A contest has 15 finalists. One finalist is awarded first prize, another finalist is awarded second prize, and another is awarded third prize. How many different ways could the prizes be awarded? Show work. Solution 3rd prize. There are 15 possible winners. 2nd prize. There are 14 possible winners. 1st prize. There are 13 possible winners. So 15 * 14 * 13 = 2730 possible ways..