GCSE Mathematics (9-1)

2.4 The product rule for counting — Practise with help

Try each question first. Open a hint if needed, then check the full working.

Warm-up: remember

  1. Work out 6×86\times8.
  2. How many outcomes are in this list: AB, AC, BA, BC?
Answers
  1. 4848.
  2. Four outcomes.

Practise with help

1. A menu has 4 sandwiches and 3 drinks. How many sandwich-and-drink combinations are possible?

Hint

Each sandwich can pair with each drink.

Next step

There are 4 choices at the first stage and 3 at the second.

Full working

4×3=124\times3=12 combinations.

2. How many three-digit codes can be made from digits 0 to 5 if repetition is allowed?

Hint

Count choices for each position. Zero is allowed in the first position because this is a code.

Next step

Each position has 6 choices.

Full working

6×6×6=2166\times6\times6=216 codes.

3. A two-digit number uses different digits chosen from 1 to 5. How many numbers are possible?

Hint

After choosing the tens digit, count the remaining choices.

Next step

There are 5 choices first and 4 choices second.

Full working

5×4=205\times4=20 numbers.

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