Multiple choice

Find the total number of combinations in which five people can sit around a table when Eric and John always sit together.

  1. 6

  2. 12

  3. 24

  4. 48
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Treating Eric and John as one unit, we have 4 units to arrange in a circle, which is (4-1)! = 6 ways. Within the unit, Eric and John can swap places in 2! = 2 ways. Total = 6 * 2 = 12.

AI explanation

For circular permutations, we treat Eric and John as a single block, leaving 4 units to arrange around the table in (4-1)! ways. Because Eric and John can switch places within their block, we multiply by 2!, giving 3! * 2! = 6 * 2 = 12.

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