To find the number of ways we can form 3-letter permutations from the first 5 letters of the alphabet (A, B, C, D, E), we can use the fundamental principle of counting.
1. First, we need to determine how many choices we have for the first letter. Since there are 5 letters in total, we have 5 choices for the first letter.
2. After choosing the first letter, for the second letter, since we are selecting without replacement (once a letter is used, it cannot be repeated), we have 4 remaining choices.
3. Finally, for the third letter, we have 3 remaining choices.
4. To find the total number of 3-letter permutations, we multiply the number of choices for each position: 5 choices for the first letter, 4 choices for the second letter, and 3 choices for the third letter.
5. Therefore, the total number of ways to form 3-letter permutations from the first 5 letters of the alphabet is 5 x 4 x 3 = 60 ways.
In summary, there are 60 ways to form 3-letter permutations from the first 5 letters of the alphabet (A, B, C, D, E) by applying the fundamental principle of counting.
