How many distinct arrangements of the letters in “ARMOUR” are possible? (R appears twice; other letters are distinct.)
Aptitude
Permutation and Combination
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
A360
-
B540
-
C720
-
D300
Answer
Correct Answer: 360
Explanation
Introduction / Context:When letters repeat, divide the total permutations by factorials of the multiplicities. “ARMOUR” has 6 letters with R repeated twice.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Total letters = 6; multiplicities: R × 2; A,M,O,U each × 1.
Concept / Approach:Use 6! / 2! for the two indistinguishable R’s.
Step-by-Step Solution:
6! / 2! = 720 / 2 = 360.Verification / Alternative check:Any attempt to treat both R’s as distinct would double-count each arrangement.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:720 ignores repeated R; 540 and 300 do not correspond to the correct division.
Common Pitfalls:Forgetting to divide by 2! for the duplicated letter.
Final Answer:360