UPSC Prelims 2024·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, to maximize the product of two sums, the values of the two sums should be as close to each other as possible. Let us test the possible combinations: 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 them differently, such as (9+7) and (8+6): (9 + 7) * (8 + 6) = 16 * 14 = 224. 3. If we group (9+8) and (7+6): (9 + 8) * (7 + 6) = 17 * 13 = 221. The greatest value 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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