Correct answer: B. (6)
Explanation: The direct answer is option B, \(r=6\). The standard relationship between permutations and combinations is \(^{n}P_r=^{n}C_r\,r!\). The question says \(^{n}P_r=720\times{}^{n}C_r\). Comparing the two expressions, the multiplier must be \(r!=720\). Now calculate factorials: \(5!=120\), \(6!=6\cdot5\cdot4\cdot3\cdot2\cdot1=720\), while \(7!=5040\). Hence \(r=6\). Option A, 5, would give multiplier 120, not 720. Option B, 6, gives exactly 720 and is correct. Option C, 7, gives 5040. Option D, 8, gives \(40320\), also incorrect. This works because a selection of r objects can be arranged in \(r!\) orders. Memory cue: whenever \(^{n}P_r\) is compared with \(^{n}C_r\), their ratio is \(r!\).