9 fencers participate in a fencing championship . assuming all competitors have an equal chance of winning , how many possibilities are there with respect to how a first - place and second - place medal can be awarded ?  Choose the correct choice from the following:
A) 72	B) 75	C) 81	D) 84	E) 88

Rationale: 9 * 8 = 72 the answer is a .
Answer: A