Derangements

Rarely Tested

Derangements

If n distinct items are arranged, the number of ways they can be arranged so that they do not occupy their intended spot is $$D = n!$$($$ \dfrac{1}{0!}$$ - $$\dfrac{1}{1!}$$ + $$\dfrac{1}{2!}$$ - $$\dfrac{1}{3!}$$ + .... + $$\dfrac{(-1)^{n}}{n!}$$)

For, example, Derangements of 4 will be D(4) = $$4!\left(1-\dfrac{1}{1!}+\dfrac{1}{2!}-\dfrac{1}{3!}+\dfrac{1}{4!}\right)=24\left(\dfrac{1}{2}-\dfrac{1}{6}+\dfrac{1}{24}\right)=24\left(\dfrac{12-4+1}{24}\right)=9$$

D(1) = 0, D(2) = 1, D(3) = 2, D(4) = 9, D(5) = 44, and D(6) = 265

Question 1

Nikhil is applying for 5 different colleges this fall and writes an application letter to each one of them. Unfortunately, he mixes up the letters and their envelopes. What is the number of ways in which none of the colleges receive a letter intended for them?

Question 2

Red, green, blue, purple and orange balls are placed randomly in boxes of these five colors. What is the probability that none of the balls are in boxes of their own color?

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