Six friends go to watch a movie. They are supposed to occupy seat numbers 51 to 56. However one of them falls sick and r

[BTGModeratorVI]

Six friends go to watch a movie. They are supposed to occupy seat numbers 51 to 56. However one of them falls sick and returns home. In how many different ways can the 5 people sit?

A. 240
B. 480
C. 600
D. 720
E. 960

Answer: D
Source: Veritas Prep

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

Six friends go to watch a movie. They are supposed to occupy seat numbers 51 to 56. However one of them falls sick and returns home. In how many different ways can the 5 people sit?

A. 240
B. 480
C. 600
D. 720
E. 960

Answer: D
Source: Veritas Prep

We must assign each of the 5 remaining friends to one of the 6 seats.
So, the 1st friend has 6 options
Next, the 2nd friend has 5 options remaining
The 3rd friend has 4 options
The 4th friend has 3 options
And 5th friend has 2 options
TOTAL number of ways to sit the 5 people = (6)(5)(4)(3)(2) = 720

Answer: D