Each of the digits 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 is placed one to a box in the diagram. If the two digit number is subtracted from the three digit number, what is the smallest difference?
(A) 269
(D) 271
(B) 278
(E) 261
(C) 484

![](https://cdn.mathpix.com/cropped/2024_04_20_46ead6524a8d61e21c51g-105.jpg?height=92&width=285&top_left_y=1789&top_left_x=1408)
Each of the digits 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8 is placed one to a box in the diagram. If the two digit number is subtracted from the three digit number, what is the smallest difference?
(A) 269
(B) 278
(C) 484
(D) 271
(E) 261

![](https://cdn.mathpix.com/cropped/2024_04_20_748fdafcde2a47412608g-461.jpg?height=253&width=363&top_left_y=253&top_left_x=1358)

Solution

The smallest difference will be produced when the three digit number is as small as possible, that is 356 , and the two digit number is as large as possible, that is 87 .

The smallest difference is $356-87=269$.

ANSWER: (A)