When you calculate the number of permutations of $n$ distinct objects taken $r$ at a time, what are you counting?
Choose the correct answer below.
A. The number of distinguishable ordered arrangements of $n$ objects taken $r$ at a time.
B. The number of arrangements without regard to order of $n$ objects taken $r$ at a time.
C. The number of distingushable arrangements without regard to order of $n$ objects taken $r$ at a time.
D. The number of ordered arrangements of $n$ objects taken $r$ at a time.
Final Answer: \(\boxed{\text{A. The number of distinguishable ordered arrangements of } n \text{ objects taken } r \text{ at a time.}}\)
Step 1 :The question is asking about the definition of permutations of $n$ distinct objects taken $r$ at a time. Permutations are about counting different ways in which a set of objects can be arranged where the order of arrangement matters.
Step 2 :Therefore, the correct answer should be the one that mentions both 'distinguishable' and 'ordered' arrangements.
Step 3 :Final Answer: \(\boxed{\text{A. The number of distinguishable ordered arrangements of } n \text{ objects taken } r \text{ at a time.}}\)