tranglenh
Q: Count number of ways to arrange 4 people A, B, C, D in a row so that C, D not sit next to each other[*] Manhattan solution: (Total number of arrangement - number C, D sit next)
Manhattan approach: pretend that C, D stuck together : then Count the number of ways 2 people not sitting next to each other,
Total number of arrangements: 4! = 24
then number of ways of arrangement so that C, D next to each other is: 3! = 6. Since C, D are distinct, so all number of ways C, D next to each other is: 6x2 = 12.
--> Number of arrangements C, D not sit next: 24 -12 = 12[*]PFD: (Total number of arrangement - number C, D sit next)
PFD approach: Force C sit on D's right by creating 3 slots for D to sit in: seat 1,2,3. After D choose his seat, S automatically sit on his right.
So, total number of arrangement where C, D next to each other: 3x1 = 3 ( since D can sit on C's right --> then total arrangement is: 3x2 = 6
---> Number of arrangement C, D not sit next: 24 - 6 = 18 (page 83 PFD)
Please help to find the error here? why two answer different
Firstly when you are forcing D to sit on right of C, you are left with 2 seats hence only 2! ways is possible and not 3!. Secondly You are only assuming C to sit in first place and D on right next to him. C can also take 2nd place, 3rd place and 4th place. So we have
C D _ _ (Here D is forced to right side hence 2 ways)
_ C D _ (Here can sit on right or left of C hence 2*2 = 4 ways)
_ _ C D (Here can sit on right or left of C hence 2*2 = 4 ways)
_ _ D C (Here D is forced to left side hence 2 ways)
Total 12 ways they can sit together. When deducted from 4! we get 24-12 = 12
Hope this clarifies