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Calculate 10!/7!

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Factorials · Probability

Step by step

The question

Question: work out 10 factorial over 7 factorial.

10!7! =

1 Write out top and bottom

We write both factorials out.

10 factorial on top, 7 factorial at the bottom.

10!7! = 10 × 9 × 8 × 7 × 6 × 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 17 × 6 × 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1

2 Cancel

7 times 6 times 5 times 4 times 3 times 2 times 1 is on top and at the bottom.

A top and a bottom divided by the same number: they cancel.

Careful!

We never divide 10 by 7.

We cancel the numbers that are the same.

Careful: cancel the same numbers

What is left is 10 × 9 × 8.

10!7! = 10 × 9 × 8

3 Multiply

10 times 9 is 90.

90 times 8 is 720.

10 × 9 = 90
90 × 8 = 720

So it is 720.

10!7! = 720

4 Check

Let's check: 10 factorial is 10 times 9 times 8, times 7 factorial.

10! = 10 × 9 × 8 × 7!

So dividing by 7 factorial leaves 10 times 9 times 8: 720.

So the answer is right!

10! ÷ 7! → 10 × 9 × 8 = 720

Let's look back.

First: write out top and bottom.

Then: cancel.

Then: multiply.

Last: check.

Answer
10!7! = 720

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

8!7!
Show the answer
8!7! = 8

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