MathLabs

Problem 4

Determine, with proof, the greatest number which is the product of positive integers whose sum is 19761976.
Step 3 of 6: Replace 44 by two 22's
In plain words

A factor of 44 is exactly as good as two factors of 22, but the latter form is convenient for the next exchanges.

4=2+2,4=2⋅24=2+2,\quad 4=2\cdot2
Detailed analysis

The only remaining possible summands are 1,2,3,41,2,3,4. Replacing 44 by 2+22+2 preserves the sum and the product because 4=2⋅24=2\cdot2, so we may assume no 44 occurs.