The total number of words (with or without meaning) that can be formed out of the letters of the word 'DISTRIBUTION' taken four at a time, is equal to
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: DISTRIBUTION: D,I,S,T,R,I,B,U,T,I,O,N — I appears 3 times, T appears 2 times, 8 other distinct letters. Cases for choosing 4: (I,I,I,x): triple I + 1 other; (I,I,T,T): two pairs; (a,a,b,c): one pair + 2 distinct; (a,b,c,d): all distinct.
$32+6+672+3024=3734$.
Correct Answer: 3734