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50th Mathematical Olympiad in Ukraine, Third Round (January 23, 2010)

Ukraine 2010 algebra

Problem

Consider an arbitrary arrangement of the brackets. Numbers and always have signs '+' and '-', respectively, that's why the sum reaches the maximum value when the other terms will have '+' sign.

In the expression there are somehow placed brackets and the value is calculated. Find the maximum value that can be reached. Justify your answer.

Notice. Left bracket can be placed only before a number and right - only after. For example, expressions and are incorrect.
Solution


Solution. Consider an arbitrary arrangement of the brackets. The first numbers and always have signs '+' and '-', respectively, that's why the sum reaches the maximum value when other terms will have '+' signs. We can achieve this as it was made in the answer. Calculating maximum value:
Final answer
4035077

Techniques

Integers