1996 AMC 8 Problem 6

Attempt Problem 6 of the 1996 AMC 8 below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 1996 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

All problems are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

6.

What is the smallest result that can be obtained by the following process?
• Choose three different numbers from the set {3,5,7,11,13,17}.\{3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17\}.
• Add two of these numbers.
• Multiply their sum by the third number.
1515
3030
3636
5050
5656
Answer: C
Concepts:optimizationcasework
Small hint:
To keep the result small, use the three smallest numbers 3,3, 5,5, and 77
Big hint:
The smallest number should be the multiplier, since it scales the sum the least
Solution:
Use the three smallest numbers 3,3, 5,5, and 7.7. The choices are 3(5+7)=36,3(5 + 7) = 36, 5(3+7)=50,5(3 + 7) = 50, and 7(3+5)=56.7(3 + 5) = 56.
Making the smallest number the multiplier gives the least result, 36.36.
Thus, the correct answer is C .
LIVE by Po-Shen Loh
Programs

LIVE Classes

Self-Paced Classes

Stars

Scholarship

About Us

Who Is Po-Shen Loh?

Email Contact

Newsletter

Jobs

Become a Star

For a more Thought Full world.

© 2026 Expii, Inc.