[Request] - How many combinations of 9 ingredients are possible. Using all 9 at once is not required.
![r/theydidthemath - [Request] - How many combinations of 9 ingredients are possible. Using all 9 at once is not required.](http://web.archive.org./web/20230316193706/https://i.redd.it/4322260h25oa1.jpg)
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Each ingredient can either be included or not -- that's 2 possibilities. Multiply out all 9 ingredients and we have 29 = 512 in total. I presume you'd want to exclude the 1 possibility where none of the ingredients are included, so that leaves 511.
This math is not wrong, but doesn't the premise of the meme require that we consider how any given set of ingredients might be reconfigured to produce a new menu item from the same set of ingredients? E.g. the same 5(?) ingredients that make a burrito could also make a wrap, a soft taco, a quesadilla, etc.
This doesn't factor in alternate cooking/preparation methods. For every combo of ingredients, you could have them served in a bowl, or wrapped, or fried, etc. And they do different styles of wrapping/dough placement, too, like they have quesadillas, 'mexican pizzas,' burritos, tacos, 'crunchwraps,' that all can be different arrangements of the exact same ingredients. They sell "cheesy roll ups" and quesadillas as different menu items when it's the exact same tortilla and cheese just either rolled or cut in wedges.
We need more information.
