If eight people greet each other at a meeting by shaking hands with one another, how many handshakes take place?

Question

Computers and Technology

Seth Horn

21 October, 03:16

If eight people greet each other at a meeting by shaking hands with one another, how many handshakes take place?

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Answers (1)

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Alana Vang · Answer 1

The formula is n (n-1) / 2, for 8 people this is 8*7/2 = 28.

8 persons each have 7 people to shake hands with, but then you have counted each handshake twice (from the perspective of both participants), so you have to divide by 2.