What is the largest possible value of p

The numbers {1, 3, 6, 7, 7, 7} are used to form three 2-digit numbers. If the sum of these three numbers is a prime number p, what is the largest possible value of p?
A. 97
B. 151
C. 209
D. 211
E. 219
For Detailed Answers:


What is the largest possible sum of these three numbers that we can form? Maximize the first digit: 76+73+71=220=even, so not a prime. Let's try next largest sum, switch digits in 76 and we'll get: 67+73+71=211. Question is it a prime number? If you notice 210=2*3*5*7=the product of the first four primes. So, 210+1=211 must be a prime. For example: 2+1=3=prime, 2*3+1=7=prime, 2*3*5+1=31=prime.

Answer: D.

 


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