Open Middle®
Directions: Using the digits 1 to 9, at most one time each, fill in the boxes to make a result that has the greatest value possible.
Hint
How does changing the base affect the value?
How does changing the exponent affect the value?
How does changing the exponent affect the value?
Answer
Initially, some students may think that the answer is 8^9. This breaks the structure of the problem, as the result has to be 3-digits.
The largest possible 3-digit result is 729 from 3^6 = 729.
Source: Robert Kaplinsky
The given answer is incorrect. Although 9^3 = 729, the directions say to use each digit “at most one time each.” This answer repeats the digit 9.
You’re totally right, Patrick. I’ll change it to just the single answer.