how many ways can a,b,c,d be seated in a row of 4 chairs (no repeats)
P(4,1) = 4! = 24
To calculate the number of ways that a, b, c, and d can be seated in a row of 4 chairs without repeats, we can use the concept of permutations.
A permutation is an arrangement of objects in a specific order. In this case, we want to find the number of permutations of 4 chairs for 4 people.
To solve this problem, we start with the first chair and consider the number of choices we have for it. We have 4 people to choose from, so there are 4 possibilities for the first chair.
Next, we move to the second chair. Once the first person is seated, there are 3 remaining people to choose from for the second chair.
Similarly, for the third chair, once the first two people are seated, there are 2 remaining choices.
Finally, for the fourth chair, after the first three people are seated, there is only 1 choice left.
To calculate the total number of permutations, we multiply the number of choices at each step:
4 choices for the first chair * 3 choices for the second chair * 2 choices for the third chair * 1 choice for the fourth chair
Therefore, there are 4 * 3 * 2 * 1 = 24 different ways that a, b, c, and d can be seated in the row of 4 chairs without repeats.