2026/077)The set M consists of all 7-digit positive integer numbers that contain (in decimal notation) each of the digits 1,3,4,6,7,8 and 9 exactly once. (a) Find the smallest positive difference d of two numbers from M. (b) How many pairs (x,y) with x and y from M are there for which x−y=d?

 

It is 9 . this can be checked 1346798 - 1346789,

This should be divisible by 9 as 2 permutations of a number as they contain same digits so both have same remainder and hence the difference should be divisible by 9 and hence 9 is the answer.

What are the numbers that give a difference 9. The unit digit of larger number shall be 1 less than the tens digit.

The number must end with (2 digits) 43,76,87,98 end smaller number ends with 34,67,78,89

That is 4 sets of number

They must have 5 digits same that can be from rest 5 digits they can be in 120 ways(5 digits can be permuted in 120 ways

So number of pair of numbers 120 * 4 = 480