Maximize expression of three elements

Array Greedy Sorting Enumeration

72.4% acceptance

Jan 13, 2026

You are given an integer array nums. Choose three elements a, b, and c from nums at distinct indices such that the value of the expression a + b - c is maximized. Return an integer denoting the maximum possible value of this expression.

Solution

Rust

Time O(n log n)

Space O(1)

LeetCode

solution.rs

impl Solution {
  pub fn maximize_expression_of_three(nums: Vec<i32>) -> i32 {
    let mut sorted = nums.clone();
    sorted.sort_unstable();
    let n = sorted.len();
    // max a+b-c: pick two largest as a,b and smallest as c
    // but they must be distinct indices, not distinct values
    // Use top 2 max + bottom 1 min from original array
    // Sort descending: top two + negate minimum
    sorted[n-1] + sorted[n-2] - sorted[0]
  }
}