Permutation & Combination

Permutation : Permutation means arrangement of things. The word arrangement is used, if the order of things is considered.

Combination: Combination means selection of things. The word selection is used, when the order of things has no importance.

Example:     Suppose we have to form a number of consisting of three digits using the digits 1,2,3,4, To form this number the digits have to be arranged. Different numbers will get formed depending upon the order in which we arrange the digits. This is an example of Permutation.

Now suppose that we have to make a team of 11 players out of 20 players, This is an example of combination, because the order of players in the team will not result in a change in the team. No matter in which order we list out the players the team will remain the same! For a different team to be formed at least one player will have to be changed.