The number of numbers that can be formed by the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 2, 1 with the odd digits at odd places is
18
There are 4 odd places and there are 4 odd numbers viz 1,1,3,3. These four numbers can be arranged in four places in 4!2!2!=6 ways.
In a seven digit number there are 3 even places namely 2nd, 4th and 6th in which 3 even numbers 2, 2, 4 can be arranged in 3!2!=3 ways
Hence, the total number of numbers =6×3=18