We are given that \( n_1 < n_2 < n_3 < n_4 < n_5 \) are distinct positive integers such that their sum is 20, i.e.,
\[
n_1 + n_2 + n_3 + n_4 + n_5 = 20
\]
### Step 1: Redefine the variables
Since the integers are distinct, we can redefine the variables in such a way that they are all positive integers. Let:
\[
n_1 = x_1 + 1, \quad n_2 = x_2 + 2, \quad n_3 = x_3 + 3, \quad n_4 = x_4 + 4, \quad n_5 = x_5 + 5
\]
where \( x_1, x_2, x_3, x_4, x_5 \) are non-negative integers. This transformation ensures that the new variables represent positive integers.
### Step 2: Express the sum
Substitute the new variables into the sum:
\[
(x_1 + 1) + (x_2 + 2) + (x_3 + 3) + (x_4 + 4) + (x_5 + 5) = 20
\]
Simplify the equation:
\[
x_1 + x_2 + x_3 + x_4 + x_5 + 15 = 20
\]
\[
x_1 + x_2 + x_3 + x_4 + x_5 = 5
\]
### Step 3: Count the non-negative integer solutions
We now need to find the number of solutions to the equation:
\[
x_1 + x_2 + x_3 + x_4 + x_5 = 5
\]
where \( x_1, x_2, x_3, x_4, x_5 \) are non-negative integers. This is a typical "stars and bars" problem, where the number of solutions is given by the binomial coefficient:
\[
\binom{5 + 5 - 1}{5 - 1} = \binom{9}{4}
\]
### Step 4: Calculate the binomial coefficient
Now, calculate \( \binom{9}{4} \):
\[
\binom{9}{4} = \frac{9 \times 8 \times 7 \times 6}{4 \times 3 \times 2 \times 1} = \frac{3024}{24} = 126
\]
### Final Answer:
The number of distinct arrangements of \( (n_1, n_2, n_3, n_4, n_5) \) is 126.