JEE Main2026Jan 23, Shift 1Mathematics
Q.
The number of 4-letter words, with or without meaning, which can be formed using the letters PQRPQRSTUVP, is ______.
Correct answer: 1422
Solution
Letter counts: , , , and each once (7 distinct letters in total). Split into cases by repetition pattern.
Case 1 — 3 alike, 1 different: only P can supply three copies. Choose the different letter from the 6 remaining distinct letters, then arrange 4 letters with 3 identical:
.
Case 2 — 2 alike, 2 alike: pick 2 letters from (each available in copies), then arrange:
.
Case 3 — 2 alike, 2 different: pick the alike letter from , then two distinct from the remaining 6 letters:
.
Case 4 — all 4 different: choose 4 from 7 distinct letters and arrange:
.
Total .
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