Permutations count arrangements where order matters. Combinations count selections where order doesn't matter.
Formulas
- Permutation: nPr = n! / (nβr)!
- Combination: nCr = n! / [r!(nβr)!]
Example
Choosing 3 from 10 people:
- Permutation (order matters β President, VP, Treasurer): 10P3 = 720
- Combination (committee of 3 β order doesn't matter): 10C3 = 120
nPr is always β₯ nCr because permutations count more arrangements.