How many different ways can 3 distinct books be arranged on a shelf if there are 5 distinct books to choose from?

A 15

B 20

C 60

D 120

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

This is a permutation problem P(n, k) = n! / (n-k)!. P(5, 3) = 5! / (5-3)! = 5! / 2! = (5 * 4 * 3 * 2 * 1) / (2 * 1) = 5 * 4 * 3 = 60.

💡 Why is C) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "How many different ways can 3 distinct books be arranged on a shelf if there are 5 distinct books to choose from?" is Option C: 60.

The other options — A) 15, B) 20, D) 120 — are incorrect for this GRE Exam Prep question. As explained above: This is a permutation problem P(n, k) = n! / (n-k)!. P(5, 3) = 5! / (5-3)! = 5! / 2! = (5 * 4 * 3 * 2 * 1) / (2 * 1) = 5 * 4 * 3 = 60.

📚 About This GRE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 3-level GRE Exam Prep question from the Quantitative Reasoning topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free GRE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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How many different ways can 3 distinct books be arranged on a shelf if there are 5 distinct books to choose from?

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

📚 About This GRE Exam Prep Practice Question

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