In: Math
In how many ways can 7 people { A, B, C, D, E, F, G } be seated at a round table if
(a) A and B must not sit next to each other;
(b) C, D, and E must sit together (i.e., no other person can sit between any of these three)?
(c) A and B must sit together, but neither can be seated next to C or D.
Consider each of these separately. For (c) you may NOT simply list all possibilities, but must use the basic principles we have developed (you may check your work with a list if you wish).
Hint: Conceptually, think of the groups of two or three people as one "multi-person" entity in the overall circular arrangement. However, a "multiperson" is an unordered entity, and you will have to think about how many ways a "multiperson" could be ordered. It may help to draw a diagram, fixing a particular person at the top of the circle (thereby eliminating the duplicates due to rotations).