How many 4-digit numbers can be formed by using the digits 1 to 9 if repetition of digits is not allowed?

Answer: 3024

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Identify the problem type

This problem asks for the number of ways to arrange a specific number of items (digits) from a larger set, where the order of arrangement matters and repetition is not allowed. This is a classic permutation problem.

Step 2: Determine available digits and number of places

We are given digits from 1 to 9, which means there are 9 distinct digits available. We need to form a 4-digit number, so there are 4 places to fill.

Step 3: Calculate choices for each position

For the first digit, we have 9 choices (any digit from 1 to 9). Since repetition is not allowed, for the second digit, we have 8 remaining choices. Similarly, for the third digit, we have 7 choices, and for the fourth digit, we have 6 choices.

Step 4: Apply the multiplication principle

According to the multiplication principle, the total number of ways to form the 4-digit number is the product of the number of choices for each position.

Step 5: Calculate the final result

Multiplying the number of choices for each position gives us the total number of unique 4-digit numbers that can be formed.

More from this chapter

All Permutations and Combinations solutions →

Solve your own maths question free →