[Math] Distributing 12 oranges and 1 apple among 3 children

combinatoricsdiscrete mathematics

Determine the number of ways to distribute 12 indistinguishable
oranges and 1 apple among 3 children so that each children gets at
least one piece of fruit?

Does having 12 oranges and 1 apple different with having 13 oranges? If not, my answer would be P(12,2)=66. But if not could you please explain to me what the difference is?

Regards

Best Answer

Right, if there were $13$ oranges, there are $66$ possibilities.

Let's make use of this: We first distribute $13$ oranges, and then we exchange one orange for an apple. There are $66$ ways to distribute the oranges, and $3$ ways to select a child which will exchange an orange for an apple. So in total, there are $$66\cdot 3 = 198$$ possibilities.