You get to go to the horse races and see that nine horses are running in the fifth race. How many ways can the race end with first, second and third place winners?

Answer 1

9P3 = _____

Answer 2

there are 9 possible 1st place finishers (all the horses have a chance)

after the 1st place finisher, there are 8 remaining for possible 2nd place

after the 2nd place finisher, there are 7 remaining for possible 3rd place

9 * 8 * 7 = ?