the FCP is a way to figure out the total number of ways different events can occur. If there are a ways for one activity to occur and b ways for a second activity to occur, then there are a x b ways for both to occur.
Example: Mattie has three pants, four jackets, and six shirts to choose from for an outfit. How many possible outfits can she make? 3 x 4 x 6 = 72 possible outfits. (All items must be distinct!)