Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Additional Mathematics
Lesson Topic: Know and use the notation n! and the standard expressions for permutations and combinations of n items taken r at a time
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe factorial notation and compute n! for given values.
  • Explain the formulas for permutations and combinations and when each is appropriate.
  • Apply the permutation and combination formulas to solve selection and arrangement problems.
  • Distinguish between ordered and unordered selections and avoid common errors.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed worksheet with practice questions
  • Calculator (or scientific calculator app)
  • Set of index cards for hands‑on grouping activity
  • Whiteboard markers and erasers
Introduction:
Begin with a quick mental‑math challenge: ask students how many ways they could arrange four different books on a shelf. Recall that they have already learned multiplication sequences and the concept that 0! = 1, linking to factorials. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to write and use the n! notation and the standard permutation and combination formulas.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5′) – mental‑math task on arranging books; students write answer on a sticky note.
  2. Direct instruction (10′) – introduce factorial notation, demonstrate with 5! and 0!.
  3. Guided practice (12′) – work through the permutation formula using {}⁸P₃; students solve a similar problem in pairs.
  4. Interactive activity (10′) – use index cards to form groups, then convert to combinations; discuss the relationship {}ⁿPᵣ = {}ⁿCᵣ × r!.
  5. Independent practice (8′) – worksheet with four mixed permutation/combination questions; teacher circulates to check understanding.
Conclusion:
Summarise that factorials underpin both permutations and combinations and review the key formulas. Students complete an exit ticket by writing one example of a permutation and one of a combination from today’s lesson. Assign homework: two additional textbook problems covering both concepts.