In a race with 30 runners where 8 trophies will be given to the top 8 runners (the trophies are distinct: first place, second place, etc), how many ways can this be done?
Options:
(A) 8^8 ways
(B) 8^9 ways
(C) 7^8 ways
(D) 8^7 ways
(E) 8^6 ways Let's think first. Stream of consciousness:
8 people can be prized with 8 distinct prizes in 8^8 ways
So, the answer is (A).