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anemone
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If $p,\,q,\,r,\,s$ are positive integers with sum 63, what is the maximum value of $pq+qr+rs$?
RLBrown said:Two observations:
1) To max rectangular Area for given perimeter. use square. (want squares)
2) Area increases as the square of a side. (want BIG squares)
With some trial and error, I choose
{p, q, r, s} = {1, 2, 30, 30}
for answer of 962
kaliprasad said:RL Brown's starting is right but he overlooked that it need not be a square. A rectangle shall do
p = 1, q = 30, r = 31 , s =1 gives 991
The discussion is informal but if we can raise p and q so that the product is the maximum we can keep r and s as low as possible which gives the value as above
kaliprasad said:edited to provide the solution
$pq + qr + rs = pq + qr + rs + sp - sp = (p+r)(q+s) - sp$
now we need to maximize $(p+r)(q+s)$ and minimise sp as s and p are in differenent expression
p+r and q + s should be as close as possible as p+r + q + s = 63
so p+ q = 32 and r+ s = 31 or viceversa and p = s = 1
so p = 1 , q = 31, r = 30, s = 1 or p =1, q = 30, r = 31, s = 1
To find the maximum of a sum, you need to first identify the numbers or variables that will be added together. Then, you can use a mathematical formula or algorithm to determine the highest possible result.
The purpose of finding the maximum of a sum is to understand the highest possible value that can be obtained by adding a set of numbers or variables together. This can be useful in various mathematical and scientific applications, such as optimization problems and data analysis.
Yes, there are various methods that can be used to find the maximum of a sum. Some common methods include using derivatives, setting up and solving equations, and using computer algorithms.
Yes, the maximum of a sum can be negative if the numbers or variables being added together are negative. However, if all the numbers or variables are positive, the maximum of the sum will also be positive.
Finding the maximum of a sum involves finding the highest possible result when adding a set of numbers or variables together. On the other hand, finding the sum of all maximum values involves adding together the highest values from a set of numbers or variables. The former focuses on the overall maximum result, while the latter focuses on individual maximum values within the set.