SOLUTION: x is a 3 digit number y is the digits of x reversed, also a 3 digit number. what is the smallest positive value of the absolute value of y-x?

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Question 541031: x is a 3 digit number
y is the digits of x reversed, also a 3 digit number.
what is the smallest positive value of the absolute value of y-x?
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Neither the 1st or the 3rd digit can be 0
The smallest they can be is 1
The smallest the 2nd digit can be is 0
+x+=+101+
+y+=+101+
+x+-+y+=+0+
Since 0 is neither positive or negative
the 3rd digit has to be 2
+x+=+102+
+y+=+201+
++abs%28+x+-+y+%29+=+99+
The 2nd digit can be any value and
++abs%28+x+-+y+%29+ is still 99
which is smallest absolute value