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One can change the value of the expression 3*2 + 8/2 + 2 by inserting a pair of parentheses.  What is the largest value one can obtain?

 Jun 13, 2020
 #1
avatar+310 
+1

To get the largest amount, we want to multiply two large amounts. 

We only have one times sign. 

To maximize a factor, we put parenthesis here: 3*(2 + 8/2 + 2)

This equals 3*8=24.

So the largest value one can obtain is 24.

 Jun 13, 2020
 #2
avatar+9466 
+1

We can obtain a larger value if we add it like this:

3*2(+8/2 + 2) = 6(6) = 36

Treat the addition symbol as a positive sign.

MaxWong  Jun 13, 2020
 #3
avatar+310 
+2

Ahh! That's clever. 

thelizzybeth  Jun 13, 2020

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