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counting and probability intermediate
Problem
How many ways are there to put 4 balls in 3 boxes if the balls are not distinguishable but the boxes are?
Solution
Since the balls are indistinguishable, we only have to consider the number of balls in the boxes. The arrangements for balls in boxes are However, since the boxes are distinguishable, we must also consider the arrangement of balls in the boxes in order.
For (4,0,0), there are different ways (box can have 4, box can have 4, or box can have 4).
For (3,1,0), there are ways: we have 3 choices for the box containing 3 balls, then 2 choices for the box containing 1 ball.
For (2,2,0) there are ways: we must choose the box which remains empty.
For (2,1,1) there are ways: we must choose the box which gets 2 balls.
This gives a total of arrangements.
For (4,0,0), there are different ways (box can have 4, box can have 4, or box can have 4).
For (3,1,0), there are ways: we have 3 choices for the box containing 3 balls, then 2 choices for the box containing 1 ball.
For (2,2,0) there are ways: we must choose the box which remains empty.
For (2,1,1) there are ways: we must choose the box which gets 2 balls.
This gives a total of arrangements.
Final answer
15