UPSC Prelims 2023·CSAT·Quantitative Aptitude·Combinatorics and Probability

If p , q , r and s are distinct single digit positive numbers, then what is the greatest value of (p + q)(r + s) ?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. A230
  2. B225Correct
  3. C224
  4. D221

Explanation

To find the greatest value of the expression (p + q)(r + s), we must use the largest available distinct single digit positive numbers. These are 9, 8, 7, and 6. In mathematics, the product of two sums is maximized when the sums are as large as possible and as close to each other as possible. Let us test the possible combinations of these four numbers: 1. If we group the largest and smallest together (9+6) and the middle two together (8+7): (9 + 6) * (8 + 7) = 15 * 15 = 225 2. If we group the largest with the second smallest (9+7) and the second largest with the smallest (8+6): (9 + 7) * (8 + 6) = 16 * 14 = 224 3. If we group the two largest together (9+8) and the two smallest together (7+6): (9 + 8) * (7 + 6) = 17 * 13 = 221 The maximum value obtained is 225. Therefore, option B is correct.
Quantitative Aptitude: If p , q , r and s are distinct single digit positive numbers, then what is the greatest value of (p + q)(r + s) ?

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