I have been using the anagram set up to solve the comb. problems and I needed some clarification in terms of the method.
How many ways can be pick 3 people to play in a basketball team out of five people?
12345
YYYNN
So the calculation would be 5!/(3!2!)
On the other hand in the following problem that set up would be different.
How many ways can be pick a Front guard, middle guard and Back guard out of five players?
12345
FMBNN
So the calculation would be 5!/2!
However what I don't understand is how do we know that when something is distinct or not. For example have the specific position on the later is obviously specific therefore we did not put FMB as merely YYY (Y for being picked). However what about this.
How many way can you pick 2 people out of 5?
Is it
12345
YYNNN
5!/(2!3!)
or
12345
FSNNN
5!/3!
How do I differentiate them in the future?