Here are five digits

Question

Write down the four digit number closest to 3000 that can be made with four of the digits

31468

Answer 1

To find the four-digit number closest to 3000 using the digits 3, 1, 4, 6, and 8, we can analyze the possible combinations.

1. Since 3000 is the target number and starts with the digit 3, we can use 3 as the leading digit.
2. We will then explore combinations of the remaining digits (1, 4, 6, 8) to form the last three digits in a way that gets us as close to 3000 as possible.

Starting with 3 as the first digit:

• The closest number less than 3000 would be formed by the next lowest combinations, so we consider 3 as the leading digit and attempt to keep the next digits as low as possible.

• If we take the next lowest digit (1), we can try 3140 (using 4 and 0). However, since we cannot use 0, we omit this option.

Now let’s form numbers:

1. Using 3, 1, 4:
   • 3146 (which is too high)
   • 3148 (which is higher)
2. Using 3, 1, 6:
   • 3164 (too high)
   • 3168 (too high)
3. Check lower alternatives:
   • Use 3, 4, and 1:
     • 3416 (too high)
     • 3418 (too high)
4. Try closest permutation below:
   • 3014
   • 3016
   • 3018
   • 3140

Since 3140 is still higher, we'll focus lower combinations:

• The closest number we can land without going too far can be 3140, but based purely on the digits available, the closest four-digit number we can get to 3000 using 3, 1, and the next lowest is:

Thus, the closest four-digit number to 3000 using the digits 31468 is 3140.

If we include all potential combinations strictly looking at those below 3000, we revert to alternatives, examining towards:

The absolute closest number via combinations formed leading to:

So, the closest option via lowest confirmed: The closest 4-digit number to 3000 that can be formed from digits 31468 is 3140.