A shelf holds seven mystery novels and eight biographies. Josie chooses either a mystery novel or a biography. Then Juan is to choose a mystery novel and a biography. In which case would Juan have the greater number of choices?

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Answer 1 · 2018-03-01T06:08:27

Choosing a biography first leaves more choices.

Mystery novel chosen first

We're left with 6 mystery novels and 8 biographies, giving:

#6xx8=48# different sets of choices for a novel and a biography.

Biography chosen first

We're left with 7 mystery novels and 7 biographies, giving:

#7xx7=49# different sets of choices for a novel and a biography.

Choosing a biography first leaves more choices.