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counting and probability intermediate
Problem
In a press conference before the All-Star Game, eight All-Stars will be taking questions. Three are Cubs, three are Red Sox, and two are Yankees. If teammates insist on sitting together, how many ways can the eight All-Stars be seated in a row?
Solution
We first think of the Cubs forming a single block, denoted C, the Red Sox forming a single block R, and the Yankees forming a single block Y. Then there are ways to arrange the three blocks in a row: Within each block, there are ways to arrange the Cubs, ways to arrange the Red Sox, and ways to arrange the Yankees. Therefore, there are ways to seat all eight All-Stars.
Final answer
432