2023 AMC 8 Problem 6

Attempt Problem 6 of the 2023 AMC 8 below, then check your answer against the video solution and professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2023 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

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

6.

The digits 2,2, 0,0, 2,2, and 33 are placed in the expression below, one digit per box. What is the maximum possible value of the expression?
00
88
99
1616
1818
Answer: C
Concepts:exponentoptimization
Small hint:
Avoid putting 00 in a base
Big hint:
Use 00 as an exponent so one factor becomes 11
Video solution:
Solution video thumbnail
Play video

Click to load, then click again to play

Written solution:
Note that we do not want 00 as a base, since that would make the expression equal to 0.0.
This means that 00 must be an exponent. The number whose exponent is 00 will automatically evaluate to 1.1.
Using one of the two copies of 22 in the factor 202^0 leaves 22 and 33 for the other factor.
The other factor can then be 232^3 or 32.3^2. Since 323^2 is larger, we use 32.3^2.
This gives us a final value of 20×32=1×9=9. 2^0 \times 3^2 = 1 \times 9 = 9.
Thus, C is the correct answer.
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.