Attention all mathematicians

[FN Phat]

Let's say that you have 4 groups of Nascar drivers. There are 3 drivers in group 1, 5 drivers in group 2, 5 drivers in group 3, and 5 drivers in group 4. You cannot combine any two drivers from the same group. How many combinations of drivers can there be?

Each "x" = a driver

Group 1: x x x

Group 2: x x x x x

Group 3: x x x x x

Group 4: x x x x x

I came up with 510 combinations. I am sure that is not correct, as I suck in math.

[Babs]

Let's say that you have 4 groups of Nascar drivers. There are 3 drivers in group 1, 5 drivers in group 2, 5 drivers in group 3, and 5 drivers in group 4. You cannot combine any two drivers from the same group. How many combinations of drivers can there be?

Each "x" = a driver

Group 1: x x x

Group 2: x x x x x

Group 3: x x x x x

Group 4: x x x x x

I came up with 510 combinations. I am sure that is not correct, as I suck in math.

Can you clarify:

You have a pool of 18 drivers, from which you must construct four groups -- one of three drivers, and three of five drivers?

Or you have a pool of 18 drivers assigned already to four teams (groups), from which you must construct a single set with no more than one representative from each team?

Which of those is the problem? In the case of the latter, does the end set have a minimum number of drivers?

[YOhio]

Kyle Busch would kick all their asses!!!! Joe Gibbs Racing!!!! WHOOOO!!!!!

[il Padrino Ute]

The answer is that the majority of non-NASCAR fans are only happy when said drivers combine their respective vehicles into one mass of twisted metal and if we're lucky, a great big explosion - after all drivers are safely pulled from the pile.

[Babs]

The answer is that the majority of non-NASCAR fans are only happy when said drivers combine their respective vehicles into one mass of twisted metal and if we're lucky, a great big explosion - after all drivers are safely pulled from the pile.

That's the real question: what are the odds that any of them will finish the race?

[FN Phat]

Can you clarify:

You have a pool of 18 drivers, from which you must construct four groups -- one of three drivers, and three of five drivers?

Or you have a pool of 18 drivers assigned already to four teams (groups), from which you must construct a single set with no more than one representative from each team?

Which of those is the problem? In the case of the latter, does the end set have a minimum number of drivers?

Sorry, it is the latter. The end set has a minimum of 2 drivers.

[FN Phat]

The answer is that the majority of non-NASCAR fans are only happy when said drivers combine their respective vehicles into one mass of twisted metal and if we're lucky, a great big explosion - after all drivers are safely pulled from the pile.

I agree. I am not a fan of Nascar, besides the highlights on ESPN.

[Babs]

I agree. I am not a fan of Nascar, besides the highlights on ESPN.

Jeff Gordon is cute.

[FN Phat]

Jeff Gordon is cute.

I prefer the ruggedness of Junior.

[Babs]

I prefer the ruggedness of Junior.

I bet. I get 815 on quick runthrough, but I can't guarantee it. I'd have to check with ER first.

[ERCougar]

Is there a specified size of the set? One from each group?

[Babs]

I bet. I get 815 on quick runthrough, but I can't guarantee it. I'd have to check with ER first.

I got out a pencil and now I get:

375 combinations with four drivers
350 combinations with three drivers
120 combinations with two drivers

that's 845 altogether.

[FN Phat]

Thank you. My redneck co-worker will be pleased.

[ERCougar]

I got out a pencil and now I get:

375 combinations with four drivers
350 combinations with three drivers
120 combinations with two drivers

that's 845 altogether.

Confirmed. Smarta$$.

[RobinFinderson]

I got out a pencil and now I get:

375 combinations with four drivers
350 combinations with three drivers
120 combinations with two drivers

that's 845 altogether.

Show your work.