Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: (a + 2b + 3c + d)! / {a! (b!)2 (c!)3}
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This is a multiset permutation problem. We have totals of identical copies by title. The denominator multiplies factorials of each title’s multiplicity.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Number of distinct arrangements of N items with groups of indistinguishable items is N! divided by the product of factorials of each group size.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Setting b = c = 0 reduces to (a + d)! / a!, consistent with a identical copies of one title and d singletons.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options lacking (b!)^2 or (c!)^3 fail to account for indistinguishability across multiple titles of equal multiplicity.
Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that “two books with b copies each” contributes (b!)^2 and “three books with c copies each” contributes (c!)^3.
Final Answer:
(a + 2b + 3c + d)! / {a! (b!)2 (c!)3}
Discussion & Comments