Question 67

p, q and r are three non-negative integers such that p + q + r = 10. The maximum value of pq + qr + pr + pqr is

Solution

The product of 2 numbers A and B is maximum when A = B.
If we cannot equate the numbers, then we have to try to minimize the difference between the numbers as much as possible. 
pq will be maximum when p=q.
qr will be maximum when q=r.
qr will be maximum when r=p.
Therefore, p, q, and r should be as close to each other as possible. 
We know that p,q,and r are integers and p+q+r=10.
=> p,q, and r should be 3,3, and 4 in any order. 
Substituting the values in the expression, we get, 
pq+qr+pr+pqr = 3*3 + 3*4 + 3*4 + 3*3*4
= 9 + 12 + 12 + 36
= 69
Therefore, option C is the right answer.


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