Maximum Calculator
This Maximum Calculator finds the largest value in a list and shows the working line by line. Sorting the values from smallest to largest sends the answer to the end, where nothing comes after it. Sorting rather than scanning is what keeps it right on a long list, and it puts the minimum in plain view at the same time. Following the same pattern every time makes the maximum easy to check and repeat.
Step-by-step method
- Set up the problem.
- Sort the values from smallest to largest.
- Take the last value in the sorted list.
See Example 1 Hide Example 1
Problem
Approach
Step-by-step method
- Set up the problem.
- Sort the values from smallest to largest.
- Take the last value in the sorted list.
Step 1
Step 1 - Set up the problem.
In this problem: We are finding the largest of the values \(5,\; 8,\; 12,\; 15\).
Step 2
Step 2 - Sort the values from smallest to largest.
In this problem: Putting the values in order from smallest to largest gives \(5,\; 8,\; 12,\; 15\).
Step 3
Step 3 - Take the last value in the sorted list.
In this problem: Nothing in the sorted list comes after \(15\), so that is the largest value.
Final Answer
See Example 2 Hide Example 2
Problem
Approach
Step-by-step method
- Set up the problem.
- Sort the values from smallest to largest.
- Take the last value in the sorted list.
Step 1
Step 1 - Set up the problem.
In this problem: We are finding the largest of the values \(6,\; 6,\; 7,\; 10\).
Step 2
Step 2 - Sort the values from smallest to largest.
In this problem: Putting the values in order from smallest to largest gives \(6,\; 6,\; 7,\; 10\).
Step 3
Step 3 - Take the last value in the sorted list.
In this problem: Nothing in the sorted list comes after \(10\), so that is the largest value.
Final Answer
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Example Problems
Click one to load it into the box and solve it.