ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)Easy
A new recruit is issued 5 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of trousers, and 4 shirts. How many different uniform combinations (one pair of socks, one pair of trousers, and one shirt) can the recruit make?
- A12 combinations
- B45 combinations
- C20 combinations
- D60 combinations
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 60 combinations
To find the total number of combinations, multiply the number of choices for each item together. This is a fundamental principle of counting.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is the result of adding the number of items (5+3+4=12), not multiplying.
- B. This is an incorrect multiplication.
- C. This is an incorrect multiplication or partial calculation.
Fundamental Counting Principle
If there are 'n' ways to do one thing and 'm' ways to do another, then there are 'n × m' ways to do both. This extends to multiple independent choices.
- Used for calculating total possible outcomes.
- Applies when choices are independent.
- Involves multiplication of the number of options for each category.
Memory trick: Multiply options for each part, then you'll have the whole start!