The California Mathematics Content Standards -Grade8 9 10 11 12
Algebra II
Standard
19. Students use combinations and
permutations to compute
probabilities.
Skills (Note: none listed for science standards)
Teacher Strategy
To tell whether students understand the difference
between a permutation and a combination give
them a collection of objects and ask them if it is
a permutation or combination.Work various
problems that involve using the permutation or
combination formula.(See Standard #18.)
Student Tasks or Scientific Investigation/Experimentation
Give students a standard deck of cards (52)and
ask them to determine the number of different 5
card hands that can be drawn from them.Give students five large numbers and ask them to
determine how many a)Two digit numbers can
be made if all digits can be repeated.b)None
of the digits are repeated.Have students repeat the problem using a three-
digit number.
Assessment or Scientific Application/Assessment
Use various situation problems involving
permutations and combinations.How many ways can 4 algebra books,3
chemistry books,and 5 history books be
arranged on a shelf if the books are ordered
according to subject?Find the total number of diagonals that can be
drawn in a decagon.Explain the difference between a combination
and a permutation.
Resources and Technology
Resource:Family Math by Stenmark,Thompson and Cossey,Regents,University of California, 1986. Have students work standard problems such as 10P3 or 5C2 using the factorial key on their calculator.
This page is taken from the Santa Clara Office of Education.