Q164 / 269 · NDA 2025 (Phase 1) · Mathematics

How many 7-letter words (with or without meaning) can be constructed using all the letters of the word CAPITAL so that all consonants come together in each word?

  • A
    $360$
  • B
    $300$
  • Correct answer
    C
    $288$
  • D
    $240$

Solution

The word CAPITAL has 7 letters.

Vowels: A, I, A (3 letters, where A is repeated twice)

Consonants: C, P, T, L (4 distinct letters)

Since all consonants must come together, they are treated as a single unit: (C, P, T, L).

Now, there are 4 units to arrange: the consonant group and the 3 vowels (A, I, A).

The number of ways to arrange these 4 units is $\dfrac{4!}{2!}$ because the letter A appears twice.

$\dfrac{4!}{2!} = 12$

The 4 consonants can be arranged among themselves in $4!$ ways.

$4! = 24$

Total number of words = $12 \times 24 = 288$

Answer: $288$

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

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