Difference between revisions of "2023 SSMO Team Round Problems/Problem 1"

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==Solution==
 
==Solution==
  
We can assume because of the symmetry that a=0. Then, the problem is reduced to <math>1+b^c+c^d</math>. Since there are only <math>3</math> possible permutations for <math>b</math>, <math>c</math>, and <math>d</math>, we can try them and find that the maximum possible value is obtained when <math>b=2</math>, <math>c=3</math>, and <math>d=2</math>. Therefore, the answer is <math>1+2^3+3^2=\boxed18</math>
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We can assume because of the symmetry that <math>a=0</math>. Then, the problem is reduced to <math>1+b^c+c^d</math>. Since there are only <math>3</math> possible permutations for <math>b</math>, <math>c</math>, and <math>d</math>, we can try them and find that the maximum possible value is obtained when <math>b=2</math>, <math>c=3</math>, and <math>d=2</math>. Therefore, the answer is <math>1+2^3+3^2=\boxed{18}</math>.
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~alexanderruan

Latest revision as of 02:11, 3 January 2024

Problem

Let $(a, b, c, d)$ be a permutation of $(2, 0, 2, 3)$. Find the largest possible value of $a^b + b^c + c^d + d^a$

Solution

We can assume because of the symmetry that $a=0$. Then, the problem is reduced to $1+b^c+c^d$. Since there are only $3$ possible permutations for $b$, $c$, and $d$, we can try them and find that the maximum possible value is obtained when $b=2$, $c=3$, and $d=2$. Therefore, the answer is $1+2^3+3^2=\boxed{18}$.

~alexanderruan