Pick any 3-digit number where not all the digits are equal. Order the digits from highest to lowest to create the largest number. Next order the digits from lowest to highest to create the smallest number. Find the positive difference between the two numbers. Investigate different solutions you find. Are there patterns? If so, what patterns did you find?

where are the choices?

answer: integers are just whole numbers: positive, negative, and zero.

i = {-∞, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ∞}

let x = 1st integer

let y = 2nd integer

x = 3y + 17   {equation 1}

xy = -24         {equation 2}

substitute 3y+17 in place of x n equation 2

and solve for y.

(3y+17)y = -24

3y2 + 17y = -24

3y2 + 17y + 24 = 0

from quadratic equation:

y = [-17±√(172-4(3)(24))]/(2(3))

y = (-17 ±√1)/6

y = (-17+1)/6   or     y = (-17-1)/6

y = -16/6           or     y = -18/6

y = -2 2/3         or   y = -3

since we are dealing with

y = -3

x = 3y+17 = -9+17 = 8

the integers are -3, 8

step-by-step explanation: