kexman
04-09-2010, 03:08 PM
I feel like this is a simple problem, but I can not figure it out. It is not even important, but it will bug me all weekend. I want to know how many distinct combinations I can get from the following scenario:
Simple Case: 4 colors: Red, green, yellow, cyan.
This I can do...4! (4x3x2x1= 24)
My question is how many combinations if I have 8 sets of these colors
(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C)
and each is independent:
It is not 32 factorial since 6 greens will look the same regardless of which 6 greens are used.
What is the simple equation I am missing? Thanks in advance.
For those wondering about the question it stems from the Brainbow Mouse which can label neurons in many different colors using fluorescent colors. The images are outstanding for those interested (http://www.livescience.com/animals/071031-brainbow.html)
In reality they can see about 100 distinct colors...but we were wondering how to solve the math problem above out of curiosity. thanks
Simple Case: 4 colors: Red, green, yellow, cyan.
This I can do...4! (4x3x2x1= 24)
My question is how many combinations if I have 8 sets of these colors
(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C);(R, G, Y, C)
and each is independent:
It is not 32 factorial since 6 greens will look the same regardless of which 6 greens are used.
What is the simple equation I am missing? Thanks in advance.
For those wondering about the question it stems from the Brainbow Mouse which can label neurons in many different colors using fluorescent colors. The images are outstanding for those interested (http://www.livescience.com/animals/071031-brainbow.html)
In reality they can see about 100 distinct colors...but we were wondering how to solve the math problem above out of curiosity. thanks