I was wondering how many combinations of numbers are possible for the mega millions. The first 5 numbers range from 1 to 56. Then a mega ball is drawn which ranges from 1 to 46. (I think) So, is there a factoral or permutation involved to figure out how many possible combinations there are? I think it is 2 operations going on. First there is figuring out how many combinations are possible with just the first 5 numbers. THEN multiply that number by 46. Anyone understand what I mean? Can anyone figure this out? I’m just curious.
Evelyn
Comments
It’s tons, but simple to figure. Multiply 56×56x56×56x56×46. Warning, you’ll need a calculator that goes to the jillions. You can do it long hand on paper. Nobody begins to realize how extremely lousy lotto odds are. If you win I expect an ice cream cone. Good luck..
actually it would be a little more difficult than that. You’re actually talking about a permutation not a combination.
it looks like this 56! or 56 x 55 x 54 x 53……. x 1 but you also have to consider how many there are to be in the set. You say that it 5 and then 1 more OF the SAME 56 numbers
56! (whatever humongous number that would be) divided by the 56! – 5!. that is just matching the first 5 balls.
just to give you a slight headache
56 x 55 x 54 x 53 x 52 x 51 x 50 = 1,168,863,696,000.
my calculator wigged out at X38 =
5,164,729,879,245,475,255,286,189,600,000
and
30! = 2,432,902,008,176,640,000
once you get that far then you have to consider the permutation of the power-ball
So, the chances of you winning the Mega-millions is about the same as Beyounce, Scarlett Johannsen and Jessica Biel and me spending a long wild weekend together at Holly Berry’s house…. drinkin’ scotch, smokin cigars, and watchin, porn in our undies.
Let me know when you win and I’ll start making the phone calls. Bring you’re checkbook ‘cuz you will definitely be invited.
ODDS & PRIZES
MATCH PRIZE* ODDS (per $1 play)
JACKPOT** 1 : 175,711,536
$250,000 1 : 3,904,701
$10,000 1 : 689,065
$150 1 : 15,313
$150 1 : 13,781
$10 1 : 844
$7 1 : 306
$3 1 : 141
$2 1 : 75
Odds of winning jackpot are 1 : 175,711,536. Overall odds of winning are approximately 1 : 40.
*Subject to published rules of MEGA MILLIONS and the New Jersey Lottery, the fixed prize amounts indicated here may be pari-mutuel.
**The JACKPOT prize will be divided equally among multiple winners. The prize is paid in 26 annual installments unless Cash Option is selected.
