If '48x2y' is a five-digit number which is divisible by 72,

Solution

ATQ,

Since, 72 = 9 × 8

So, the given number must be divisible by both 9 and 8.

Divisibility by 8:

Last three digits of the number (x2y) must be divisible by 8.

For x = 5 and y = 4, the number "524" is divisible by 8.

Divisibility by 9:

Sum of the digits (4 + 8 + 5 + 2 + 4 = 23) must be divisible by 9, which it is not.

Adjusting the values, for x = 3 and y = 6, the number "326" is divisible by both.

Hence, x = 3, y = 6

And, x - y = 3 - 6 = -3