Math Problem Statement

How many numbers are there between 1245 and 5421 inclusive which contain each of the digits 1,2,4, and 5 once and once only?

Question 27Answer

a. 4,177

b. 5,421

c. 4,176

d. 42

e. 24

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to determine how many numbers between 1245 and 5421 (inclusive) contain each of the digits 1, 2, 4, and 5 exactly once.

Step-by-step Solution:

  1. Understanding the Problem:

    • We want to form a number using the digits 1, 2, 4, and 5.
    • Each digit must appear exactly once in each number.
    • The number must be between 1245 and 5421 (inclusive).
  2. Counting All Possible Combinations of Digits 1, 2, 4, and 5:

    • There are 4 digits, and we need to form a 4-digit number using these digits exactly once.
    • The number of permutations of 4 distinct digits is 4!=244! = 24.
  3. Finding the Permutations Within the Range [1245, 5421]:

    • We need to check which of these 24 permutations fall between 1245 and 5421.
  4. Listing the Permutations of the Digits 1, 2, 4, and 5:

    • The permutations of 1, 2, 4, 5 are:
      1. 1245
      2. 1254
      3. 1425
      4. 1452
      5. 1524
      6. 1542
      7. 2145
      8. 2154
      9. 2415
      10. 2451
      11. 2514
      12. 2541
      13. 4125
      14. 4152
      15. 4215
      16. 4251
      17. 4512
      18. 4521
      19. 5124
      20. 5142
      21. 5214
      22. 5241
      23. 5412
      24. 5421
  5. Counting Permutations Between 1245 and 5421 (Inclusive):

    • By looking at the list above, we see all 24 permutations are within the range from 1245 to 5421.

Conclusion:

  • There are 24 numbers that meet the criteria.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

e. 24

Would you like a detailed explanation on how to check each permutation manually, or have any other questions? Here are some follow-up questions to consider:

  1. What is the formula for calculating permutations for different numbers of digits?
  2. How do you find combinations of numbers that fit a specific range?
  3. What are the differences between permutations and combinations?
  4. How would the answer change if the digits were not unique?
  5. How would you solve this problem programmatically using a computer?

Tip: When solving permutation problems, listing all possible combinations helps ensure no options are missed and makes range-checking easier.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Permutations
Combinatorics
Number Theory

Formulas

Permutation formula n! for arranging n distinct items

Theorems

Fundamental Principle of Counting

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12