<p>If the first letter is R and the last letter is E in the word MEDICINE, then the total number of all such words is:</p>
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: With first and last positions fixed as R and E, we only need to arrange the remaining 6 letters (M, E, D, I, C, I, N) in the middle 6 positions. Since there are 2 identical I's, we must divide by 2! to account for repetitions.
<p><strong>Step 1:</strong> Fix positions: First letter = R, Last letter = E</p><p><strong>Step 2:</strong> Identify remaining letters to arrange: M, E, D, I, C, I, N (6 letters with I repeated twice)</p><p><strong>Step 3:</strong> These 6 letters must fill 6 middle positions</p><p><strong>Step 4:</strong> Total arrangements = 6!/2! = 720/2 = 360</p><p>(Divided by 2! because letter I repeats twice)</p><p><strong>∴ Answer: 360</strong></p>
Correct Answer: B