Permutation with Repetition Calculator

Calculate permutations where elements can be repeated using n^r formula

Calculate Permutations with Repetition

Number of distinct object types available

Number of positions to fill (repetition allowed)

Number of Permutations

10,000
10^4 = 10,000
Permutations with repetition allowed

Formula

P(n,r) with repetition = n^r

Where n = 10 (types of objects) and r = 4 (positions to fill)

Each of the 4 positions can be filled with any of the 10 objects

Comparison with Other Methods

10,000
With Repetition
5,040
Without Repetition
210
Combinations

Example Calculation

4-Digit PIN Problem

Problem: How many 4-digit PINs can be created using digits 0-9?

Given: n = 10 digits (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9), r = 4 positions

Note: Repetition is allowed (PIN like 1122 or 0000 is valid)

Solution

P(10,4) with repetition = 10^4

P(10,4) = 10 × 10 × 10 × 10

P(10,4) = 10,000 possible PINs

This includes PINs like 0000, 1234, 9999, 2468, etc.

Key Concepts

With Repetition

Each element can be used multiple times

Formula: n^r

Order Matters

ABC ≠ ACB ≠ BAC

Different arrangements = different results

Independent Choices

Each position has n choices

Total: n × n × ... × n (r times)

Quick Examples

2^38
3^481
10^2100
26^317,576

Mathematical Properties

n^0 = 1 (empty arrangement)

n^1 = n (single position)

n^r ≥ P(n,r) without repetition

Exponential growth with r

Understanding Permutations with Repetition

What are Permutations with Repetition?

Permutations with repetition occur when you arrange items from a set where each item can be used multiple times. Unlike permutations without repetition, the same element can appear in multiple positions. The formula is simply n^r, where n is the number of distinct objects and r is the number of positions.

Key Characteristics

  • Repetition allowed: Same element can be used multiple times
  • Order matters: ABC ≠ BCA ≠ CAB
  • Independent choices: Each position has n options
  • Simple formula: n^r (n to the power of r)

Common Applications

  • PIN numbers and passwords
  • License plate combinations
  • Product codes and serial numbers
  • Lottery number selections
  • DNA sequence combinations
  • Multi-choice question answers

Memory Tip: Think "Each position = n choices, multiply r times!" Since repetition is allowed, every position independently has all n options available.

Mathematical Formula

P(n,r) = n^r

Permutations with repetition allowed

Where:

  • n: Number of distinct object types
  • r: Number of positions to fill
  • n^r: n multiplied by itself r times
  • Result: Total number of arrangements

Why n^r?

  • Position 1: n choices
  • Position 2: n choices (repetition allowed)
  • Position 3: n choices
  • Total: n × n × n × ... = n^r

Example: Password Creation

Problem: How many 3-character passwords using letters A, B, C?

Solution: 3^3 = 27 passwords (AAA, AAB, AAC, ABA, ABC, etc.)

Example: Dice Rolls

Problem: How many outcomes when rolling a die 3 times?

Solution: 6^3 = 216 outcomes (111, 112, 113, ..., 666)