In how many ways can 15 people be seated around two round tables with seating capacities of 7 and 8 people?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → $\frac{15!}{8!}×6!$
Let the two round tables be distinct, with seating capacities 7 and 8.
Step 1: Choose people
- Choose 7 people out of 15 for the 7-seater table:
$\begin{pmatrix}15\\7\end{pmatrix}$
Step 2: Arrange them around round tables
- 7 people around a round table: $(7-1)! = 6!$
- 8 people around a round table: $(8-1)! = 7!$
Total number of ways
$\begin{pmatrix}15\\7\end{pmatrix} \times 6! \times 7!$
$= \frac{15!}{7!8!} \times 6! \times 7! = \frac{15! \times 6!}{8!}$