Write out all of the multiplication schemes for four numbers $a_1,a_2,a_3,a_4$ in that order.

Question: Write out all of the multiplication schemes for four numbers $a_1,a_2,a_3,a_4$ in that order.

My Attempt: By explicating listing the elements we get the answer as $5$.

$$(((a_1a_2)a_3)a_4)$$ $$((a_1a_2)(a_3a_4))$$ $$((a_1(a_2a_3))a_4)$$ $$(a_1((a_2a_3)a_4))$$ $$(a_1(a_2(a_3a_4)))$$

Doubt: Is my answer correct? Is there a better way of doing this?

• Tried permutation via gap method? – The Dead Legend Apr 11 '17 at 0:37
• AND your 1st and 3rd combination are the same. – The Dead Legend Apr 11 '17 at 0:37
• There is a better way as you suspect. You are looking for Catalan numbers $$C_n=\frac{1}{n+1}\binom{2n}{n}$$ in this case there are $3$ pairs of brackets so $n=3$ and $C_3=\frac{1}{4}\binom{6}{3}=5$ as you correctly state. – N. Shales Apr 11 '17 at 1:37
• @N.Shales Thanks man. This was what I was looking for. – user330477 Apr 11 '17 at 2:01
• Your answer, 5, is correct. Beyond brute force listing them all you might want to check the Catalan numbers: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… – Ethan Bolker Apr 11 '17 at 12:24

$$(X,a_{1},X,a_{2},X,a_{3},X,a_{4},X)$$ suppose we have to put 2 braces . We will take any 2 positions out of 5. Using 5C2. Now suppose you put 2 around $a_{1}$ and $a_{3}$. It will look like, $$(X,a_{1},X,a_2,X,a_3,X)a_4$$
• Does this method ultimately give $5$, which is indeed correct? – pjs36 Apr 11 '17 at 1:37