Question

Ajay asked his friend Arnav to substitute the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the equation $p^q+r^s$, such that the number obtained has the greatest value. Can you help Arnav find the greatest value?

• A. 82
• B. 81
• C. 84
• D. 83

Answer 1

The correct option is D 83

In order to obtain the greatest value we must use the higher numbers as the exponents if the base value is not 1.
Let p = 2, q = 1, r = 3, s = 4
Then, substituting them in the equation:
$p^q+r^s=(2{)}^1+(3{)}^4=2+81=83$

Try substituting different values for p, q, r and s.
The above combination will give the greatest value.