From the letters of the word "PRODUCT", how many distinct 4-letter words can be formed if the word must start and end with a vowel?

Explanation

Given: Word: PRODUCT (all letters distinct) Vowels: O, U Condition: 4-letter word must start and end with a vowel, no repetition Concept Used: Permutation without repetition Start and end positions: O__U U__O Formula Used: n! ​ Pr = n ​ (n − r)! ​ ​ Solution: There are 2 vowels O and U. They must occupy the first and last positions without repetition. Remaining letters are 5 consonants: P, R, D, C, T. Fill the middle two positions using these consonants: Number of ways = 5 × 4 = 20 Total number of words = 2 × 20 = 40 Copyright © 2026 Adda247