select the correct answer.\njudges at an art competition must select first-, second-, and third-place…

select the correct answer.\njudges at an art competition must select first-, second-, and third-place winners from an exhibition of 12 paintings. in how many different ways can the winning paintings be chosen?\na. 1,320\nb. 440\nc. 220\nd. 18
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Identify the problem type
This is a permutation problem since the order (first, second, third place) matters. The formula for permutations is ( P(n, r)=\frac{n!}{(n - r)!} ), where ( n = 12 ) (total paintings) and ( r = 3 ) (places to choose).
Step2: Apply the permutation formula
Substitute ( n = 12 ) and ( r = 3 ) into the formula: [ \begin{align*} P(12, 3)&=\frac{12!}{(12 - 3)!}\ &=\frac{12!}{9!}\ &=\frac{12\times11\times10\times9!}{9!}\ &=12\times11\times10\ & = 1320 \end{align*} ]
Answer:
A. 1,320