Tough and Tricky questions: Combinations.
Three contestants representing four different countries advance to the finals of a fencing championship. Assuming all competitors have an equal chance of winning, how many possibilities are there with respect to how a first-place and second-place medal can be awarded?
Select
A) 6 B) 9 C) 12 D) 16 E) 24
Four contestants representing four different countries advance to the finals of a fencing championship. Assuming all competitors have an equal chance of winning, how many possibilities are there with respect to how a first-place and second-place medal can be awarded?   We have 2 slots to be filled using 3 contestants:3 options for slot1*3 option for slot2   = 3* 3= 
<gadget id="calculator">3* 3</gadget>
<output>9</output>
9   Ans. 9) 9
<result>B</result>
Tough and Tricky questions: Combinations.
Three contestants representing four different countries advance to the finals of a fencing championship. Assuming all competitors have an equal chance of winning, how many possibilities are there with respect to how a first-place and second-place medal can be awarded?