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Counting Basics Ladder

Who This Is For

Use this ladder when you can already manipulate formulas, but you want to get better at inventing the counting model instead of searching for a memorized identity.

Warm-Up

  • permutations vs combinations
  • independent-choice counting

Core

  • disjoint-case splits
  • stars and bars
  • run counting

Example Notes

Exit Criteria

You are ready to move on when you can:

  • say clearly whether order matters
  • split a count into disjoint cases without overlap
  • recognize stars-and-bars structure
  • explain a formula as a construction, not just as a symbol string

External Practice