Problem:
Using each of the eight digits and exactly once, a three-digit number , two two-digit numbers and , , and a one-digit number are formed. The numbers are such that . In how many ways can this be done?
Problem:
Using each of the eight digits and exactly once, a three-digit number , two two-digit numbers and , , and a one-digit number are formed. The numbers are such that . In how many ways can this be done?
Solution:
From and , it follows that . The hundreds digit of is therefore , and the tens digit is either or . If the tens digit of is , then the sum of the units digits of and must be , which is impossible, as the digits and are not among the eight digits given. Hence the first two digits of are uniquely determined as and . The sum of the units digits of and must be . This can be achieved in six different ways as .
The sum of the units digits of and must again be , and as , this must also be true for the tens digits. For each choice of the numbers and , the remaining four digits form two pairs, both with the sum . The units digits of and may then be chosen in four ways. The tens digits are then uniquely determined by the remaining pair and the relation . The total number of possibilities is therefore .