Problem:
In the expression , the values of , , , and are , , , and , although not necessarily in that order. What is the maximum possible value of the result?
Answer Choices:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Solution:
If , the value of the expression can be increased by interchanging with the value of . Therefore the maximum value must occur when . If , the value is , which is or . If , the value is . If , the value is , which is or . Thus the maximum value is .
Answer: .
The problems on this page are the property of the MAA's American Mathematics Competitions