BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

★★★★★5.0559 reviews
GMATBootcamp Starts Sep 21
Chris Peckover, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE BOOTCAMP

Live Online Bootcamp Class with Top GMAT Expert Chris Peckover

Sep 21 to Oct 9, 2026

Schedule
Mon to Fri · 7:00 to 10:00 PM ET
Included
Live classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Boost your GMAT score in less than one month in a live online class
  • 6 months access to TTP OnDemand video courses included
View bootcamp & enroll
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeach 5 seats left
Logan Thompson
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Sep 6 to Dec 6, 2026

with Logan Thompson

Schedule
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll
Limited cohort · enrollment openTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemand Start anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions

Compare the format, schedule, and included access before enrolling. Prices and seat counts shown reflect the supplied offer details.

Permutation and combination help needed.

Expert replies
by r_walid » Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:13 pm
Hi guys,
I am in a need for someone to explain to me when to use permutation, combination, and when to simply multiply events together.

for example, some problems' solution requires that we multiply the number of possibilities together ("if there are 3 diff. drinks and 7 diff pizza, how many different combinations can a kid pick if he will pick one of each?" the answer is simply 7*3).
but then there are problems that require permutation or combination. When do we use them and why?
and then there are problems where we need to divide 2 combinations together like the problem below:

From a bag containing 4 white and 5 black balls a man draws three at random what is the probability of these being all black. Answer is 5C3 / 9C3

why is it the case in this latter example? why is it just not a simple combination problem? why do we need to divide 2 combinations ?
Thanks for your help.
Join the discussion
Source: — Problem Solving |

by welcome » Thu Jan 22, 2009 2:33 pm
Please read this doc. I hope it will help.
Attachments
prob.doc
(55.5 KiB) Downloaded 116 times
Shubham.
590 >> 630 >> 640 >> 610 >> 600 >> 640 >> 590 >> 640 >> 590 >> 590
Join the discussion

by r_walid » Thu Jan 22, 2009 3:37 pm
Thanks but the document didn't help me much. for example, it didn't dweel deep into the permutation and combination but rather mentions it in the last paragraph with 1 example or 2. I was hoping to find something much more detailed.
I'm hoping if someone can help me figure out the last problem i stated in my original post above regarding the division of the 2 combinations.

Thank you
Join the discussion

by aroon7 » Thu Jan 22, 2009 7:06 pm
for the second problem, there is a simpler way

P(first ball is black)* P(second ball is black)*P(thrid ball is black)

= (5/9)(4/8)(3/7) = 15/126
--------------------------
i am back!
Join the discussion