Seven-digit telephone numbers are formed with all digits distinct. If the leftmost (first) digit is 6 and the rightmost (last) digit is 5, how many such telephone numbers are possible?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 6720

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a direct permutations problem with positional constraints on the first and last digits and “all digits distinct.”



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Digits available: 0–9.
  • Positions: D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7.
  • D1 fixed as 6; D7 fixed as 5.
  • All digits in the 7-number must be distinct.


Concept / Approach:
After fixing D1 and D7, fill the five middle positions with distinct digits chosen and arranged from the remaining 8 digits.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Remaining pool after using 6 and 5: 8 digits.Number of ways to choose and arrange D2–D6: P(8,5) = 8 × 7 × 6 × 5 × 4 = 6720.



Verification / Alternative check:
Equivalent to placing any permutation of 5 distinct digits into the middle 5 slots with order mattering.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
120 is 5! (ignores choice of which digits); 30240 and 5040 come from other permutation counts not matching constraints; 100000 ignores “all distinct.”



Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that 0 is allowed in middle positions and that digits cannot repeat.



Final Answer:
6720

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