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Example 2 from Algebra and Trigonometry, 13.5 Counting Principles
Using the Multiplication Principle
Diane packed 2 skirts, 4 blouses, and a sweater for her business trip. She will need to choose a skirt and a blouse for each outfit and decide whether to wear the sweater. Use the Multiplication Principle to find the total number of possible outfits.
Work it out on paper first. Then open the solution one step at a time, and stop as soon as you can finish on your own.
Solution
To find the total number of outfits, find the product of the number of skirt options, the number of blouse options, and the number of sweater options.
There are 16 possible outfits.
Your turn
The book's Try It right after this example: same idea, new numbers. Only the answer is given.
A restaurant offers a breakfast special that includes a breakfast sandwich, a side dish, and a beverage. There are 3 types of breakfast sandwiches, 4 side dish options, and 5 beverage choices. Find the total number of possible breakfast specials.
How did it go?