each of the positive integers a , b , and c is a 3 - digit integer . if each of the digits 1 through 9 appears in one of these 3 integers , what is the maximum possible value of the sum of a , b , and c ?	Answers:
A) 2445
B) 2331
C) 2874
D) 2801
E) 2256

Rationale: according to the stem we should use the digits 1 through 9 to construct 3 three - digit integers , so that their sum is as big as possible . to maximize the sum , maximize the hundreds digits of a , b , and c , so make them 9 , 8 , and 7 . next , minimize tens digits . make them 6 , 5 , and 4 . use the remaining digits ( 3 , 2 , and 1 ) for units digits . so , a would be 963 , b would be 852 and c would be 741 . 741 + 852 + 963 = 2256 . answer : e .
Answer: E