Eight sprinters have qualified for the finals in the 100-meter dash at the NCAA national track meet.In how many ways can the sprinters come in first,second,and third? (Assume there are no ties. )
A)486
B)386
C)436
D)336
E)536

Question

Eight sprinters have qualified for the finals in the 100-meter dash at the NCAA national track meet.In how many ways can the sprinters come in first,second,and third? (Assume there are no ties. ) ​
A)486
B)386
C)436
D)336
E)536

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

There are 8 possible runners who can come in first place. After one runner has come in first, there are only 7 left who can come in second. And after two runners have come in first and second, there are only 6 left who can come in third. Therefore, the total number of possible arrangements is:
8 x 7 x 6 = 336. 
Therefore, the correct answer is (D) 336.

Eight Sprinters Have Qualified for the Finals in the 100-Meter