Question

The smallest three digit number formed by the digits 2, 0, and 3.
A. 203
B. 032
C. 302
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: To solve this question, first we write all the combinations possible with the three digits given. There will be six such combinations now out of all the six combinations check which three digit number is the least by comparing all the combinations together. That number will be the smallest three digit number formed by the digits 2, 0, and 3.

Complete step-by-step solution:
The given three digits are 2, 0, and 3.
To find the smallest three digit number formed by these digits,
First, we need to find all the possible numbers formed by these digits.
Since there are three digits, there will be a total of six combinations.
The nine combinations will be,
$203,230,023,032,302,320\;$
Now out of all these six numbers, we need to find which is the smallest of all as asked in the question.
To compare three digit numbers:
First, check the hundreds place digit. If one has more hundreds than the other, then it is the highest of both.
If the hundreds place is the same, then check the tens place. If one has more tens than the other, then it is the highest of both.
And if the tens place digit is also the same then check for the unit’s place and then decide which is the smallest or the greatest number of all.
Out of these three digit numbers, $203,230,023,032,302,320\;$
We can say that after comparing, 023 is the least or the smallest of all.
But 023 is not a three digit number.
It is a two digit number.
The next smallest is 032 which is also a two digit number.
Hence the smallest three digit number formed by the digits 2, 0, and 3 is 203.
Therefore, option A is correct.

Note: The most efficient way to compare any numbers is to start from left to right digits. Start comparing each digit from left to right and if the digit we are comparing is the same, then move on and compare the next digit.