Sum of the known digits = 8 + 1 + 7 + 2 + 1 + 8 = 27
To be divisible by 9, 27 + ? must be a multiple of 9.
Multiples of 9 greater than or equal to 27 are: 27, 36, 45, …
So:
27 + ? = 27 → ? = 0
27 + ? = 36 → ? = 9
Thus, two digits (0 and 9) can replace the question mark. Hence the answer is 2.


