Five people are running in a race. The first three to finish

[BTGmoderatorDC]

Five people are running in a race. The first three to finish win gift certificates. How many different groups of people could win the gift certificates?

A. 5
B. 10
C. 60
D. 120
E. 125

OA B

Source: Princeton Review

[Jay@ManhattanReview]

Five people are running in a race. The first three to finish win gift certificates. How many different groups of people could win the gift certificates?

A. 5
B. 10
C. 60
D. 120
E. 125

OA B

Source: Princeton Review

Since any 3 out of 5 can win gift certificates, the number of different groups of people could win the gift certificates = 5C3 = 5C2 = (5.4) / (1.2) = 10 groups

Though the order of first, second and third places would matter, it does not matter in winning gift certificates. For example, D being first, B being second and A being third AND B being first, A being second and D being third is a group with the same 3 people.

The correct answer: B

Hope this helps!

-Jay
_________________
Manhattan Review SAT Prep

Locations: Manhattan GMAT | Free GMAT Practice Questions | LSAT Prep Courses London | SAT Prep Courses Manhattan | and many more...

Schedule your free consultation with an experienced GMAT Prep Advisor! Click here.

[Scott@TargetTestPrep]

Five people are running in a race. The first three to finish win gift certificates. How many different groups of people could win the gift certificates?

A. 5
B. 10
C. 60
D. 120
E. 125

OA B

Source: Princeton Review

The number of groups of people who could win a gift certificate is 5C3 = (5 x 4 x 3)/3! = 10.

Answer: B