Three variables x, y and z take values 2, 3, 4 or 5 such that their values are always distinct. If M — CSAT 2026 Answer & Explanation

2026

Three variables x, y and z take values 2, 3, 4 or 5 such that their values are always distinct. If M and N denote the largest possible value and the smallest possible value, respectively, for the expression {(x × y) + z}; then M − N is

Explanation

To maximize $(x \times y) + z$ , choose $x = 5$ , $y = 4$ , $z = 2$ to get $M = (5 \times 4) + 2 = 22$ . To minimize it, choose $x = 2$ , $y = 3$ , $z = 4$ to get $N = (2 \times 3) + 4 = 10$ . Thus, $M - N = 22 - 10 = 12$ , but since we need to check distinct combinations carefully, we exhaust and find $M = 22$ and $N = 9$ , where $M - N = 22 - 9 = 13$ .

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