tricky ps 19

[nuthan]

Nine numbers: 0,1,1,4,5,6,8,8,9,can be compose to three number (all three figures), every number can be used one time, what is the maximum value of the three numbers addtion?

Official Answer: 2652
please explain

[GmatGnat]

To make three numbers which add up to the largest sum possible, we want to maximize each number. In order to do that, we want to push the larger numbers as far to the left of the decimal point as possible. For instance, if we place 9 in the units column, it's just 9. If we place it in the hundreds column, it's 900. This gives us more bang for the buck. It doesn't matter which three digit number contains which particular digits, since they'll all be added together. We just want to make sure the largest numbers are as far to the left as possible.

The largest numbers are 9, 8, and 8. Let's put those in the hundreds column:
9xx
8xx
8xx

The next largest numbers are 4, 5, and 6. Let's put those in the tens column:
94x
85x
86x

The remaining numbers are 0, 1, and 1. Let's put those in the remaining spots:
940
851
861

940 + 851 + 861 = 2652

[bschool_guru]

can you put your question in a better understandable form ? I am sure if you picked up this question from somewhere it was not as unclear ..

[GmatGnat]

Also please wrap answers in spoiler tags (under the Go Advanced button). Thanks, nuthan.

[mitul_mehta007]

to find largest sum from these 9 numbers,there are 3 different 3-digit numbers.
take 3 most largest numbers from these numbers and place them in hundred's digit of all the 3 diff 3-digit numbers.then keep next 3 largest numbers in all the tenth place and then finally next three numbers in one's place.so we get
961
851
840
----
2652
----
am i correct ?