# Combinatorics ## Fundamental Counting Principle If task 1 can be done in $m$ ways and task 2 in $n$ ways: - Sequential (AND): $m \times n$ ways - Choice (OR): $m + n$ ways ## Permutations - $n$ objects, arrange $r$: $P(n,r) = \frac{n!}{(n-r)!}$ - All $n$ objects: $n!$ - With repetition: $\frac{n!}{n_1! n_2! \cdots n_k!}$ - Circular permutation: $(n-1)!$ ## Combinations - $\binom{n}{r} = \frac{n!}{r!(n-r)!}$ - $\binom{n}{r} = \binom{n}{n-r}$ - $\binom{n}{0} = \binom{n}{n} = 1$ - $\binom{n}{r} + \binom{n}{r+1} = \binom{n+1}{r+1}$ (Pascal's identity) ## Inclusion-Exclusion Principle $|A_1 \cup A_2 \cup \cdots \cup A_n| = \sum|A_i| - \sum|A_i \cap A_j| + \sum|A_i \cap A_j \cap A_k| - \cdots$ ## Stars and Bars - Non-negative integer solutions to $x_1 + x_2 + \cdots + x_r = n$: $\binom{n+r-1}{r-1}$ - Positive integer solutions: $\binom{n-1}{r-1}$ ## Derangements Number of permutations with no fixed points: $D_n = n! \sum_{k=0}^{n} \frac{(-1)^k}{k!}$ ## JEE Tips - "Arrange" → Permutation (order matters) - "Select/Choose" → Combination (order doesn't matter) - For identical objects, use combinations with repetition - Distribution of identical objects into distinct boxes: Stars and Bars