A science journalist is creating a visualization showing the number of ways to arrange 6 different experiments in a sequence for a lab demonstration, but two specific experiments (A and B) must not be performed consecutively. How many valid sequences are possible?

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:50:13 +0000

**How A Science Journalist Is Creating a Visualization That Counts Safe Experiment Sequences — Without A and B Staying Side by Side** What’s captivating lab enthusiasts and curriculum designers alike these days? The growing fascination with structured, data-driven storytelling—especially when it comes to organizing real-world experiments. At the heart of this trend lies a simple yet surprisingly complex question: *Given six unique experiments, how many ways can they be arranged in sequence—without A and B ever appearing one right after the other?* This isn’t just a math puzzle—it’s a visualization challenge with real implications for education, research planning, and public science communication. A science journalist is currently crafting an interactive visualization to explore this question. The core task? Count all possible orderings of six distinct experiments while enforcing a key constraint: Experiments A and B must never be placed consecutively. This approach reflects a growing demand for clear, reliable representations of experimental workflows—whether in classrooms, labs, or digital learning platforms. With mobile-first audiences seeking credible insights, such a visualization supports informed decision-making and enhances comprehension of sequencing logic in scientific practice. This constraint introduces a nuanced layer to permutations traditionally calculated using basic factorial formulas. The standard number of permutations for six distinct items is 6! = 720. But with the condition that A and B cannot be adjacent, the count drops—and reveals how thoughtful sequencing impacts real-world planning.