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Permutations and Combinations appeared 40 times across 3 years — 4.6% of Mathematics. This question is from Permutations under Restrictions.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 13 19 8 40

The number of different 5 digit numbers greater than 50000 that can be formed using the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, such that the sum of their first and last digits should not be more than 8, is

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula

For a 5-digit number, total permutations with repetition allowed for n digits is given by:

Total Cases = d₁ × d₂ × d₃ × d₄ × d₅
Core Logic

We need 5-digit numbers greater than 50000 using digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 under the restriction d₁ + d₅ ≤ 8.

Let's analyze the pairs (d₁, d₅) where d₁ in 5, 6, 7: Case I: d₁ = 5 ⇒ d₅ in 0, 1, 2, 3 (4 options) Case II: d₁ = 6 ⇒ d₅ in 0, 1, 2 (3 options) Case III: d₁ = 7 ⇒ d₅ in 0, 1 (2 options)

Total choices for the first and last digits combined = 4 + 3 + 2 = 9 pairs.

Step 1: Calculating Intermediate Choices

The middle three digits (d₂, d₃, d₄) have no restrictions and can each be chosen from any of the 8 available digits.

Number of ways = 9 × (8 × 8 × 8) = 4608
Step 2: Subtracting Boundary Conditions

Since the question specifies numbers strictly greater than 50000, we must check if 50000 is included in our count. For d₁=5 and d₅=0, setting d₂=d₃=d₄=0 gives exactly 50000, which is included in the 4608 count.

Total numbers = 4608 - 1 = 4607
Pattern Recognition

Always look carefully at edge constraints like "greater than". Counting the number 50000 explicitly avoids typical off-by-one errors.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Maths: Permutations and Combinations

More Permutations and Combinations Previous-Year Questions — Page 8

Q22 jee_main_2024_29_jan_morning Dictionary Rank of a Word
All the letters of the word "GTWENTY" are written in all possible ways with or without meaning and these words are written as in a dictionary. The serial number of the word "GTWENTY" is
Numerical Answer. Answer: 553 to 553

Solution

Related Formula
Permutations of n objects with p identical elements = (n!)/(p!)
Core Logic

Alphabetize the letters in the word "GTWENTY": E, G, N, T, T, W, Y. We calculate the number of permutations that alphabetically precede "GTWENTY" by exhaustively scanning dictionary prefixes.

Step 1: Calculate Block Combinations
  • Words starting with 'E':
  • Remaining letters {G, N, T, T, W, Y}. We have 6 letters with 'T' repeating twice. Permutations = (6!)/(2!) = (720)/(2) = 360.

  • Words starting with 'G': This locks the first letter. Next alphabetical letter is 'E'.
  • Starting with 'GE':
  • Remaining {N, T, T, W, Y}. 5 letters, 'T' repeating. Permutations = (5!)/(2!) = (120)/(2) = 60.

  • Starting with 'GN':
  • Remaining {E, T, T, W, Y}. 5 letters, 'T' repeating. Permutations = (5!)/(2!) = 60.

  • Starting with 'GT': This locks the second letter as well. We iterate through the remaining sorted pool {E, N, T, W, Y}.
  • -- Starting with 'GTE': Remaining {N, T, W, Y}. No repetitions. Permutations = 4! = 24.

    -- Starting with 'GTN': Remaining {E, T, W, Y}. No repetitions. Permutations = 4! = 24.

    -- Starting with 'GTT': Remaining {E, N, W, Y}. No repetitions. Permutations = 4! = 24.

    -- Starting with 'GTW': This locks the third letter. Iterate through {E, N, T, Y}.

Step 2: Trace Remaining Exact String

We are now tracking the prefix 'GTW'. The remaining letters alphabetically are E, N, T, Y. The target word is precisely built out of these letters in exact alphabetical order: E, then N, then T, then Y. This means "GTWENTY" is the very first word in the 'GTW' block. So, it adds exactly 1 to the count.

Step 3: Sum the Permutations

Total serial number = 360 + 60 + 60 + 24 + 24 + 24 + 1 = 553.

Pattern Recognition

When calculating dictionary rank with repeating letters, remember to divide by p! only when the repeating letter is roaming freely in the available blanks. If a repeating letter is 'locked' as the current prefix, it no longer acts as a repeater for the remaining slots.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Mathematics: Permutations and Combinations

Q26 jee_main_2024_30_january_evening Selection of Objects
In an examination of Mathematics paper, there are 20 questions of equal marks and the question paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. A student is required to attempt total 15 questions taking at least 4 questions from each section. If section A has 8 questions, section B has 6 questions and section C has 6 questions, then the total number of ways a student can select 15 questions is
Numerical Answer. Answer: 11376 to 11376

Solution

Related Formula
Combinations: ⁿCᵣ = (n!)/(r!(n-r)!)
Core Logic

Total Questions = 20 (A: 8, B: 6, C: 6). Total to attempt = 15. Minimum required from each section = 4.

Base attempt gives: 4 (from A) + 4 (from B) + 4 (from C) = 12 questions. We have to distribute the remaining 15 - 12 = 3 questions across the sections A, B, and C. Let the additional questions picked be x, y, z for sections A, B, C respectively. Then x + y + z = 3, with constraints based on the maximum questions per section: A max extra = 8 - 4 = 4 ⇒ x ≤ 4 B max extra = 6 - 4 = 2 ⇒ y ≤ 2 C max extra = 6 - 4 = 2 ⇒ z ≤ 2

Step 1: Identifying Valid Selection Cases

The possible sets of (x, y, z) are: Case 1: (1, 1, 1) ⇒ Total picks: A(5), B(5), C(5) Case 2: (2, 1, 0) and its permutations (respecting constraints). Valid permutations:

  • A gets 2, B gets 1, C gets 0 ⇒ A(6), B(5), C(4)
  • A gets 2, C gets 1, B gets 0 ⇒ A(6), B(4), C(5)
  • B gets 2, A gets 1, C gets 0 ⇒ A(5), B(6), C(4)
  • C gets 2, A gets 1, B gets 0 ⇒ A(5), B(4), C(6)
  • (Note: B(2), C(1) or C(2), B(1) are not allowed if it forces A to take 0, wait, A gets 0 means A(4). A is allowed to have 4.) Let's check permutations of (2, 1, 0):

  • A(4), B(6), C(5) [x=0, y=2, z=1]
  • A(4), B(5), C(6) [x=0, y=1, z=2]
  • Case 3: (3, 0, 0) and permutations. Since y ≤ 2 and z ≤ 2, only x can be 3. So, x=3, y=0, z=0 ⇒ A(7), B(4), C(4).

Step 2: Calculating Combinations per Case

Let's list all valid final section breakdowns (A, B, C):

  • (5, 5, 5) ⇒ ⁸C₅ · ⁶C₅ · ⁶C₅ = 56 · 6 · 6 = 2016
  • (6, 5, 4) ⇒ ⁸C₆ · ⁶C₅ · ⁶C₄ = 28 · 6 · 15 = 2520
  • (6, 4, 5) ⇒ ⁸C₆ · ⁶C₄ · ⁶C₅ = 28 · 15 · 6 = 2520
  • (5, 6, 4) ⇒ ⁸C₅ · ⁶C₆ · ⁶C₄ = 56 · 1 · 15 = 840
  • (5, 4, 6) ⇒ ⁸C₅ · ⁶C₄ · ⁶C₆ = 56 · 15 · 1 = 840
  • (4, 6, 5) ⇒ ⁸C₄ · ⁶C₆ · ⁶C₅ = 70 · 1 · 6 = 420
  • (4, 5, 6) ⇒ ⁸C₄ · ⁶C₅ · ⁶C₆ = 70 · 6 · 1 = 420
  • (7, 4, 4) ⇒ ⁸C₇ · ⁶C₄ · ⁶C₄ = 8 · 15 · 15 = 1800
Step 3: Summing the Total Ways

Total ways = 2016 + 2520 + 2520 + 840 + 840 + 420 + 420 + 1800 Total ways = 2016 + 5040 + 1680 + 840 + 1800 = 11376

Pattern Recognition

Combinatorial distribution with rigid lower bounds is solved by shifting the baseline. Allocate the minimums immediately (4+4+4=12), then distribute the remaining items via casework ensuring upper capacities aren't breached.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Maths: Permutations and Combinations

Q1 jee_main_2024_31_jan_evening Distribution of Identical Objects
The number of ways in which 21 identical apples can be distributed among three children such that each child gets at least 2 apples, is
  • A. 406
  • B. 130
  • C. 142
  • D. 136

Solution

Related Formula
Ways to distribute n identical objects among r persons = n+r-1Cᵣ₋₁
Core Logic

First, distribute 2 apples to each of the 3 children to satisfy the minimum requirement. Remaining apples = 21 - 3 × 2 = 15. Now distribute the remaining 15 identical apples among the 3 children without restrictions.

Number of ways = ¹⁵⁺³⁻¹C₃₋₁ = ¹⁷C₂ = (17 × 16)/(2) = 136
Pattern Recognition

Beggar's Method: For x₁+x₂+ +xᵣ = n with xᵢ ≥ k, pre-allocate k to each and apply standard distribution formula on remainder.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Maths: Permutations and Combinations

Q17 jee_main_2024_31_jan_evening Combinations and Permutations Formula
If for some m, n; ⁶Cm + 2(⁶Cm+1) + ⁶Cm+2 > ⁸C₃ and ⁿ⁻¹P₃ : ⁿP₄ = 1:8, then ⁿPm+1 + ⁿ⁺¹Cm is equal to
  • A. 380
  • B. 376
  • C. 384
  • D. 372

Solution

Related Formula
ⁿCᵣ + ⁿCᵣ₋₁ = ⁿ⁺¹Cᵣ
Core Logic

Simplify the binomial combination:

⁶Cm + 2(⁶Cm+1) + ⁶Cm+2 = (⁶Cm + ⁶Cm+1) + (⁶Cm+1 + ⁶Cm+2)

Using Pascal's rule, this becomes:

⁷Cm+1 + ⁷Cm+2 = ⁸Cm+2

Given condition: ⁸Cm+2 > ⁸C₃ = 56. For N=8, the central combinations yield the maximum value: ⁸C₄ = 70. Others like ⁸C₅ = 56, which is not strictly greater than 56. So m + 2 = 4 m = 2.

Solve the permutations ratio:

ⁿ⁻¹P₃ⁿP₄ = (1)/(8) ((n-1)(n-2)(n-3))/(n(n-1)(n-2)(n-3)) = (1)/(8) (1)/(n) = (1)/(8) n = 8

Calculate the target expression:

ⁿPm+1 + ⁿ⁺¹Cm = ⁸P₃ + ⁹C₂ = (8 × 7 × 6) + (9 × 8)/(2) = 336 + 36 = 372
Pattern Recognition

Binomial coefficient reduction using Pascal's triangle quickly collapses expanded nCr sums.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Maths: Permutations and Combinations

Q23 jee_main_2024_31_jan_morning Word Formation
The total number of words (with or without meaning) that can be formed out of the letters of the word 'DISTRIBUTION' taken four at a time, is equal to
Numerical Answer. Answer: 3734 to 3734

Solution

Core Logic

Letters in 'DISTRIBUTION': I(3), T(2), D, S, R, B, U, O, N. There are 9 distinct letters.

Step 1: Case Analysis

Case 1: 3 alike, 1 distinct Selection: Choose the letter 'I' (¹C₁) and 1 from the remaining 8 distinct letters (⁸C₁). Arrangement: ⁸C₁ × (4!)/(3!) = 8 × 4 = 32.

Case 2: 2 alike of one kind, 2 alike of another kind Since only 'I' and 'T' appear at least twice, we must choose both. Arrangement: ²C₂ × (4!)/(2!2!) = 1 × 6 = 6.

Step 2: Further Cases

Case 3: 2 alike, 2 distinct Selection: Choose 1 from the 2 repeated sets (²C₁) and 2 from the remaining 8 distinct letters (⁸C₂). Arrangement: ²C₁ × ⁸C₂ × (4!)/(2!) = 2 × 28 × 12 = 672.

Case 4: All 4 distinct Selection: Choose 4 from the 9 distinct letters (⁹C₄). Arrangement: ⁹C₄ × 4! = 126 × 24 = 3024.

Step 3: Total Words

Total = 3024 + 672 + 6 + 32 = 3734.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Maths: Permutations and Combinations

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