Find the sum of the smallest and the greatest 3-digit numbers formed by using the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 without any repetition of digits.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 534
A 3-digit number cannot begin with 0. For the greatest number, put the largest digits in the highest places; for the smallest, the smallest digits, keeping 0 out of the hundreds place.
Greatest: 4, 3, 2 in order gives 432
Smallest: 1 in the hundreds place, then 0, then 2 gives 102
Sum: \(432+102=534\)
Tip: With 0 among the digits, the smallest number starts with the smallest non-zero digit and puts 0 second; 012 is not a 3-digit number.