There are 52 runners in a race. How many ways can the runners finish? first, second, and? third?

132,600

Step-by-step explanation:

Since we have a total of 52 runners and 3 spots for the top. We can find how many ways they can finish with simple multiplication.

For the first spot there can be a possibility of 52 people.

For the second spot there can be a possibility of 51 people since there will be somebody in the first spot.

For the third spot there can be a possibility of 50 people since both the first and second spot are already taken.

Total number of ways = 52 x 51 x 50

Total number of way = 132,600

So there are 132,600 ways that 52 runners can finish first, second, and third in the race.