Exponential generating function for number of 10 length sequences built from the alphabet, with some restrictions

Question

I've got the following homework question. If anybody could possibly point me in the right direction, that would be great:

Suppose X is a sequence with 10 terms built from 26 letters {a, b, c, ..., z} such that e, n, r, and s occur at least once. Please determine with proof the number of such Xs.

I'm looking to create an exponential generating function to solve this problem. From what I understand, if ALL 26 letters had to occur at least once, the exponential generating function could be described as $ (e^x-1)^{26}$.

Since there are $4$ values that must occur at least once, my assumption is that the generating function will be $$(e^x-1)^4(e^x)^{22}$$

And then to find the actual answer, I believe I will need the coefficient on $$\frac{x^{10}}{10!}$$

Am I on the right track here?

Answer 1

You are right. Now multiply out and get the coefficients.