[Math] Permutations and combinations ! 9 different fruit pies divided between three

combinationscombinatoricspermutations

Different fruit pies are divided between 3 people so that each person gets and odd number of pies. Find the number of ways this can be done??
hint- so many combinations are added to get this answer ..

Best Answer

We can do it by splitting into cases: $7$-$1$-$1$, $5$-$3$-$1$, $3$-$3$-$3$.

First case: The lucky person who gets $7$ pies can be chosen in $\binom{3}{1}$ ways. Her pies can be chosen in $\binom{9}{7}$ ways. For each choice, the older of the unlucky people can be assigned her pie in $\binom{2}{1}$ ways, for a total of $\binom{3}{1}\binom{9}{7}\binom{2}{1}$.

Next two cases: it's your turn. Then add up.