Question

What is the smallest 3-digit number that can be formed (without repeating a digit) using the digits 5, 9 and 0 ?

• A. 59
• B. 905
• C. 590
• D. 509

Answer 1

The correct option is D 509

To find the smallest 3-digit number given 3 digits, we usually place the smallest digit at the hundreds place.
But, when 0 is placed at the hundreds place, the numbers possible are 059 and 095 (59 and 95), which are both 2-digit numbers.

Thus, we place the second smallest digit in the hundreds place.
Then, we place 0 in the tens place and finally, 9 in the ones place.

Thus, 509 is the smallest 3-digit number that can be formed from the digits 5, 9 and 0.