Five candidates for manager of a department store are ranked according to the weighted average of several criteria. How many different rankings are possible for the top four candidates if no two candidates receive the same rank?
A)60
B)625
C)20
D)120
E)9

Question

Five candidates for manager of a department store are ranked according to the weighted average of several criteria. How many different rankings are possible for the top four candidates if no two candidates receive the same rank? ​
A)60
B)625
C)20
D)120
E)9

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

There are 5 candidates and 4 positions to be ranked. The first position can be filled by any of the 5 candidates, the second position can be filled by any of the remaining 4 candidates, the third by any of the remaining 3 candidates, and the fourth by either of the remaining 2 candidates. Therefore, the total number of possible rankings is 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 = 120.

Five Candidates for Manager of a Department Store Are Ranked