Suppose 40 cars start at a car race. In how many ways can the top 3 cars finish the race?

Hello Athena ...

Any of the 40 cars can finish first

Any of the 39 cars can finish second

Any of the 38 cars can finish third

40 x 39 x 38 = 59,280

Answer - There are 59,280 ways the top 3 cars can finish the race.

hello any of the 40 cars can finish first

any of the remaining 39 cars can finish second

any of the remaining 38 cars can finish third

so 40x39x38 so 59280