Examples:

4! 4! 4 x3 x 2 x1
1. P (4,4) = = = = 24
( 4 − 4)! 0! 1 For easy solving,
you may cancel
4! 4! 4 x3 x 2 x1 common numbers
2. P (4,1) = = = =4 found both in the
( 4 − 1)! 3! 3 x 2 x1
numerator and in
the denominator.
5! 5! 5 x 4 x3 x 2 x1
3. P (5,3) = = = = 60 Example:
(5 − 3)! 2! 2 x1
4 x3x 2 x1
=4
5! 5! 5 x 4 x3 x 2 x1 3x 2 x1
4. P (5,5) = = = = 120
(5 − 5)! 0! 1

5! 5! 5 x 4 x3 x 2 x1
5. P (5,1) = = = =5
(5 − 1! 4! 4 x3 x 2 x1

Based on the given examples:

• Permutation of n objects taken all at a time is P (n,n) = n!
• Permutation of n objects taken one at a time is P (n,1) = n

Remember:
• The expression denoted by n! (read as n factorial)
• The number of arrangements or permutations P or any
distinct objects is given by P = n!
• Define 0! =1

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 Take a look at the given examples where the values of n and r are
missing.

Examples:

Solve for the unknown in each item.

1. P ( 6,r) = 120

Solution 1 :
𝑛!
P (n,r) = (𝑛−𝑟)!
, n ≥ r. Use the Permutation
Formula

6!
P (6,r) = (6−𝑟)!
Input the value of n which is
6

6∙5∙4∙3∙2∙1
120 = (6−𝑟)!
Input the value of P (6,r)
which is 120 and simplify 6!

720
120 = (6−𝑟)!

720 Multiply (6-r)!/120 to both

(6-r)! = sides of the equation
120

(6-r)! =6 Divide 720 by 120

Now, try to think the basic factorial numbers

1! = 1
2! = 2
3! = 6
Since (6-r)! = 6 and 3! = 6, hence 6-r must equal to 3

6-r = 3 Solve for r

r=3

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 Solution 2:
Use Trial and Error Method where the possible values of r must
be equal or less than n.
Since n = 6, therefore possible values of r are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Try r = 2:

𝑛!
P (n,r) = (𝑛−𝑟)!
, n ≥ r.

6!
P (6,2) = (6−2)!

6!
=
4!

6∙5∙4∙3∙2∙1
=
4∙3∙2∙1

P (6,2) = 30

Since P(6,2) = 30 and not equal to 120. Therefore, r ≠ 2.

Try r = 3:

𝑛!
P (n,r) = (𝑛−𝑟)!
, n ≥ r.

6!
P (6,3) = (6−3)!

6!
=
3!

6∙5∙4∙3∙2∙1
=
3∙2∙1

P (6,3) = 120

Since P(6,3) = 120 Therefore the value of r = 3

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 2. P (n,2) = 56

Solution 1 :

𝑛!
P (n,r) = (𝑛−𝑟)!
, n ≥ r. Use the Permutation Formula

𝑛(𝑛−1)(𝑛−2)!
P (n,2) = (𝑛−2)!
Simplify the expression by
expanding the n! up to (n-2)!,
then cancel the common
expression which is (n-2)!

Input 56 as the value of P(n,2)

56 = n(n-1)

Express the equation into

n2 –n – 56 = 0 quadratic form and solve for n

(n-8)(n+7) = 0 Solve for n using factoring

n =8 and n=-7

Since we are calculating for permutations, there can be no negative

values. Hence the value of n = 8.

Solution 2:
Use Trial and Error Method where the possible values of n must be
equal or greater than r.
Since r = 2, therefore possible values of n are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,…

Try n = 9
𝑛!
P (n,r) = (𝑛−𝑟)!
, n ≥ r.

9!
P (9,2) = (9−2)!
9!
=
7!
9∙8∙7∙6∙5∙4∙3∙2∙1
=
7∙6∙5∙4∙3∙2∙1
P (9,2) = 72

Since P(9,2) = 72 and not equal to 56. Therefore, n ≠ 9.

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Try n = 8
𝑛!
P (n,r) = (𝑛−𝑟)!
, n ≥ r.

8!
P (8,2) = (8−2)!

8!
=
6!

8∙7∙6∙5∙4∙3∙2∙1
=
6∙5∙4∙3∙2∙1

P (8,2) = 56

Since P(8,2) = 56 Therefore the value of n = 8

Let Us Practice

A. Perform the given activity to apply your understanding on factorial.

Activity: WHAT’S THE MESSAGE?

Determine the value of the factorial inside the heart and write its
corresponding word in the answer box that corresponds to its value for you
to find the message.

B. Calculate the permutation of the following using the formula below

𝑛!
P ( n,r) =(𝑛−𝑟)!

1. P(4, 3)
2. P(6, 5)

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 3. P (6, 6)
4. P( 7, 4)
5. P( 10, 5)

Let Us Practice More

Very good! You made it this far. Let us continue rolling!

Answer the activity below.

Activity : WHO IS HE?

A Filipino inventor who created the PC chipset and the Windows

Graphics accelerator chip which can be found in every personal
computer today.

For you to know this person, solve for the unknown in each item
found in the table. Then look for your answers in the Code Key and write the
letter corresponding to your answer on the boxes above the item numbers in
the table that follow. The letters you correctly formed will answer the given
trivia question.

ITEM FIND THE UNKNOWN CODE KEY

NO.
1. P (3,1)= ? T -6
2. P ( 3,3) = ? O -1
3. P (5, 4) = ? P - 360
4. P (6,2) = ? B -3
5. P (6,4) = ? S -8
6. P (?, 4) = 24 I -2
7. P (?,1) = 8 N -4
8. P (7,?) = 7 A - 30
9. P (7,?) = 42 D - 120

3 9 8 7 3 4 3 8 5 1 4 6 4 2 4 8

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 Let Us Remember

Remarkable! Now, let us gather what we have learned.

Below is the generalization/summary of the concepts involved in

this lesson. Fill in the missing word / letter / number.

➢ _________________ is an arrangement of item in a particular

order.
➢ The permutation of __ objects taken ___ at a time is denoted by
P (n,r).
𝑛!
P (n,r) = (_____)!
, n ≥ r.

where:

P = ___________________________
n= ___________________________
r = ___________________________

➢ P (n,n) = _____
➢ P (n,1) = _____

Let Us Assess

Answer the questions below. This serves as your evaluation.

1. Which illustrates permutation?

a. Choosing 5 questions to answer out of 10.
b. Determining the top five winners in a Math Quiz Bee.
c. Picking 3 balls out of 9 balls from a box
d. Selecting 4 questions to answer out of 8 questions in a quiz

3. Evaluate P(8,2)?
a. 56 b. 60 c. 66 d. 70

4. If P(n,3) =120 , what is n?

a. 5 b. 6 c. 7 d. 8

5. If P(7,r) = 840, then r = ____.

a. 3 b. 4 c. 5 d. 6

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 6. Find the permutation of 7 objects taken 3 at a time.
a. 170 b. 180 c. 200 d. 210

Let Us Enhance

Answer the problems below. This serves as enrichment activity.

1. If x = P(6,6), y = P(7,2) and z = P(8,3), arrange x, y and z from smallest

to greatest.
a. x, y, z c. y, z, x
b. y, x, z d. z, y, x

2. If P(n,r) = 2520, which of the following are possible values of n and r?

a. n = 7, r=5 c. n = 9, r=5
b. n = 8, r=4 d. n = 10, r=7

Let Us Reflect

In this lesson, permutation was discussed including its real life

situations in which the arrangement or order is important. This lesson
provided you with opportunities to identify situations that describe
permutations and calculate the permutation of n objects taken r at a time.
Now that you have learned the basic knowledge about permutation, let us
deepen your understanding by applying the concept of permutation to solve
real-life problems.

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Lesson
Solving Problems
2 Involving Permutations

Let Us Try!

Let us find out how much you already know about the topic for today.
Solve for what is asked in each item and choose the answer among the
choices.

1. In how many ways can 6 students arrange themselves in a row for

picture taking?
a. 36 b. 72 c. 360 d. 720

2. How many different 4-digit numbers can be formed from the digits 2,
5, 7, 8, 10 if repetition of digits is not allowed?
a. 100 b. 120 c. 140 d. 160

3. Five students are participating in a race. In how many ways can the
first three prizes be won?
a. 60 b. 65 c. 70 d. 75

4. How many distinguishable permutations are possible with all the

letters of the word MISSION?
a. 260 b. 620 c. 1260 d. 1620

5. In how many ways can six people be seated around a circular table?
a. 36 b. 64 c. 120 d. 720

Let Us Study

Study the illustrative examples below on how to solve problems

applying the concept of Fundamental Counting Principle as pre-requisite
skill in solving problems involving permutations.

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Fundamental Counting Principle (FCP)

Suppose there are m ways for an event or action to occur, n ways for a
second to occur independently of the first, and p ways for a third to occur
independently of the first two. Then, the total number of ways for the three
events/ actions to occur in succession is m x n x p.

EXAMPLE 1:

Given the three digits 1, 4 and 5 how many 3-digit numbers can you
form if

a. no digit is repeated

Solutions:

By Tree Diagram

By Listing :

145 415 514

154 451 541

By FCP:

By using the Fundamental Counting Principle (FCP) which states that

when there are m ways to do one thing, n ways to the other thing and p
ways to do another, then there are m x n x p ways of doing both.

3 choices 2 choices 1 choice

This illustrates given the 3
digit number without
repetition.

By FCP, there will be 3 x 2 x 1 = 6 different numbers that can be

formed if no digit is repeated.

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b. If any digit may be used more than once.

This illustrates given the 3

Solution using FCP: digit number when repetition
3 choices 3 choices 3 choices of digit is allowed.

Therefore, there will be 3 x 3 x 3 = 27 different numbers that can be

formed if any digit may be used more than once.

Example 2:

You decide to get popcorn at a movie theatre. The popcorn comes in regular,
large, jumbo sizes and has a choice whether buttered or cheese. How many
possible choices for your popcorn.

Solution:

Using Tree diagram.

Size Flavor Possible Outcomes

Using FCP:

You have two choices:

the size and the flavor of the popcorn.

3 sizes and 2 flavors

3X2=6

Therefore, there are 6 possible choices of popcorn.

How did you find the given illustrative examples on Fundamental

Counting Principle? Are you ready to learn solving problems involving
permutations? How can permutations help in solving real-life
problems or in making conclusions and decisions? You will find out in
this lesson.
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Permutations

Study the illustrative examples below on how to solve word problems

involving permutations.

Example 1:

1. Four friends Ana, Bea, Cora and Dina want to sit in a row at the
school library. If there are only three seats available, in how many
ways they can they be seated?

Solutions:

By Listing:

Ana, Bea, Cora Bea, Ana, Cora Cora, Ana, Bea Dina, Ana, Cora
Ana, Bea, Dina Bea, Ana, Dina Cora, Ana, Dina Dina, Ana, Bea
Ana, Cora, Bea Bea, Cora, Ana Cora, Bea, Ana Dina, Bea, Ana
Ana, Cora, Dina Bea, Cora, Dina Cora, Bea, Dina Dina, Bea, Cora
Ana, Dina, Cora Bea, Dina, Ana Cora, Dina, Ana Dina, Cora, Ana
Ana, Dina, Bea Bea, Dina Cora Cora, Dina, Bea Dina, Cora, Bea

There are 24 ways

By using FCP:

4choices 3 choices 2 choices

For the 1st seat, we After seating the 1st After seating the 2nd
have a choice of any person, we have a person, only 2
of the 4 friends. choice of any of the friends left to choose
remaining 3 friends.
for the 3rd seat.

By FCP, there will be 4 x 3 x 2 = 24 ways

Using the Formula of Permutation:

Permutation of 4 students taken 3 at a time

𝑛! n=4 refers to 4 students

P (n,r) = , n ≥ r.
(𝑛−𝑟)!
r=3 refers to 3 seats
where: n= 4 and r=3

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 4!
P(4, 3) = (4−3)!
4!
=
1!
4𝑥3𝑥2𝑥1
=
1
= 24 ways

Example 2:
In how many ways can a president, a treasurer and a secretary be
chosen from among five candidates?

By using FCP: For the 1st position,

there are 5 possible
5 choices 4 choices 3 choices choices. After that
candidate is chosen,
there are 4 possible
choices. Then, there are
There will be 5 x 4 x 3 = 60 ways 3 possible choices.

Using the Formula of Permutation:

Permutation of 6 candidates taken 3 at a time

𝑛! For easy solving, you may cancel

P (n,r) = , n ≥ r.
(𝑛−𝑟)! common factorials found both
in the numerator and in the
here: n= 5 and r=3
denominator.

5!
P(5, 3) = (5−3)!
5!
=
2!
5𝑥4𝑥3𝑥2!
=
2!

=5x4x3

= 60 ways

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Distinguishable Permutations

For a set of n objects where p objects are alike, q objects are alike, r
objects are alike, and so on, and the number of distinguishable permutation
P is

𝒏!
P=
𝒑!𝒒!𝒓!…

Example 1:

How many distinguishable permutations can be formed from the word

“SUCCESS”?

Solution:
The word “SUCCESS” has 7 letters with 3 S’s , 2 C’s, 1 U and 1 E

𝑛!
P=
𝑝!𝑞!𝑟!…
7!
=
3!2!
7𝑥6𝑥5𝑥4𝑥3!
=
3!𝑥2𝑥1
= 420 permutations

Example 2:

Find the number of distinguishable permutations of the digits of the

number 535 315 100

Solution:

535 315 100 has 9 digits with 3 – 5’s , 2-3’s, 2 – 1’s and 2 – 0’s

𝑛!
P=
𝑝!𝑞!𝑟!…

9!
=
3!2!2!2!

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 9𝑥8𝑥7𝑥6𝑥5𝑥4𝑥3!
=
3!𝑥2𝑥1𝑥2𝑥1𝑥2𝑥1

= 7,560 permutations

Circular Permutations

The permutation of n objects arranged in a circle is

P = (n - 1)!

Example 1:

How many ways can 3 young ladies be seated in a round table?

Solution:

P = (n – 1)! where n = 3
= (3-1)!
= 2!
=2x1
P = 2 ways
Example 2:

In how many ways can 5 different colors of pot of flowers be arranged

in a round garden?

Solution:

P = (n – 1)! where n = 5

= (5-1)!

= 4!

=4x3x2x1
P = 24 ways

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 Let Us Practice

Read and analyze the given situations and fill in the needed data
represented by a question mark to solve for what is asked in the problem.

1. In how many different ways can 5 cars be parked if there are 8

available parking spaces?

8!
P ( 8, ?) =
(8−?)!

8!
=
?!
8𝑥7𝑥6𝑥5𝑥4𝑥3𝑥2𝑥1
=
?

= ?

2. In how many different ways can you arrange all the 6 books on a
shelf?

?!
P( ?, 6) =
(?−6)!
6!
=
!
?
=
?
= ?

3. How many distinguishable permutations can be formed from the word

“ABSCISSA”?

8!
P=
?! 3!

8𝑥7𝑥6𝑥5𝑥4𝑥3!
=
?

= ?
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4. Suppose there are 7 colored plates on a round table, in how many
ways can these colored plates be arranged?

N= ( ? – 1 )!

= ?!
= ?
= ?

Let Us Practice More

Solve the following problems.

1. In how many different ways can 4 motorcycles be parked if there are 7

available parking spaces?

2. Find the number of permutations in the word “STATISTICS”.

3. In how many ways can 10 different colored toy houses be arranged in

a merry-go-round?

Let Us Remember

Awesome! Now, let us gather what we have learned.

Below is the generalization/summary of the concepts involved in

this lesson. Fill in the missing word / letter.

• A _____________________ is a mathematical technique that

determines the number of possible arrangements in a set when the
order of the arrangement matters.
• The permutation of n objects taken r at a time is
𝑛!
P (__, __) =
(___−__)!

• The number of distinguishable permutations P of n objects where p

objects are alike, q objects are alike, r objects are alike, and so
on is

20
 __!
P=
__!__!__!…

• The permutation of n objects arranged in a circle is

P =_______ !

Let Us Assess
Answer the questions below. This serves as your evaluation.

1. In how many ways can 7 students arrange themselves in a row for

picture taking?
a. 120 b. 720 c. 5 040 d. 40 320

2. How many different 3-digit numbers can be formed from the digits 1,
2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 if repetition of digits is not allowed?
a. 36 b. 72 c. 120 d. 150

3. Eight schools qualify for the MTAP Division Finals. In how many
possible ways can they be arranged as first, second and third placers?
a. 80 b. 120 c. 150 d. 336

4. Find the number of permutations of the word COCONUT.

a. 720 b. 1 260 c. 2 520 d. 40 320
5. In how many ways can nine people be seated around a circular table?
a. 720 b. 1 260 c. 2 520 d. 40 320

Let Us Enhance

Answer the problems below. This serves as enrichment activity.

1. There are 4 different Mathematics books and 3 different Science

books. In how many ways can the books be arranged on a shelf if
books must be placed alternately?

2. Em found out that she has 10 bills in her wallet, 4 are one thousand-
peso bills, 3 are five hundred-peso bills and 3 are one hundred-peso
bills. How many permutations are there?

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3. Find the number of different ways that a group of 6 can be seated
around a circular table with 6 chairs.

Let Us Reflect

This lesson discussed about permutations and their applications

in real life. You were given the opportunity to perform useful activities to
further understand the topic and solve related real-life problems. You
applied your knowledge on how the concept of permutation helps in
solving real-life problems and in formulating conclusions and making
wise decisions. Your understanding of this lesson, combined with other
previously learned Mathematics concepts will help you understand the
next lesson which is on combination.

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Answer Key to Activities

Lesson 1:

23
Lesson 2:

24
 References

Callanta et. al. (2015). Mathematics Grade 10 Learner’s Module (First

Edition).Pasig City, Philippines: Rex Bookstore

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Para samgakatanungan o puna, sumulat o tumawagsa:

Department of Education – Region XI (DepEd- XI)

F. Torres St., Davao City

Telefax: (082) 291-1665; (082) 221-6147

Email Address: regionxi@deped.gov.ph * lrms.regionxi@deped.gov.ph

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