DE-MO 2010 Problem 5

The polynomial $x^8 +x^7$ is written on a blackboard. In a move, Peter can erase the polynomial $P(x)$ and write down $(x+1)P(x)$ or its derivative $P'(x).$ After a while, the linear polynomial $ax+b$ with $a\ne 0$ is written on the board. Prove that $a-b$ is divisible by $49.$