Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 20!
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
For n distinct people around one round table, rotations are considered identical, so the number of seatings is (n−1)!.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Fix one person's seat to break rotational symmetry; arrange the remaining n−1 people linearly.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Seatings = (21−1)! = 20!.
Verification / Alternative check:
If reflections were also identified (rare for seating), dihedral reduction would apply; but typical seating problems use pure circular equivalence.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
19! and 18! correspond to incorrectly subtracting more symmetries; “Couldn’t be determined” is incorrect given the standard model.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing bracelets (with flips) and round seating (orientation matters, flips distinct).
Final Answer:
20!
Discussion & Comments