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The answer should be 30 because each essay can get the gold, silver, and bronze star. So 1=3. Then there is 10 essays. 3*10=30 ways.

The three best essays in a contest will receive gold, silver, and bronze stars. There are 10 essays. In how many ways can the prizes be awarded?

Any one of the ten essays may win gold.

Any one of the nine remaining essays may win silver.

Any one of the eight remaining essays may win bronze.

Thus, there are 10 x 9 x 8 = 720 ways to award the essays.