In Permutation Does Order Matter?

If the order doesn't matter then we have a combination, if the order do matter then we have a permutation. One could say that a permutation is an ordered combination. The number of permutations of n objects taken r at a time is determined by the following formula: P(n,r)=n!

Does order matter in permutation problems?

Permutations are for lists (order matters) and combinations are for groups (order doesn't matter). You know, a "combination lock" should really be called a "permutation lock". The order you put the numbers in matters.

Do permutations care about order?

The difference between combinations and permutations is ordering. With permutations we care about the order of the elements, whereas with combinations we don't. For example, say your locker “combo” is 5432. If you enter 4325 into your locker it won't open because it is a different ordering (aka permutation).