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Exercise 1724Combinatorics › Inclusion-exclusionL1Added 3 Nov 2026

Probability a permutation has a fixed point

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Statement

What is the probability that a random permutation of nn elements has at least one fixed point?

Hint

1−Dn/n!1-D_n/n!.

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Solution

Compute. Probability =1−Dn/n!→1−1/e≈0.632=1-D_n/n!\to1-1/e\approx0.632.

For small nn. n=4n=4: 1−9/24=15/24=5/8=0.6251-9/24=15/24=5/8=0.625.

Conclusion. Probability tends to 1−1/e≈0.6321-1/e\approx0.632.