Maths WorkshopMaths problems with full solutions
Exercise 878Combinatorics › Counting principlesHigh schoolAdded 3 Nov 2026

Combinations with repetition

#combinations with repetition#stars and bars

Statement

How many ways can we distribute 55 identical candies among 33 distinct children (children may receive zero)?

Hint

Stars and bars: (5+3−15)=(75)\binom{5+3-1}{5}=\binom{7}{5}.

Show solutionHide solution

Solution

Stars and bars. Represent the distribution with 55 stars and 22 bars (dividers between children). Number of arrangements: (72)=21\binom{7}{2}=21.

Conclusion. There are 2121 distributions.