Actual GRE® math question

[Abhi_86]

hi guys . this question appeared on the actual GRE...
i would like to know if my answer is rite

Question:

SORRY :)

Answer:

Let us consider each couple as a single unit.
themselves can bearranged in 2! = 2 ways.
and all the 3 couples can be arranged in 3! = 6 ways.
therefore totally they can be arranged in 3!*2! = 12 ways

i want to know if this answer is rite .

I believe this question appeared within the first 10 questions on the GRE.

I have been hearing that of late the first ten questions on the GRE usually contain atleast 3 - 4questions on combinatorics and probability.

[Immortal]

hi

no i think your answer isn't quite correct.
you are of course right about the 3! ways to arrange the couples.
after that the 3 couples are 3 independent variables, that can take 2 values (husband left & husband right) so you have to use 2 to the power of 3 to get all possibilities.

so ans = 3! * 2³ = 6*8 = 48

it seems a little difficult for one of the first questions

[Abhi_86]

yes
your answer is right. it was a silly error on my part :(.
i hope i wont make these mistakes in the actual exam.

[Lk50df]

Um, you can't post actual GRE test questions...if you get caught, your test will get canceled. Do yourself a favor and delete your post!!