GeminiHeat wrote:
In a 4 person race, medals are awarded to the fastest 3 runners. The first-place runner receives a gold medal, the second-place runner receives a silver medal, and the third-place runner receives a bronze medal. In the event of a tie, the tied runners receive the same color medal. (For example, if there is a two-way tie for first-place, the top two runners receive gold medals, the next-fastest runner receives a silver medal, and no bronze medal is awarded). Assuming that exactly three medals are awarded, and that the three medal winners stand together with their medals to form a victory circle, how many different victory circles are possible?
A. 24
B. 52
C. 96
D. 144
E. 648
Possible combinations:
GGG = \(^4C_3 = 4\)
GGS = \((^4C_2)(^2C_1) = 12\)
GSS = \((^4C_1)(^3C_2) = 12\)
GSB = \((^4C_1)(^3C_1)(^2C_1) = 24\)
So, a total of 52 victory circles
Hence, option B