Counting principle

key notes :

The Counting Principle says that you can multiply the number of choices to find the total number of possibilities.

Learn with an example

➡️ Zack won a week-long cruise in a contest and is working out the details of the trip. He can choose from 3 destinations and 3 departure dates.

How many different cruises can Zack plan?

 ______ cruises

There are 3 destination choices and 3 departure date choices. Multiply.

3 × 3 = 9

Zack can plan 9 different cruises.

➡️ Jamal is hosting a game night. There are 3 card games and 6 board games to choose from. If Jamal and his friends want to play one of each type of game.

how many different ways can they choose the games?

 _______ game nights

There are 3 card game choices and 6 board game choices. Multiply.

3 × 6 = 18

Jamal can host 18 different game nights.

➡️ Leon is going out to a pasta dinner. There are 3 types of noodles to choose from and 2 choices of vegetable side.

How many different pasta dinners can Leon order?

______ pasta dinners

There are 3 noodle choices and 2 vegetable side choices. Multiply.

3 × 2 = 6

Leon can order 6 different pasta dinners.

let’s practice!