Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Practice Test

When calculating combinations of digits for a code, what is the significance of the arrangement?

1. It determines the total value of the code

2. It affects the order but not the total number of codes

3. It leads to unique combinations that must be considered

4. It is irrelevant to the overall calculation

The correct answer is: It leads to unique combinations that must be considered

The significance of arrangement in calculating combinations of digits for a code is that specific arrangements can result in unique combinations that must be taken into account. In the context of generating codes, the order in which the digits are arranged contributes to the uniqueness of each possible code. For example, the sequence 123 is different from 321, even though they contain the same digits. This distinct arrangement means that each variation is counted separately when calculating the total number of possible codes. Codes that are identical in terms of the digits used but different in sequence must be considered unique combinations. Therefore, arrangement plays a crucial role in determining how many unique codes can be generated. The other options do not accurately capture the importance of arrangement. For instance, while the total value of the code may be influenced by the digits, it's the arrangement that primarily affects the uniqueness of the combinations. Furthermore, arrangement does impact the number of possible codes, so it cannot be dismissed as irrelevant. Thus, recognizing how arrangements lead to unique combinations is fundamental in counting and calculating different possible codes.