To determine the total number of different lunch specials the deli offers, we need to consider the available choices for each category: sandwiches, side items, and drinks.
First, let's count the number of choices in each category:
1. Sandwiches:
- ham and turkey
- salami
- tuna
- club
- veggie
- meatball
There are 6 choices of sandwiches.
2. Side Items:
- chips
- potato salad
There are 2 choices of side items.
3. Drinks:
- juice
- iced tea
- lemonade
- milk
- water
- coffee
There are 6 choices of drinks.
To find the total number of different lunch specials, we use the basic principle of counting. This principle tells us that if we have [tex]\( m \)[/tex] choices for one category, [tex]\( n \)[/tex] choices for another category, and [tex]\( p \)[/tex] choices for a third category, then the total number of combinations is [tex]\( m \times n \times p \)[/tex].
For this problem, the total number of different lunch specials is calculated as follows:
[tex]\[
6 \text{ (sandwiches)} \times 2 \text{ (side items)} \times 6 \text{ (drinks)} = 72
\][/tex]
Hence, the total number of different lunch specials possible is 72.
The correct answer is [tex]\( \boxed{72} \)[/tex].
