Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This problem is a direct application of the fundamental principle of counting (or the multiplication principle). When a journey consists of several sequential, independent stages, the total number of routes is the product of the number of options available for each stage.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
If there are \(n_1\) ways to perform the first task, \(n_2\) ways for the second, and \(n_k\) for the \(k\)-th task, then the total number of ways to perform the sequence of tasks is \(n_1 \times n_2 \times \dots \times n_k\).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
For Column A:
Sunita's journey is a sequence of three stages: A \(\rightarrow\) B \(\rightarrow\) C \(\rightarrow\) D.
- Number of routes from A to B = 3.
- Number of routes from B to C = 5.
- Number of routes from C to D = 2.
Total number of routes for Sunita = (Routes A\(\rightarrow\)B) \( \times \) (Routes B\(\rightarrow\)C) \( \times \) (Routes C\(\rightarrow\)D)
\[ \text{Total Routes} = 3 \times 5 \times 2 = 30 \]
So, Quantity A is 30.
For Column B:
Shelly's journey is also a sequence of three stages: D \(\rightarrow\) C \(\rightarrow\) B \(\rightarrow\) A. The number of flights between two cities is the same regardless of the direction of travel.
- Number of routes from D to C = 2.
- Number of routes from C to B = 5.
- Number of routes from B to A = 3.
Total number of routes for Shelly = (Routes D\(\rightarrow\)C) \( \times \) (Routes C\(\rightarrow\)B) \( \times \) (Routes B\(\rightarrow\)A)
\[ \text{Total Routes} = 2 \times 5 \times 3 = 30 \]
So, Quantity B is 30.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Comparing the two quantities:
Quantity A = 30
Quantity B = 30
The two quantities are equal.