Erik's elementary school principal wants to hire some new teachers. 8 teachers applied for one 1st grade teaching job, and 3 teachers applied for one 2nd grade teaching job. How many different ways can Erik's principal hire new teachers? square ways

The principal has 8 choices for the 1st grade teacher and 3 choices for the 2nd grade teacher. Since these choices are independent, we multiply the number of choices for each position to find the total number of ways the principal can hire the new teachers.<br /><br />8 choices * 3 choices = 24 ways<br /><br />So, there are 24 different ways the principal can hire new teachers.<br /><br />$\boxed{24}$ ways<br />