Hello everyone! I’m only beginning to study statistics. The problem is easy, yet I need help![]()
A shelf contains 6 separate compartments. In how many ways can 4 indistinguishable marbles be placed in the compartments?
I solved this problem the following way:
1) All 4 marbles in 1 compartment = 6 ways
2) 3 marbles in one compartment and 1 marble in another compartment = 6*5 = 30 ways
3) 2 marbles in one compartment and 2 in another compartment = 6 choose 2 = 15 ways
4) 2 marbles in one compartment, 1 marble in another compartment, and 1 marbles yet in another compartment = 6*((5*4)/2) = 60 ways
5) 4 marbles in four different compartments = 6 choose 4 = 15 ways
So, 6+30+60+15+15=126 ways
The textbook, however, gives the following formula (n compartments and r marbles):
(n + r – 1) CHOOSE (n – 1)
Thus, 9 CHOOSE 5 = 126
Please, help me understand where the formula comes from.




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