<p>Check the vertical line. If one part of the line (QS) is equivalent to 1/3 of the entire line (QV), the remaining part (SV) must be 2/3. </p>
<p>Since you compare fractions, you do not need to use the precise 1/2<em>b</em>h formula twice, you can simply compare the b*h of both triangles. The trick here is to make the value of the larger triangle equal to 1. </p>
<p>The fraction will then be 2/3 * 3/4 over 1. Or 6/12 or .5. </p>
<p>But to keep it easier to follow, we will also use the area formulae. </p>
<p>I think that there is a simpler and more intuitive approach to problem 1.</p>
<p>Start with the restricted card. It can’t be at either end. So there are 3 possible positions for the restricted card. Place it.</p>
<p>Then with the restricted card placed. Pick another card. There are 4 remaining slots for that.
And another card. There are 3 remaining slots for that.
And another card. There are 2 remaining slots for that.
And the last card. Just one slot.</p>
<p>Multiply it out: 3x4x3x2x1 = 72 possibilities</p>