3 .

3 4 | Sequences and Series

Solved Examples

JEE Main/Boards n ( 2a + (n – 1)d)

Sn =
2
Example 1: Find the rth term if the pth term of an AP is
q and the qth term is p . 20
S20 = [2 × 99 + (20 – 1)(–4)]
2
Sol: Using Tn = a + (n – 1) d, we can obtain the pth, qth = 10[198 + 19 × (–4)] = 10(198 – 76) = 1220
and rth terms.
Let the initial term and common difference of the given Example 4: Find out the G.P. if the fifth and second
AP be a and d, respectively. terms of a G.P. are 81 and 24, respectively.
As given,
Sol: We know that in GP, the nth term is given by
q = a + (p – 1) d  … (i) Tn = a.rn – 1. Thus, by using this formula, we can find the GP.
p = a + (q – 1) d  … (ii) Given, T5 = 81 and T2 = 24
Subtracting (i) by (ii), we find that ∴ 81 = ar4 … (i)
q – p = (p – q) d and 24 = ar … (ii)
∴d=–1 Dividing (i) by (ii), we get
3
Putting d = – 1 in (i), we get 81 27 3 3
= r3 ⇒ r3 = ⇒ r3 =   ⇒ r =
a = q+ p – 1 24 8 2 2

∴ tr = a +(r – 1)d Substituting the value of r in (ii), we get, a = 16

= (q + p – 1) – r+ 1 = p + q – r Thus, the required G.P. is 16, 24, 36, 54 ,….

Example 2: Find out the number of terms in a given AP Example 5: If the sum of four numbers in AP is 50 and
20, 25, 30, 35, …. 100. the greatest of them is four times the least, then find
the numbers.
Sol: We know that Tn = a + (n – 1) d.
Sol: Let the four numbers in AP be a, a +d, a + 2d, a
Given, a = 20, d = 5 and Tn = 100. Therefore, by solving +3d with d > 0.
the equation, we will get the number of terms.
As given, sum of the numbers is 50.
Let the number of terms be n.
a + (a + d) + (a + 2d) + (a + 3d) = 50
Given, Tn = 100, a = 20, d = 5
∴ 4a + 6d = 50
Tn = a + (n – 1) d
⇒ 2a + 3d =
25 ...(i) and
⇒ 100 = 20 + (n – 1) 5 ⇒ 80 = (n – 1) 5
a + 3d = 4a
⇒ 16 = (n – 1) ⇒ n = 17
⇒ 3d = 3a
∴d = a
Example 3: Solve the following series:
∴ Equation (i) becomes 5a = 25
99 + 95 + 91 +87 + …. to 20 terms
Thus, a = 5 = d
n
Sol: Using Sn = 2a + (n – 1 ) d , we can solve the given Therefore, the four number are 5, 10, 15 and 20.
problem. 2

We know that the terms of the given series are in AP. Example 6: If S1, S2, S3,….., SP are the sum of p infinite
Given, geometric progression whose first terms are 1, 2, 3,….,
D = – 4, a = 99 and n = 20 1 1 1 1
p and whose common ratios are , , ,.... ,
2 3 4 p +1
 M a them a ti cs | 3.35

p(p + 3) n–1
respectively, then prove that S1 + S2 +….+ Sp = . a1 + d
2 ⇒ 2 1 = 5n + 4  … (i)
a n–1 9n + 6
Sol: As we know S∞ = , therefore by using this a2 + d2
1–r 2
formula we can obtain the value of S1, S2 , ….Sp. a + 12d1
The ratio of the 13th terms is 1 [which is
obtained from (i) with n = 25] a2 + 12d2
a
We know that S∞ =
1–r
a1 + 12d1 129
1 2 ∴ =
∴ S1 = = 2 ; S2 = =3 a2 + 12d2 231
1 1
1– 1–
2 3
p Example 9: If the 7th and 8th terms of an H.P. are 8 and
Sp = = p +1
1 7, respectively, then find its 15th term.
1–
p +1 1
p p Sol: We know that tn = . Therefore, by using
S1 + S2 +….+Sp = [2 × 2 + (p – 1)1] = [p + 3] a + (n− 1)d
2 2
this formula we can solve the given problem.
Example 7: Solve the series 1 +2⋅2+ 3⋅22 + 4⋅23 + ….. Given, T7 = 8 =and T8 = 7
+100⋅299. 1
∴ = 8 ⇒ 8 a + 48 d − 1 = 0 ..(i)
Sol: Let S = 1 + 2⋅2 + 3⋅2 + 4⋅2 + ….+ 100⋅2 .
2 3 99
a + 6d
Therefore, by multiplying 2 on both the sides and then 1
= 7 ⇒ 7 a + 49 d − 1 = 0 ..(ii)
taking the difference, we can solve the given problem. a + 7d
Given,
By solving these two equations, we find that d = a
S = 1 + 2⋅2 + 3⋅22 + 4⋅23 + ….+ 100⋅299  … (i)
1
Multiplying 2 on both the sides, ∴ From eq.(i), we get 8
=
7a
2S= 1⋅2+2⋅22+3⋅23+…..+99⋅299+100⋅2100  … (ii) 1
⇒a=d=
56
Subtracting (ii) from (i), we get
1 56
–S =1 + 1⋅2 + 1⋅22 +1⋅23+……+1⋅299 - 100⋅2100 ∴ T15 = =
a + 14d 15
1 – 2100
–S= − 100 ⋅ 2100 ;
1–2 Example 10: Suppose x y and z are positive real
numbers, which are different from 1.
⇒ S = 99⋅2100 + 1
If x18 = y21 = z28, then show that 3, 3logy(x). 3logz(y) and
Example 8: If (5n + 4) : (9n + 6) is the ratio of the sums 7 logx(z) are in AP.
of the nth terms of two APs, then find out the ratio of
Sol: By applying log on x18 = y21 = z28, we can find the
their 13th terms.
values of logy x , logz y and logx z .
Sol: Let a1 and a2 be the first terms of the two APs and Given, x18 = y21 = z28
d1 and d2 be their respective common difference.
Taking log, we find that
n
Applying Sn = 2a + (n – 1 ) d , we can solve the given
2 18 log x = 21 log y = 28 log z
problem.
logx 7
Given, log
= y x =
log y 6
n 7
[2a + (n – 1)d1 ] ⇒ 3logyx =  … (i)
2 1 5n + 4 2
=
n 9n + 6 log y 4
[2a2 + (n – 1)d2 ] logzy = = ; 3logzy = 4 … (ii)
2 logz 3
3 . 3 6 | Sequences and Series

logz 9 or (1 + d) (1 + 2d) (1 + 3d) + 15 = 0

log
=xz =
logx 14 or (d + 2) (6d2 + 5d + 8) = 0
9 ⇒ d=–2
⇒ 7logx z =  … (ii)
2
The other factors do not give any real solution.
7 9
The numbers 3, , 4 and are in AP with common
2 2 ∴ x = y–1, y = z–3, z = x1/3 or x = y–1 = z3
1
difference = .
2
Example 13: There are four numbers of which the
∴ 3, logyx, 3logzy and 7logxz are in AP.
first three are in G.P. and the last there are in AP, with a
y
common difference of 6. If the first number and the last
Example 11: If x= a = b z c and if a, b and c are number are equal, then find the numbers.
positive and in GP, then prove that x, y and z are in AP.
Sol: Let the four numbers be a, a – 2d, a – d, a, where
Sol: This problem can be solved by taking log on d=6
x y z
a
= b
= c. a, a – 12, a – 6 are in GP.
a 1/x
=b 1/y
=c 1/z
⇒ a(a – 6) = (a – 12)2
loga logb logc ⇒ a2 – 6a = a2 – 24a + 144
⇒ = = = k
x y z ⇒ 18a = 144
⇒ log a = kx, log b = ky, log c = kz  … (i)
⇒ a=8
a, b and c are in GP
The numbers are 8, – 4, 2 and 8.
⇒ b2 =ac
∴ 2log b = log a + log c Example 14: a, b and c are the pth, qth and rth terms
of both an AP and a GP, respectively, then prove that
⇒ 2ky = kx + kz by (i)
ab–c. bc–a. ca–b = 1 (both progressions have the same first
⇒ 2y = x + z term.)
⇒ x, y and z are in AP.
Sol: By using formula Tn = a + (n – 1) d and Tn = a.rn–1,
we can obtain the pth, qth and rth terms of both an AP
Example 12: Determine the relation between x, y and z and a GP.
if 1, logyx, logzy, – 15logxz are in AP.
Tp = a = a1 + (p – 1) d1 =a1(r1)p–1  … (i)
Sol: By considering the common difference as d and Tq = b = a1 + (q – 1)d1 = a1(r1)q–1  … (ii)
obtaining its value by logyx = 1 + d and logzy = 1 + 2d,
we can determine the required relation. Tr = c = a1 + (r – 1)d1 = a1(r1)r-1  … (iii)

Suppose d be the common difference of the given AP, From (i), (ii), (iii)
then a – b = (p - q) d1
logyx = 1 + d ⇒ x = y 1+d
 … (i) b – c = (q - r) d1
logzy = 1 + 2d ⇒ y = z1+2d  … (ii) c – a = (r - p) d1
15logxz =– (1 + 3d) Therefore, ab–c. bc–a. ca–b
1 +3d
= (a1r1p–1)b–c (a1r1q–1)c–a (a1r1r–1)a–b
⇒ z=x –15  … (iii)
Elimination y and z from equations (i), (ii) and (iii), we = a1b–c+c-a+a–b.r1(p–1)(b–c)+(q–1)(c–a)+(r–1)(a-b)
get (p −1)( q−r )d1 +( q−1)(r −p )d1 +(r −1)(p −q)d1
= a10 . r1
(1–d)(1 + 2d)(1 +3d)
x= x –15 0 0
= a=
1 .r1 1

(1 + d)(1 + 2d)(1 + 3d)

∴ 1=
–15
 M a them a ti cs | 3.37

JEE Advanced/Boards Sol: We can write x – y = p as

Example 1: If the sum of first n terms of three arithmetic ( x+ y )( x− y =

p. )
progressions are S1, S2 and S3, the first term of each
Thus, by following this method we can represent
being 1 and the common differences being 1, 2 and 3,
difference of a1, a2, a3, ……., an.
respectively, then prove that S1 + S3 = 2S2
a1, a2, a3, …….., an are in AP.
n
Sol: Using Sn = 2a + (n – 1 ) d , we can get the values
2  a2 – a1 = a3 – a2 = ……….= an – an–1 = d (say)
of S1, S2 and S3.
Given, a = 1, d1 = 1, d2 = 2, d3 = 3
⇒ ( a2 + a1 )( a2 – a1 )
S1 =
n
2
[2a + (n – 1) d1] = ( a3 + a2 )( a – a ) .........
3 2

= ( a )( a – a ) = d
n n
= [2 × 1 + (n – 1) 1] = [1 + n] an + n–1 n n–1
2 2

= ( a – a ),
n n 1 1 1
S2 = [2a + (n – 1)d2] = [2 × 1 + (n – 1) 2] = n2 ⇒ 2 1
2 2 a2 + a d a + a2
1 3
n n
S3 = [2a + (n – 1) d3] = [2 × 1 + (n – 1) 3]
2 2 a3 – a2
= , ………
n d
= [3n – 1]
2
1 an – an–1
n =
S1 + S3 = [1 + n + 3n – 1] = 2n2 = 2S an + an–1 d
2
1 1
Example 2: Calculate the sum to n terms of the series: LHS= + +…………+
a1 + a2 a2 + a3
8 +88 + 888 + ……..

Sol: We can solve this problem by taking 8 as common

from given series and applying various operations.
=
1
d
( an – a1 )
Let Sn = 8 + 88 + 888 +……. to n terms = 8 [1 + 11 + an – a1
111 + …….]  d=
n–1
8 8
= [9 + 99 + 999 + …….] = [(10 – 1) + (100 – 1) an – a1 n–1
9 9 ⇒ LHS = (n – 1)= = RHS
+(1000 – 1) + ……… to n terms] an – a1 an + a1

8 8 8
= [10 + 100 + 1000 + … + to n terms] – n= Example 4: A series of natural numbers is divided into
9 9 9
groups: (1); (2, 3, 4); (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) and so on. Prove that
(10n – 1) 8n the sum of the numbers in the nth group is (n – 1)3 + n3.
–
9 9
8 Sol: In this problem, the last term of each group is the
= [10n+1 – 9n – 10] square of the corresponding number of the group.
81
Thus, the first term of the nth group is (n – 1)2 + 1 = n2
n
Example 3: If a1, a2, a3, ……., an are in AP, where ai > 0 for – 2n + 2. Hence, by using Sn = 2a + (n – 1 ) d , we can
all I, then show that 2
solve the problem.
1 1
+ + ........ +
a1 + a2 a2 + a3 The number of terms in the first group = 1
The number of terms in the second group = 3
1 n–1
= The number of terms in the third group = 5
an–1 + an a1 + an
∴ The number of terms in the nth group = 2n–1
3 . 3 8 | Sequences and Series

The common difference of the numbers in the nth group 3

S1 =
=1 8
2n – 1 3 11
The required sum = [2(n2 – 2n + 2) + (2n – 2) 1] From (i), S∞= 1 + =
2 8 8
2n – 1
= [2n2 – 2n + 2] = (2n – 1)[n2 – n + 1]
2 Example 6: If n ∈ N and n > 1, then prove that
= 2n3 – 3n2 + 3n – 1 = n3 + (n – 1)3 n–1
(a) nn ≥ 1.3.5 ………(2n – 1) (b) 2n ≥ 1 + n 2 2

Example 5: Find the sum of the series

Sol: (a) Use the inequality A.M. ≥ GM.
1 3 5
1+ + + + ….. to ∞ . 1 + 2 + 22 + .... + 2n–1
5 52
53 (b) By solving ≥ (1.2.22 …….2n–1)1/n,
n
Sol: We can write given series as S∞ = 1 + S1, where S1 = we can prove the given equation.
1 3 5 1
+ + + …… to ∞ Thus, by multiplying on both 1 + 3 + 5 + ...... + (2n – 1) 1/n
5 52 53 5 (a)∴ ≥ 1.3.5 …. ( 2n – 1 ) 
n
the sides and subtracting, we can obtain the required n
sum. 1 + (2n – 1) 1/n
⇒ 2 ≥ 1.3.5 …. ( 2n – 1 ) 
1 3 5 n
Let S∞ = 1 + + + + …… to ∞
5 5 2
53 1/n
⇒n =1.3.5 …. ( 2n – 1 ) 
∴ S∞ = 1 + S1  ………..(i)  
Where
1.3.5 …. ( 2n – 1 )
∴ nn =
1 1 3 5
∴ S = + + + ………. to ∞ ....(ii)
5 1 52 53 54 1 + 2 + 22 + .... + 2n–1
(b) ≥ (1.2.22 …….2n–1)1/n
Subtracting, (ii) from (i) n
1/n
2n – 1 1  2 
n(n–1)
4 1 1 1 
∴ S = +2  + + .......to ∞ ⇒ × ≥ 2 
5 1 5 52
53  2–1 n  
 
1
1 52 1 2 1 3 2n – 1
= +2 = +  = , ⇒ ≥ 2n−1/2
5 1 5 4  5  10 n
1–
5
⇒ 2n ≥ n 2n–1 + 1

JEE Main/Boards

Exercise 1 Q.3 Sum of n terms of the series,

(i) 0.7 + 0.77 + 0.777 + …. (ii) 6 + 66 + 666 + ….
Q.1 In a G.P. sum of n terms is 364. First term is 1 and
common ratio is 3. Find n.
Q.4 If a, b, c are in A.P., prove that
(i) b + c, c + a, a + b are also in A.P.
Q.2 The sum of an infinite geometric progression is 2
and the sum of the geometric progression made from 1 1 1
(ii) , , are also in A.P.
the cubes of this infinite series in 24. Then find the series. bc ca ab

(iii) a2(b + c), b2(c + a), c2(a + b) are also in A.P.

 M a them a ti cs | 3.39

 1 1 1 1 1 1  (ii) The numbers 2, a, b are consecutive terms of an A.P.

(iv ) a  +  ,b  +  ,c  +  are also in A.P. and
b c c a a b
(iii) The numbers b, c, 18 are consecutive terms of a G.P.
Q.5 The sum of three numbers in A.P. is 12 and the sum
of their cubes is 288. Find the numbers. Q.18 If a > 0, b > 0 and c > 0, prove that:
1 1 1
Q.6 Find the sum of the integers between 1 and 200 (a + b + c)  + +  ≥ 9
a b c
which are
(i) Multiple of 3 (ii) Multiple of 7 Q.19 If A1, A2, G1, G2, ; and H1 ,H2 be two A.M.’s, G.M.’s
(iii) Multiple of 3 and 7 and H.M’s between two numbers, then prove that:
G1G2 A1 + A2
=
Q.7 The sum of first n terms of two A.P.’s are in the ratio H1H2 H1 + H2
(3n – 3): (5n + 21). Find the ratio of their 24th terms.
Q.20 Find the coefficient of x99 and x98 in the polynomial:
Q.8 If the p term of an A.P. is x and q term is y, show
th th
(x – 1) (x – 2) (x – 3) … (x – 100).
p+q x – y
that the sum first (p + q) terms is x + y + 
2  p – q
Q.21 The interior angles of a polygon are in A.P. The
a b c smallest angle is 120º and the common difference is 5º.
Q.9 If a, b, c are in H.P. prove that , , are Find the number of sides of the polygon
in H.P. b+c c+a a+b

Q.22 A number consists of three digits in G.P.. The sum

Q.10 Find the sum of n terms of the series of the digits at units and hundreds place exceeds twice
4 7 10 the digit at tens place by 1 and the sum of the digits at
1+ + + + ...... . tens and hundreds place is two third of the sum of the
5 52 53
digits at tens and units place. Find the number.
Q.11 Let a, b, c, d, e be five real numbers such that a, b,
c are in A.P.; b, c, d are in G.P.; c, d, e are in H.P. If a = 2 Q.23 25 trees are planted in a straight line at intervals
and e = 18, find all possible values of b, c and d. of 5 meters. To water them the gardener must bring
water for each tree separately from a well 10 meters
from the first tree in line with the trees. How far he will
Q.12 Find the sum of first n terms of the series:
have to cover in order to water all the tree beginning
1⋅2⋅3 + 2⋅3⋅4 + 3⋅4⋅5 + ……
with the first if he starts from the well.

Q.13 Find the sum of first 2n terms of the series: Q.24 Natural numbers have been grouped in the
12+ 2 + 32 + 4 + 52 + 6 + …. following way 1 ; (2, 3) ; (4, 5, 6); (7, 8, 9, 10) ; ……
Show that the sum of the numbers in the nth group is
Q.14 The H.M of two numbers is 4 and their A.M. (A)
n(n2 + 1)
and G.M. (G) satisfy the relation 2A + G2 = 27. Find the .
numbers. 2

Q.25 In three series of GP’s, the corresponding

Q.15 Find the sum of first 10 terms of the series: numbers in G.P. are subtracted and the difference of
(33 – 23) + (53 – 43) + (73 – 63) + ….. the numbers are also found to be in G.P. Prove that the
three sequences have the same common ratio.
Q.16 Find the sum of first 20 terms of the series: 1⋅32 +
Q.26 If a1, a2, a3 ,…. Are in A.P such that
2⋅52 + 3⋅72 + ….
ai ≠ 0, show that
1 1 1 n
Q.17 Find three numbers a, b, c between 2 and 18 such S= + + ..... + =
a1a2 a2a3 anan+1 a1an+1
that:
(i) Their sum is 25. Also evaluate lim S .
a→∞
3 . 4 0 | Sequences and Series

Q.27 If 9 arithmetic means and 9 harmonic means be 1 1 1

1 1 1
6 (A) , (B) 2, (C) , (D) ,2
inserted between 2 and 3, prove that A+ = 5 , where 2 4 3 2 3 2
H
A is any arithmetic mean and H the corresponding Q.6 If x ∈ R, the numbers (51+x + 51 – x), a/2 (25x + 25–x)
harmonic mean. form an A.P. then ‘a’ must lie in the interval
(A) [1, 5] (B) [2, 5] (C) [5, 12] (D) [12, ∞]
Q.28 If x + y + z = 1 and x, y, z are positive numbers,
show that (1 – x) (1 – y) (1 – z) ≥ 8 xyz.
Q.7 If the sum of the first 11 terms of an arithmetical
progression equals that of the first 19 terms, then the
Q.29 Show that any positive integral power (greater than sum of its first 30 terms, is
1) of a positive integer m, is the sum of m consecutive
odd positive integers. Find the first odd integer for (A) Equal to 0 (B) Equal to – 1
mr(r > 1). (C) Equal to 1 (D) Non unique

Q.8 Let s1, s2, s3 ….. and t1,t2,t3 …. are two arithmetic
Exercise 2 10 15
sequence such that s1 = t1 ≠ 0; s2 = 2t2 and ∑ si = ∑ ti .
=i 1 =i 1
Single Correct Choice Type s2 – s1
Then the value of is
t2 – t1
Q.1 If a, b, c are distinct positive real in H.P., then the
(A) 8/3 (B) 3/2 (C) 19/8 (D) 2
b+a b+c
value of the expression, + is equal to
b–a b–c
Q.9 Let an, n ∈ I be the nth term an A.P. with common
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4 difference ‘d’ and all whose terms are non-zero. If n
approaches infinity, then the sum
Q.2 The sum of infinity of the series 1 1 1
+ + ..... + will approach
1 1 1 a1a2 a2a3 anan+1
+ + + ........ is equal to
1 1+2 1+2+3
1 2 1
(A) (B) (C) (D) a1d
(A) 2 (B) 5/2 (C) 3 (D) None a1d a1d 2a1d

Q.3 Along a road lies an odd number of stones placed Q.10 The sum of the first three terms of an increasing
at intervals of 10 m. These stones have to be assembled G.P. is 21 and the sum of their squares is 189. Then the
around the middle stone. A person can carry only one sum of its first n term is
stone at a time. A man carried out the job starting with
 1 
the stone in the middle, carrying stones in succession, (A) 3(2n – 1) (B) 12  1 – 
thereby covering a distance of 4.8 km. Then the number  2n 
of stones is  1 
(C) 6  1 –  (D) 6(2n – 1)
(A) 15 (B) 29 (C) 31 (D) 35  2n 

∞
 n 
Q.4 If S = 12 +32 +52 + …. + (99)2 then the value of the Q.11 The sum ∑  n4 + 4  is equal to
sum 22 + 42 +62 +….. + (100)2 is n=1  

(A) S + 2550 (B) 2S (C) 4S (D) S +5050 (A) 1/4 (B) 1/3 (C) 3/8 (D) 1/2

Q.5 In an A.P. with first term and the common difference Q.12 If a ≠ 1 and (ln a2) + (ln a2)2 + (ln a2)3 + ….. = 3 [lna
d (a, d ≠ 0), the ratio ‘S’ of the sum of the first n terms to + (ln a)2 + (ln a)3 + (ln a)4 + ……], then ‘a’ is equal to
sum of n terms succeeding them does not depend on
n. Then the ratio "a/d" and the ratio ‘ρ’, respectively are (A) e1/5 (B) e1/2 (C) 3e1/2 (D) e1/4
 M a them a ti cs | 3.41

Previous Years’ Questions Q.8 If the sum of first n terms of an AP is cn2, then the
sum of squares of these n terms is  (2009)
Q.1 If a, b, c d and p are distinct real numbers such that n(4n2 – 1)c2 n(4n2 + 1)c2
(A) (B)
(a2 + b2 + c2)p2 – 2(ab + bc + cd)p + (b2 + c2 + d2) ≤ 0, 6 3
then a, b, c, d (1987) n(4n2 – 1)c2 n(4n2 + 1)c2
(C) (D)
(A) Are in A.P. (B) Are in G.P. 3 6

(C) Are in H.P. (D) Satisfy ab = cd

Q.9 The first two terms of a geometric progression add
up to 12. The sum of the third and the fourth terms
Q.2 Sum of the first n terms of the series is 48. If the terms of the geometric progression are
1 3 7 15 alternately positive and negative, then the first term is
+ + + + .... is equal to
2 4 8 16  (2008)

(A) 2n – n – 1 (B) 1 – 2–n (A) –4 (B) –12 (C) 12 (D) 4

(C) n + 2–n – 1 (D) 2n + 1

Q.10 The sum to the infinity of the series is
2 6 10 14 (2009)
Q.3 If x > 1, y > 1, z > 1 are in G.P. then 1+ + + + + ....... 
3 32 33 34
1 1 1
, , are in  (1998) (A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 6
1 + lnx 1 + ln y 1 + lnz

(A) AP (B) H.P. (C) G.P. (D) None Q.11 If m is the A. M. of two distinct real numbers l
and n(l, n > 1) and G1, G2 and G3 are three geometric
means between l and n, then G14 + 2G24 + G34 equals:
Q.4 If a, b, c, d are positive real number such that
 (2015)
a + b + c + d = 2, then M = (a + b) (c +d) satisfies the
relation  (2000) (A) 4 l2 mm (B) 4 lm2 n (C) 4 lmn2 (D) 4 l2m2n2
(A) 0 < M ≤ 1 (B) 1 ≤ M ≤ 2
Q.12 The sum of first 9 terms of the series is
(C) 2 ≤ M ≤ 3 (D) 3 ≤ M ≤ 4
13 13 + 23 13 + 23 + 33
+ + + .......  (2015)
Q.5 Let the positive numbers a, b, c, d be in A.P. then 1 1+ 3 1+ 3 + 5
abc, abd, acd, bcd are  (2001) (A) 71 (B) 96 (C) 142 (D) 192
(A) not in AP/GP/HP (B) in AP
Q.13 If the 2nd, 5th and 9th terms of a non-constant
(C) in GP (D) in HP
A.P. are in G.P., then the common ratio of this G.P. is:
 (2016)
Q.6 Suppose a, b, c are in AP and a2, b2, c2 are in G.P. 4 7 8
3 (A) (B) 1 (C) (D)
If a < b < c and a + b + c = , then the value of a is 3 3 5
 2 (2002)
1 1 Q.14 If the sum of the first ten terms of the series is 16 m
(A) (B) 5
2 2 2 3 2
 3  2   1
2 2 2
2  4
then m is equal to 1  +  2  +  3  + 4 +  4  + .......
1 1 1 1  5  5  5  5
(C) – (D) –  (2016)
2 3 2 2
(A) 101 (B) 100 (C) 99 (D) 102
Q.7 An infinite G.P. has first term x and sum 5, then x
belongs to  (2004) Q.15 Three positive numbers form an increasing G.P. If
the middle term in this G.P. is doubled, the new numbers
(A) x < – 10 (B) – 10 < x < 0
are in A.P. Then the common ratio of the G.P. is (2014)
(C) 0 < x < 10 (D) x > 10
(A) 2 − 3 (B) 2 + 3 (C) 2 + 3 (D) 3 + 2
3 . 4 2 | Sequences and Series

Assertion Reasoning Type Q.19 The real number k for which the equation, 2x3 +
3x + k = 0 has two distinct real roots in [0, 1]  (2013)
Q.16 Statement-I: The sum of the series 1 + (1 + 2 + 4) + (A) Lies between 1 and 2
(4 + 6 + 9) + (9 + 12 + 16) + ...... + (361 + 380 + 400) is 8000.
n (B) Lies between 2 and 3
Statement-II: ∑ (k3 − (k − 1)3 ) =
n3 for any natural
(C) Lies between -1 and 0
number n.  k =1 (2012)
(A) Statement-I is false, statement-II is true (D) Does not exist.

(B) Statement-I is true, statement-II is true; statement-II

is a correct explanation for statement-I Q.20 If the equations x2 + 2x + 3 = 0 and ax2 + bx +
c = 0, a,b,c ∈ R, have a common root, then a : b : c is
(C) Statement-I is true, statement-II is true; statement-II  (2013)
is not a correct explanation for statement-I (A) 1 : 2 : 3 (B) 3 : 2 : 1 (C) 1 : 3 : 2 (D) 3 : 1 : 2
(D) Statement-I is true, statement-II is false 
Q.21 The sum of first 20 terms of the sequence 0.7,
Q.17 Statement-I: The sum of the series 1 + (1 + 2 + 4) + 0.77, 0.777,....., is  (2013)
(4 + 6 + 9) + (9 + 12 + 16) + ...... + (361 + 380 + 400) is 8000. 7 7
n (A) (179 − 10−20 ) (B) (99 − 10−20 )
81 9
Statement-II: ∑ (k3 − (k − 1)3 ) =
n3 for any natural
number n.  k =1 7 7
(C) (179 + 10−20 ) (D) (99 + 10−20 )
81 9
Q.18 If 100 times the 100th term of an AP with non zero
Q.22 If x, y, z are in A.P. and tan-1x, tan-1y and tan-1z
common difference equals the 50 times its 50th term,
are also in A.P., then  (2013)
then the 150th term of this AP is  (2012)
(A) x = y = z (B) 2x = 3y = 6z
(A) –150 (B) 150 times its 50th term
(C) 6x = 3y = 2z (D) 6x = 4y = 3z
(C) 150 (D) Zero

JEE Advanced/Boards

Exercise 1 (i) Prove that a, c, e are in GP

(ii) Prove that e = (2b – a)2/a
Q.1 (i) The harmonic mean of two numbers is 4. The
arithmetic mean A & the geometric mean G satisfy the (iii) If a = 2 & e = 18, find all possible values of b, c, d.
relation 2A + G2 = 27. Find the two numbers.
Q.5 Let a1 and a2 be two real values of α for which
(ii) The A.M. of two numbers exceeds their G.M. by 15 the numbers 2a2, α4, 24 taken in that order form an
and HM by 27. Find the numbers. arithmetic progression. If b1 and b2 are two real values
of β for which the numbers 1, b2, 6 – b2 taken in that
Q.2 If the 10th term of an H.P. is 21 and 21st term of the order form a geometric progression, then find the value
same H.P. is 10, then find the 210th term. of (α12 + α22 + β12 + β22 ) .

Q.3 If sinx, sin22x and cosx.sin4x form an increasing Q.6 Two distinct, real infinite geometric series each
geometric sequence, then find the numerical value have a sum of 1 and have the same second term. The
of cos2x. Also find the common ratio of geometric third term of one of the series is 18. If the second term
sequence. m–n
of both the series can be written in the form ,
p
Q.4 If a, b, c, d, e be 5 numbers such that a, b, c are in where m, n and p are positive integers, and m is not
AP; b, c, d are in G.P. & c, d, e are in H.P. then, divisible by the square of any prime, find the value of
100m + 10n+p.
 M a them a ti cs | 3.43

99
5100 a– b
Q.7 Let S = ∑ (25)n + 5100 . Find [s]. where Tn is the nth term of series then T22 =
4
(a,
n=1 b ∈ N). Find the value of (a + b).
Where [y] denotes largest integer less than or equal to y.
Q.17 Given a three digit number whose digits are
Q.8 Given that the cubic ax – ax + 9bx – b = 0 (a ≠ 0)
3 2 three successive terms of a G.P. If we subtract 792
has all three positive roots. Find the harmonic mean of form it, we get a number written by the same digits
the roots independent of a and b, hence deduce that in the reverse order. Now if we subtract four from the
the root are all equal. Find also the minimum value of hundred’s digit of the initial number and leave the
(a + b), if a and b ∈ N. other digits unchanged, we get a number whose digits
are successive terms of an A.P. Find the number.
Q.9 A computer solved several problems in succession.
π
The time it took the computer to solve each successive Q.18 For 0 < θ < , let S(θ) = 1 + (1 + sinθ) cos θ +
4
problem was the same number of times smaller than
(1 + sinθ + sin2θ) cos2θ + ….. ∞.
the time it took to solve the preceding problem. How
many problems were suggested to the computer if it  2 –1  π
Then find the value of  S  .
spent 63.5 min to solve all the problems except for the  2   4 

first, 127 min to solve all the problems except for the
last one, an 31.5 min to solve all the problems except  π  π  x 
for the first two? Q.19 If tan  – x  ,tan ,tan  + x  in order are
 12  12  12 
three consecutive terms of a G.P., then sum of all the
Q.10 The sequence a1, a2, a3, …… a98 satisfies the relation
solutions in [0, 314] is kπ. Find the value of k.
an+1 = an +1 for 1,2,3,…. 97 and has the sum equal to
49
4949. Evaluate ∑ a2k . Exercise 2
k =1

Q.11 Let a and b be positive integers. The value of xyz Single Correct Choice Type
343
is 55 or , according as a, x, y, z, b are in arithmetic
55 Q.1 The arithmetic mean of the nine numbers in the
progression or harmonic progression resp.. Find the give set {9, 99,999,……999999999} is a 9 digit number
value of (a2 +b2). N, all whose digits are distinct. The number N does not
contain the digit
Q.12 If the roots of 10x3 – cx2 – 54x – 27= 0 are in (A) 0 (B) 2 (C) 5 (D) 9
harmonic progression, then find c and all the roots.
360  
1
Q.13 If a, b, c be in G.P. & logca, logbc, logab be in AP,
Q.2 ∑   is the ratio of two relative
k =1  k k + 1 + (k + 1 k ) 
then find the common difference of the AP if logac = 4.
prime positive integers m and n. The value of (m + n)
is equal to
Q.14 The first term of a geometric progression is equal
to b – 2, then third term is b + 6, and the arithmetic (A) 43 (B) 41 (C) 39 (D) 37
mean of the first and third term to the second term is in 100
k
the ratio 5: 3. Find the positive integral value of b. Q.3 The sum ∑ k 4 + k2 + 1 is equal to
k =1

Q.15 In a G.P. the ratio of the sum of the first eleven 4950
(A) (B) 5050
terms to the sum of the last eleven terms is 1/8 and the 10101 10101
ratio of the sum of all the terms without the first nine to
the sum of all the terms with out the last nine is 2. Find 5151
(C) (D) None of these
the number of terms in the GP. 10101

Q.4 A circle of radius r is inscribed in a square. The mid

Q.16 If sum of first n terms of an AP (having positive
point of sides of the square have been connected by
terms) is given by Sn=(1+2Tn) (1 – Tn)
line segment and a new square resulted. The sides of
3 . 4 4 | Sequences and Series

these square were also connected by segments so that Q.9 If the roots of the equation x3 + px2 + qx – 1 = 0
a new square was obtained and so on, then the radius form an increasing GP, where p and q are real, then
of the circle inscribed in the nth square is
(A) p + q = 0
 1–n   3–3n  (B) p ∈ (–3, ∞)
(A) 2 2  r (B) 2 2  r
    (C) One of the roots is unity

 n  5 – 3n  (D) One root is smaller than 1

(C) 2 2  r (D) 2 2  r
   
  Q.10 If the triplets log a, log b, log c and (log a – log
2b), (log 2b – log3c), (log 3c – loga) are in arithmetic
Assertion Reasoning Type progression then

(A) Statement-I is true, statement-II is true and (A) 18 (a + b + c)2 = 18(a2 + b2 +c2) + ab
statment-II is correct explanation for statment-I. (B) a, b, c are in GP
(B) Statement-I is true, statement-II is true and (C) a, 2b, 2c are in HP
statment-II is NOT the correct explanation for statment-I.
(D) a, b, c can be the lengths of the sides of a triangle.
(C) Statement-I is true, statement -II is false.
(Assume all logarithmic terms to be defined)
(D) Statement-I is false, statement-II is true

Q.11 x1, x2 are the roots of the equation

Q.5 Statement-I: If 27 abc ≥ (a + b + c)3 and 3a + 4b + 5c x2 – 3x + A = 0; x3, x4 are roots of the equation x2 – 12x +
1 1 1 B = 0, such that x1, x2, x3, x4 form an increasing G.P. then
= 12 then + + =,10 where a, b, c are positive
2 3
a b c5 (A) A = 2 (B) B = 32
real numbers.
(C) x1 + x3 = 5 (D) x2 + x4 = 10
Statement-II: For positive real numbers A.M. ≥ G.M.

Multiple Correct Choice Type Previous Years’ Question

Q.6 Let a1, a2, a3 .... and b1, b2, b3 .... be arithmetic Q.1 If the first and the (2n – 1)th term of an AP, G.P.
progressions such that a1 = 25, b = 75 and a100 + b100 = and H.P. are equal and their nth terms are a, b, and c
100. Then, respectively, then  (1988)
(A) The difference between successive terms in progression (A) a = b = c (B) a ≥ b ≥ c
‘a’ is opposite of the difference in progression ‘b’.
(C) a + c =b (D) ac – b2 = 0
(B) an + bn = 100, for any n.
(C) (a1 + b1), (a2 + b2), (a3 + b3),... are in AP Q.2 Let S1, S2…. be squares such that for each n ≥ 1 the
100
length of a side of Sn equals the length of a diagonal of
(D) ∑ (ar + br ) =
10000 Sn+1. If the length of a side of S1 is 10 cm, then for which
r =1 of the following values of n is the area of Sn less than
1 sq. cm ? (1999)
Q.7 If sin (x – y), sin x and sin (x + y) are in H.P. then the (A) 7 (B) 8 (C) 9 (D) 10
y
value of sin x.sec =
2 Q.3 Let Sk, k = 1,2,….., 100, denotes the sum of the
(A) 2 (B) 21/2 (C) – 2 (D) –21/2 k –1
infinite geometric series whose first term is
k!
1
Q.8 The sum of the first three terms of the G.P. in which and the common ratio is . Then the value of
k
the difference between the second and the first term is 1002 100 2
6 and the difference between the fourth and the third + ∑ | (k – 3k + 1)Sk | is  (2010)
100! k =1
term 54, is
(A) 39 (B) –10.5 (C) 27 (D) –27
 M a them a ti cs | 3.45

Q.4 Let a1, a2, a3,….., a11 be real numbers satisfying Q.9 The sum V1 + V2 + ...... + Vn is

a1 = 15, 27 – 2a2 > 0 and ak = 2ak–1 –a(k–2), for k = 3, 1

(A) n(n + 1)(3n2 – n + 1)
12
a12 + a22 + ..... + a11
2
4,…., 11. If = 90 , then the value of
11 1
a1 + a2 + ....a11 (B) n(n + 1)(3n2 + n + 2)
is equal to (2010) 12
11
1
(C) n(2n2 – n + 1)
Q.5 Le a1, a2, a3,…. a100 be an arithmetic progression with 2
p
1
a1 = 3 and Sp = ∑ ai ,1 ≤ p ≤ 100 . For any integer n (D) (2n3 – 2n + 3)
i=1 3
Sm
with 1 ≤ n ≤ 20, let m = 5n. If does not depend on
Sn Q.10 Tr is always
n, then a2 is ……. (2011)
(A) An odd number (B) An even number
Paragraph 1: Let A1, G1, H1 denote the arithmetic, (C) A prime number (D) A composite number
geometric and harmonic means, respectively, of two
distinct positive numbers. For n > 2, let An–1 and Hn–1 Q.11 Which one of the following is a correct statement?
have arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means as
An, Gn, Hn respectively. (A) Q1, Q2, Q3....... are in A.P. with common difference 5.
(B) Q1, Q2, Q3....... are in A.P. with common difference 6.
Q.6 Which one of the following statements is correct? (C) Q1, Q2, Q3....... are in A.P. with common difference 11.
(A) G1 > G2 > G3 >...... (D) Q1 = Q2 = Q3 =.......
(B) G1 < G2 < G3 < ......
n−1
n
n n
(C) G1 = G2 = G3 =...... Q.12 Let Sn = ∑
2 2
and Tn = ∑ n2 + kn + k 2
k =1 n + kn + k k =0
(D) G1< G3 < G5 <...... and G2 > G4 > G6 >......
for n = 1, 2, 3, …. Then,  (2008)
Q.7 Which one of the following statements is correct?
π π
(A) A1 > A2 > A3 > ...... (A) Sn < (B) Sn >
3 3 3 3
(B) A1 < A2 < A3 < ...... π π
(C) Tn < (D) Tn >
(C) A1 > A3 > A5 >...... and A2 < A4 < A6 < ...... 3 3 3 3
(D) A1 < A3 < A5 <...... and A2 > A4 > A6 >......
Q.13 Suppose four distinct positive numbers a1, a2, a3,
Q.8 Which one of the following statements is correct? a4 are in G.P. Let b1 = a1, b2 = b1 + a2, b3 = b2 + a3 and
(A) H1 > H2 > H3 > ...... b4 = b3 + a4.  (2008)

(B) H1 < H2 < H3 < ...... Statement-I: The numbers b1, b2, b3, b4 are neither in
A.P. Nor in G.P.
(C) H1 > H3 > H5 >...... and H2 < H4 < H6 <......
Statement-II: The numbers b1, b2, b3, b4 are in H.P.
(D) H1 < H3 < H5 <...... and H2 > H4 > H6 >......
(A) Statement-I is true, statement-II is true; statement-II
is a correct explanation for statement-I
Paragraph 2: Let Vr denote the sum of the first ‘r’ terms
of an arithmetic progression (A.P.), whose first term is ‘r’ (B) Statement-I is true, statement-II is true; statement-II
and the common difference is (2r – 1). Let Tr = Vr + 1 – is not a correct explanation for statement-I.
Vr – 2 and Qr = Tr + 1 – Tr for r = 1, 2, ... (2007) (C) Statement-I is true, statement-II is false
(D) Statement-I is false, statement-II is true
3 . 4 6 | Sequences and Series

Q.14 If the sum of first n terms of an A.P. is cn2, then the Q.18 Let a1, a2, a3, ….. be in harmonic progression with
sum of squares of these n terms is  (2009) a1 = 5 and a20 = 25. The least positive integer n for
2 2 2 2 which an< 0 is (2012)
(A) n(4n − 1)c (B) n(4n + 1)c
6 3 (A) 22 (B) 23 (C) 24 (D) 25

4n k(k +1)
n(4n2 − 1)c2 n(4n2 + 1)c2
(C)
3
(D)
6
Q.19 Let S=
n ∑ ( −1) 2 k2. Then Sn can take value(s)
 k =1 (2013)
Q.15 Let Sk, k = 1, 2,...., 100, denote the sum of the (A) 1056 (B) 1088 (C) 1120 (D) 1332
k −1
infinite geometric series whose first term is b
1 k! Q.20 Let a, b, c be positive integers such that is an
a
and the common ratio is . Then the value of
2 100 k integer. If a, b, c are in geometric progression and the
100
+ ∑ (k 2 − 3k + 1)Sk is  (2010) arithmetic mean of a, b, c is b + 2, then the value of
100! k =1
a2 + a − 14 is ________  (2014)
a +1
Q.16 Let a1, a2, a3, …, a11 be real numbers satisfying
a1 = 15, 27 − 2a2 > 0 and ak = 2ak−1 − ak−2 for k
a12 + a22 + .... + a11
2
Q.21 Suppose that all the terms of an arithmetic
= 3, 4, …,11. If = 90 , then the value of
11 progression (A.P.) are natural numbers. If the ratio
a1 + a2 + .... + a11 of the sum of the first seven terms to the sum of the
is equal to  (2010)
11 first eleven terms is 6 : 11 and the seventh term lies in
between 130 and 140, then the common difference of
Q.17 Let b = 6, with a and c satisfying (E). If α and β are this A.P. is  (2015)
the roots of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0, then
n
∞
 1 1 Q.22 Let bi > 1 for i = 1, 2, …, 101. Suppose loge b1 loge
∑  α + β  is  (2011) b2, …, loge b101 are in Arithmetic Progression (A.P.) with
n= 0   the common difference loge 2. Suppose a1, a2, …, a101
6
(A) 6 (B) 7 (C) (D) ∞ are in A.P. such that a1 = b1 and a51 = b51. If t = b1 + b2 +
7
…+ b51 and s = a1 + a2 + … + a51, then  (2016)
(A) s > t and a101 > b101 (B) s > t and a101 < b101
(C) s < t and a101 > b101 (D) s < t and a101 < b101
 M a them a ti cs | 3.47

MASTERJEE Essential Questions

JEE Main/Boards JEE Advanced/Boards

Exercise 1 Exercise 1
Q.3 Q.11 Q.14 Q.6 Q.9 Q.12
Q.17 Q.21 Q.25 Q.15 Q.17
Q.27

Exercise 2 Exercise 2
Q.2 Q.4 Q.10 Q.1 Q.4 Q.5 Q.12
Q.13
Previous Years’ Questions
Previous Years’ Questions Q.1 Q.3 Q.4
Q.2 Q.5 Q.8 Q.6 Q.7 Q.8

Answer Key

JEE Main/Boards Q.12 1 n(n + 1)(n + 2)(n + 3)

4
Exercise 1 1
Q.13 n(4n2 + 3n + 2)
3
Q.1 n = 6 Q.14 6,3
3 3 3
Q.2 3, − , , − ,.....is the series. Q.15 4960
2 4 8

7n 7   1 n  Q.16 188090
Q.3 (a) – 1–    ; (b) 2 [10n+1 – 9n – 10]
9 81   10   27 Q.17 a = 5, b = 8, c = 12.
 
Q.5 (2, 4, 6) or (6, 4, 2) 1
Q.20 –5050, [(5050)2 – 338350]
2
Q.6 (i) 6633 (ii) 2842 (iii) 945
Q.21 9
Q.7 69: 128
Q.22 469
35 3 (3n− 2)
Q.10 − − Q.23 3370 m
16 16(5 ) 4(5n−1 )
n − 2
1
Q.26
Q.11 c = 6, b = 4, d = 9; b = – 2, c = – 6, d = – 18 a1 (a2 – a1 )
3 . 4 8 | Sequences and Series

Exercise 2
Single Correct Choice Type

Q.1 B Q.2 A Q.3 C Q.4 D Q.5 C Q.6 D

Q.7 A Q.8 C Q.9 A Q.10 A Q.11 C Q.12 D

Previous Years’ Questions

Q.1 B Q.2 C Q.3 B Q.4 A Q.5 D Q.6 D
Q.7 C Q.8 C Q.9 B Q.10 B Q.11 B Q.12 B
Q.13 A Q.14 A Q.15 B Q.16 B Q.17 D Q.18 D
Q.19 A Q.20 C Q.21 A

JEE Advanced/Boards

Exercise 1
5 –1
Q.1 (i) 6, 3 ; (ii) 120, 30 Q.2 1 Q.3 ; 2
2
Q.4 (iii) b = 4, c = 6, d = 9 or b = – 2, c = – 6, d = – 18 Q.5 12 Q.6 518 Q.7 49

Q.8 28 Q.9 8 problems, 127.5 minutes Q.10 2499 Q.11 50

Q.12 C = 9; (3, –3/2, – 3/5) Q.13 13/4 Q.14 3 Q.15 n = 38

Q.16 6 Q.17 931 Q.18 2 Q.19 4950

Exercise 2
Single Correct Choice Type

Q.1 A Q.2 D Q.3 B Q.4 A

Assertion Reasoning Type

Q.5 D

Multiple Correct Choice Type

Q.6 A, B, C, D Q.7 B, C Q.8 A, B Q.9 A, C, D Q.10 B, D Q.11 A, B, C, D

Previous Years’ Questions

Q.1 A, B, D Q.2 B, C, D Q.3 4 Q.4 0 Q.5 3 or 9 Q.6 C
Q.7 A Q.8 B Q.9 B Q.10 D Q.11 B Q.12 A, D
Q.13 C Q.14 C Q.15 3 Q.16 0 Q.17 B Q.18 D
Q.19 A, D Q.20 6 Q.21 9 Q.22 B
 M a them a ti cs | 3.49

Solutions

JEE Main/Boards = 7[0.1 + 0.11 + 0.111 + …] = 7 [0.9 + 0.99 + 0.999 …]

9
Exercise 1 7
= [1 – 0.1 + 1 – 0.01 + 1 – 0.001 …]
9

Sol 1: Sum of n terms is 364 = 7 [n – (0.1 + 0.01 + 0.001 …)]

9
a + ar + ar2 ………….. arn – 1 = 364
 0.1(1 – (0.1)n )  7  1 
a(rn − 1) = 7 n – = n – (1 – (0.1)n )
= 364 1 – 0.1 
9
r –1 9   9  

given r = 3, a = 1 7n 7   1 
n
= – 1–  
(3n – 1) 9 81   10  
⇒ = 364 ⇒3n – 1 = 728  
(3 – 1)
(b) 6 + 66 + 666 = 6[1 + 11 + 111 …]
⇒3n = 729
6 2
= [9 + 99 + 999 + ……] = [10 – 1 + 100 – 1 + 1000 – 1 … ]
⇒ n=6 9 3

2  10(10n – 1)  2 10 2n
a =  – n = × (10n – 1) –
Sol 2: Sum of infinite G.P. is 2 ⇒ =2 3  10 – 1  3 9 3
–r + 1
⇒a = – 2(r – 1)
Series is a, ar, ar2 ……. (|r| < 1) =
2
27
(
10n+1 – 10 –)2n × 9
3× 9
=
2  n+1
27 
10 – 9n – 10 

⇒a3, (ar)3, (ar2)3 …………….. …(2)
First term of this infinite series is a3 and ratio is r3 Sol 4: a, b, c are in AP
3
a (i) b + c, c + a, a + b are also in AP
Hence sum of this infinite series is 3
–r + 1
a, b, c are in AP ⇒ 2b = a + c
a3
Given = 24 ⇒b–a=c–b
–r 3 + 1
8(r − 1)3 (r – 1)2 ⇒ a–b =b–c
= 24⇒ =3
( – r + 1)
3 2
(r + r + 1)
Difference between term of given AP = a – b, b – c
which are equal by equation (i)
⇒r2 + 1 – 2r = 3r2 + 3r + 3
Hence b + c, c + a, a + b is an AP
⇒2r2 + 5r + 2 = 0 ⇒2r2 + 4r + r + 2 = 0
1 1 1
⇒(2r + 1) (r + 2) = 0 (ii) , , are also in AP
bc ac ab
1 (b – a) (c – b)
⇒ r = – 2, r = – Common difference = ,
2 cab abc
1 By equation (i) b – a = c – b ie difference between terms
|r| < 1 ⇒ r = – ⇒ a = +3
2 is same
3 3 3
Series is 3, − , , − ,..... Hence the given series is in AP
2 4 8
(iii) a2(b + c), b2(c + a), c2(a + b)
Sol 3: (a) Sum upto n terms Difference = b 2
c + b2a – a2b – a2c , c
2
a + c2b – b2c – b2a

Sn = 0.7 + 0.77 + 0.777 ……….… n terms d1 d2
3 . 5 0 | Sequences and Series

d1 = c(b2 – a2) + ab(b – a) = (ca + ab + cb) (b – a) (iii) Multiple of 3 and 7

= (ca + ab + bc) (c – b) [from eq.(i) 21, 42, 63 … 189 ⇒ n = 9
d2 = a(c2 – b2) + bc (c – b) = (ac + ab + bc) (c – b) 9 9
Sum = [21 + 189] = . 210 = 945
d1 = d2 2 2

Hence given series is an AP Sol 7: Sum of first n terms of 2 AP’s are in ratio
1 1 1 1 1 1  3n – 3
(iv) a  +  , b  +  , c  +  =
b c c a a b 5n + 21

1 b a 1 c b ⇒ Let the AP be a1, a1 + d1 …

⇒ d1 = (b – a) + – ⇒ d2 = (c – b) + –
c a b a b c
2nd AP be a2 , a2 + d2 …
b – a (b – a)(b + a)
d1 = + n
c ab [2a + (n – 1)d1 ]
2 1 3n – 3
=
c – b (c – b)(c + b) 1 1 1  n 5n + 21
d2 = + = (b – a)  + +  [2a + (n – 1)d1 ]
a bc c a b 2 2
1 1 1  1 1 1  (n – 1)
= (b – a)  + +  = (c – b)  + +  a1 + d1
 c a b  c a b 2 3n – 3
⇒ = .....(i)
(n – 1)d2 5n + 21 
From eq (i) ⇒ d1 = d2
n a2 +
2
Hence given series is also an AP a + 23d1
Ratio of 24th term well be 1
a2 + 23d2
Sol 5: Sum of first 3 numbers in AP is 12
Putting n = 47 in equation (i), we well get desired ratio
Let a – r, a, a + r be the first 3 numbers
a1 + 23d1 3(47) – 3 138 69
3a = 12 ⇒ a = 4 = = =
a2 + 23d2 5(47) + 21 256 128
⇒ (a – r)3 + a3 + (a + r)3 = 288
⇒ 2a3 + 6ar2 + a3 = 288 ⇒ 3a3 + 6ar2 = 288 Sol 8: given

⇒ 6 × 4 × r2 = 288 – 3(43) ⇒ 24r2 = 96 a + (p – 1)d = x  …(i)

⇒r=±2 a + (q – 1)d = y …(ii)

So numbers are, 4 – 2, 4, 4 + 2 = (2, 4, 6) (for r = 2) sum of first (p + q) terms

(4 + 2, 4, 4 – 2) for (r = – 2) p+q
= [2a + (p + q – 1)d] …(iii)
2 
⇒ (6, 4, 2)
Subtracting (ii) from (i)

Sol 6: (i) Sum of integers between 1 & 200 which are (p – q)d = x – y
multiple of 3 x–y
⇒d= and putting this value in equation (i)
3, 6, 9, … 198 ⇒ n = 66 p–q
n (p – 1)(x – y)
Hence sum = [a + l] a+ =x
2 p–q
(66)
= [3 + 198] = 33 [201] = 6633 (px – py – x + y) –qx + py + x – y
2 ⇒a= x– =
p–q p–q
(ii) Multiple of 7
7, 14, 21 … 196 ⇒ n = 28 Putting values of a and d in equation (iii)

n 28 p + q  2x – 2y – 2qx + 2py + (p + q – 1)(x – y) 

Now sum = [a + l] = [7 + 196] = 14[203] = 2842 Sp+q =  
2 2 2  p–q 
 M a them a ti cs | 3.51

p + q  x – y – qx + py + px – qy  4sn  3n – 2  15 (5n–1 – 1)
=   =1–  n  +
2  p–q  5  5  4 5n

p+q (p – q) (x – y)  p + q  x – y 5 (3n – 2) 75  1 1 
= (x + y) + = x + y +  Sn = – +  – 
2  (p – q) p – q  2  p – q 4 4.5n–1 16  5 5n 

5× 4 15 3 –(3n – 2)
Sol 9: a, b, c are in HP = + - n–2
4×4 16 16 × 5 4 × 5n–1
2 1 1 2ac
i.e = + ⇒b= …(i)
b a c a+c  35 3 –(3n – 2)
= –
2a1c1 16 16(5n–2 ) 4(5n–1 )
[where a1 & c1 are 1st & 3rd terms of given series]
a1 + c1
2ac Sol 11: a, b, c are in AP
(a + b)(b + c) 2ac 2ac ⇒ 2b = a + c  …(i)
= = =
a c a2
+ ab + c 2
+ bc a2
+ c 2
+ b(a + c)
+ b, c, d in GP
b+c a+b
c2 = bd …(ii)
2ac
= (from equation (i) c, d, e are in HP
a2 + c2 + (2ac)
2ce
d= …(ii)
2ac b c + e 
= = = b1
(a + c)(a + c) a+c
Given that a = 2, e = 18
2a1c1
Middle term of given series, hence = b1 ie given (2b – 2)2
a1 + c1 We have (2b – 2) = c from (i) and = d from (ii)
Series is H.P b

(2b – 2)2 2 × (2b – 2)18

4 7 10 and also = from (iii)
Sol 10: 1 + + + b (2b – 2) + 18
5 52 53
36b
Sum of first n terms ⇒ (2b – 2) = ⇒ (b – 1) (b + 8) = 9b
2b + 16
1
4 10 1 + (n – 1)3
7
Sn = ++ + …  …(i)
50 5 53 5n–1 ⇒ b2 + 7b – 8 = 9b ⇒ b2 – 2b – 8=0
52
Sn 1 4 7 10 1 + (n – 1)3 ⇒ b = 4, – 2
= + + + …  …(ii)
5 5 5.5 5.52
5.53
5n ⇒ c = 6, – 6
Subtracting (ii) from (i) ⇒ d = 9, – 18
b, c, d = [4, 6, 9] and [–2, –6, – 18]
3 3 3  3n – 2 
=1+ + + …–  
5 52
53
 5n 
Sol 12: Sn = 1.2.3 + 2.3.4 + 3.4.5 …
(3n – 2) 1 1 1  Tn = n(n + 1) (n + 2) = n (n2 + 3n + 2)
=1– + 3  + ...
n 5 2 n–2 
5  5 5  = n3 + 3n2 + 2n = n3 + 3n2 + 2n
 1  Sn = STn = Sn3 + 3Sn2 + 2Sn
 1 − n–1  
(3n – 2) 1 5 
+ 3. 
2
=1–  n(n + 1)  (n)(n + 1)(2n + 1) n(n + 1)
5 n 5  1  =  +3 +2
1 –    2  6 2
 5 

n(n + 1)  n(n + 1) 3(2n + 1) 

 3n – 2  3 (5n–1 – 1) × 5 =  + + 2
=1–   + 2  2 3 
 5n  5 5n–1 × 4
3 . 5 2 | Sequences and Series

n(n + 1)  n2 + n + 4n + 2 + 4  – 23(1 + 23 + 33 … 103) + 1 – 1

=  
2  2  = 13 + 23 + 33 + 43 … 213 – 24 (1 + 23 … 103) – 1
2 2
n(n + 1) 2 n(n + 1)(n + 2)(n + 3)  21 × (21 + 1)  4  (10)(10 + 1) 
= (n + 5n + 6) = =   – 2   –1
4 4  2   2 
= (21 . 11)2 – 16(5 . 11)2 – 1
Sol 13: Sn = 12 + 2 + 32 + 4 + 52 + 6 = 112(21 . 21 – 16 . 25) – 1
(first 2n numbers) = 121 × 41 – 1 = 4961 – 1 = 4960
1 + 3 + 5 … n terms + 2 + 4 + 6… n terms
2 2 2

= 2(1 + 2 + 3 … + n) + 12 + 32 + 52 … Sol 16: Sn = 1.32 + 2.52 + 3.72 + …

(n + 1) Tn = n(2n + 1)2 = 4n3 + n + 4n2

= 2n + 12 + 22 + 32 … (2n – 1)2 – 22
2 Sn = STn = 4Sn3 + Sn + 4Sn2
– 42 – 62 … (2n – 2)2 2
 n(n + 1)  n(n + 1) n(n + 1)(2n + 1)
(2n – 1)(2n – 1 + 1)(4n – 2 + 1) =4  + + 4
= n(n + 1) +  2  2 6
6
– 22{12 + 22 + … (n – 1)2}
n(n + 1) 2
= n2(n + 1)2 + + n(n + 1) (2n +1)
2 3
(2n – 1)n(4n – 1)
= n(n + 1) +
3  1 4n 2 
= n(n + 1) n2 + n + + + 
(n – 1)n(2n – 1)  2 3 3
– 22
6
 7n 7 
(2n – 1)(n)(4n – 1) = n(n + 1) n2 + + 
= n(n +1) +  3 6
3
22 (n – 1)n(2n – 1)  7 7
– S20 = 20 × 21 202 + × 20 + 
6  3 6
n
=n(n+1)+ [(2n–1)(4n–1)–2(n – 1)(2n – 1)] 420
3 = 2400 + 280 + 7  = 70(2687) = 188090
6 
n
= n(n + 1) + (2n –1) [2n + 1]
3

= n(n +1) +
( 4n – 1) n = n [4n +3n + 2]
2
2
Sol 17: a, b, c ∈ (2, 18)
a + b + c = 25 …(i)
3 3
2a = 2 + b  …(ii)
2ab c2 = 18 b  …(iii)
Sol 14: HM of 2 numbers is 4 ie =4
a+b
b = 2a – 2
ab
= 2a + 2b …(i)
 c = 25 – a – 2a + 2 = 27 – 3a
a+b ⇒ (27 – 3a)2 = 18(2a – 2)
AM = and G.M. = ab
2
⇒ (9 – a)2 = 4(a – 1) ⇒ a2 + 81 – 18a = 4a – 4
We have 2A + G2 = 27 ⇒ a + b + ab = 27
⇒ a2 – 22a + 85 = 0
a + b + 2a + 2b = 27 [from (i)]
a = 17, 5
⇒ a + b = 9 and ab = 18
b = 32, 8
[a = 6, b = 3]; [a = 3, b = 6]
c = 24, 12
Sol 15: (33 – 23) + (53 – 43) + (73 – 63) + … Numbers are (5, 8, 12)

= 33 + 53 + 73 + … + 213
 M a them a ti cs | 3.53

Sol 18: a > 0, b > 0, c > 0 Sol 21: Given that,for a polygon of "n" sides, we have
1 1 1 α = 120º; d = 5
To prove (a + b + c)  + +  ≥ 9
a b c Sum of interior angle
We know that A.M. ≥ G.M. ≥ HM (n – 2) 180º = a + (n – 1)d
Therefore, A.M. ≥ HM n n
= 2(120) + (n – 1)5 = 5n + 235
For 3 numbers a, b, c 2 2

3 5n2 + 235n = 360n – 720

a+b+c
AM = , HM =
3 1 1 1 ⇒ 5n2 – 125n + 720 = 0
+ +
a b c ⇒ n2 – 25n + 144 = 0 ⇒ n = 16, 9
a+b+c 3
⇒ ≥ If n = 16, then interior angle will be greater than 180º.
3 1 1 1
+ + Hence the answer is 9.
a b c

1 1 1 Sol 22: Let the number be a, b, c

⇒ (a + b + c)  + +  ≥ 9
a b c
2
b2 = ac, a + c = 2b + 1, b + a = (b + c)
3
Sol 19: Let the 2 number be a, b
⇒ a = 2b + 1 – c
a, A1, A2, b are in AP, (a, G1, G2, b) are in GP, 2
⇒ 3b + 1 – c = (b + c)
(a, H1, H2, b) are in HP 3
A1 + A2 = a + b  …(i) ⇒ 2b + 2c = 9b + 3 – 3c

G1 G2 = ab  …(ii) ⇒ 7b = 5c – 3

By properties of respective series c=

7b + 3
⇒ a = 2b + 1 –
( 7b + 3)
5 5
H1H2 ab
= 3b + 2 (3b + 2)(7b + 3)
H1 + H2 a+b a= ⇒ b2 =
5 25
⇒ 25b2 = 21b2 + 23b + 6 ⇒ 4b2 – 23b – 6 = 0
H1H2 G1G2
=
H1 + H2 A1 + A2 ⇒ 4b2 – 24b + b – 6 = 0
⇒ b = 6, c = 9
G1G2 A1 + A2
= Hence proved ⇒ a = 4 Number is 469
H1H2 H1 + H2

Sol 20: (x –1) (x – 2) (x – 3) … (x – 100) 1 2 3 24 25

Sol 23:
–b 10 m
Coefficient of x99 = 5m 5m
a
We can see that a = 1 Sn = 10 + 10 + 15 + 15 + 20 + 20
100 × 101
and b = 1 + 2 + 3 … 100 = = 5050 … 85 + 85 + … + 125 + 125 + 130
2
∴ Coefficient of x99 = −5050 = 2[10 + 15 + 20 … 130] – 130

Coefficient of x98 = 10[2 + 3 + 4 … 26] – 130

= 1 × 2 + 1 × 3 + .... + 1 × 100 + 2 × 3 + 2 × 4
 26 × 27 
= 1 × 2 + 1 × 3 + .... + 1 × 100 + 2 × 3 + 2 × 4 +.... + 99 × 100 = 10  – 1 – 130 = 10 × 350 – 130
+.... + 99 × 100  2 
=
1
2 { (
(1 + 2 + .... + 100 ) − 1 + 2 + 100
2 2 2
)}2 = 3500 – 130 = 3370 m

2{
1
(5050 ) − 338350}
2
=
 3 . 5 4 | Sequences and Series

Sol 24: Number of elements in nth group = n 1 1 1 1

, … , in AP
n(n – 1) + 2 2 HM1 HM9 3
First number in the group will be 1
2 1 –1
⇒ + 10d = ⇒d=
n 2 3 60
Sn = [n(n – 1) + 2 + (n – 1)1]
2 60
n 2 n HMn =
= [n – n + 2 + n – 1] = [n2 + 1] 30 – n
2 2
6 n 6
A+ =2+ + (30 – n)
H 10 60
Sol 25: Let the 3 number in G.P. be a, ar, ar2 & other 3
numbers be a1, a1r1, a1r12 n n
=2+ +3– =5
10 10
(a1r1 – ar)2 = (a1r12 – ar2) (a1 – a)
Hence proved
a12r12 + a2r2 – 2aa1rr1 = a12r12 – aa1r2 – aa1r2 + a2r2
2rr1 = r2+r12
Sol 28: x + y + z = 1
⇒ (r1 – r)2 = 0
For x, y, z. A.M. ≥ HM
⇒ r = r1
a1r1 – ar (a1 – a)r
Ratio for third G.P. = = =r x+y+z 3
a1 – a (a1 – a) ⇒ ≥
3 1 1 1
+ +
Hence ratio of the three G.P. is same x y z

1 1 1 1 1 1
Sol 26: S = + … ⇒ + + ≥9
a1a2 a2a3 anan+1 x y z

1  a2 – a1 a3 – a2  Therefore, xy + yz + zx – 9xyz ≥ 0
=  + ...  Hence proved.
a2 – a1  a1a2 a2a3 

As a2 – a1 = a3 – a2 = … an+1 – an Sol 29: We must prove that for some m and p;

1 1 1 1 1 1 1  m
=  – + – ... + –  Mp = [2a + (m –1)2], for some odd a
a2 – a1  a1 a2 a2 a3 an an+1  2
= m[a + m – 1]
1 1 1  an+1 – a1
=  –  = Let us prove this by induction
a2 – a1  a1 an+1  (a2 – a1 )a1an+1
Taking, P = 2
nd n m2 = m[a+m –1] ⇒ a = 1 is the required a.
= =
d(a1an+1 ) a1an+1 mp+1 = mp.m
= m[a + m – 1] m = m[ma + m2 – m]
n n
S= = = m[ma + m2 – 2m + 1 + m – 1]
a1an+1 a1 (a1 + nd)
= m [ma + (m – 1)2 + m – 1]
n 1 1
=lim S lim
= l= im = m [A + m – 1]
n→∞ a (a + nd) a
 a  1d
n→∞ n→∞
1 1 a1  d+ 1 
 n We must prove that A is odd.
A is odd
Sol 27: 2, AM1, AM2 … AM9, 3
For even m, ma is even and (m – 1)2 is odd ⇒ A is odd
2, HM1, HM2 … HM9, 3 for odd m, ma is odd and (m – 1)2 is even ⇒ A is odd
Suppose we take AMn and HMn ∴ By induction hypothesis,
1
⇒ 2 + 10d = 3 ⇒ d = m
10 Mp = [2a + (m –1)2], with odd a.
2
n
AMn = 2 + nd = 2 + Hence proved
10
 M a them a ti cs | 3.55

Exercise 2 n
S2 = [2a + 2nd + (n – 1)d]
2
Single Correct Choice Type s1 2a + (n – 1)d
=
s2 2a + 2nd + (n – 1)d
2ac
Sol 1: (B) b = [a, b, c are in HP] …(i) d
a+c 2 + (n – 1)
⇒ a =s
2ac 2ac d
+a +c 2 + (3n – 1)
b+a b+c a+c
= + = + +c
a a
b–a b–c 2ac 2ac
–c –c d d
a+c a+c ⇒ 2 + (n – 1) = 2s + (3n – 1) s
a a
3ac + a2 3ac + c2 3c + a (3a + c) d
= + = + ⇒ 2s – 2 = [n – 3ns + s – 1]
ac – a 2
ac – c 2 c–a a–c a
a
3c + a (3a + c) 2c – 2a (2s – 2) = n (1 – 3s) + s – 1
= – = =2 d
c–a c–a c–a
This is independent of n ie coefficient of n will be zero
1 1 1 1 a 1
Sol 2: (A) Given summation is, + + ⇒s= ; ⇒ =
1 1+2 1+2+3 3 d 2
2 1 1 
… 
Tn = ⇒ Tn = 2  –  Sol 6: (D) a = 51+x + 51 –x + 25x + 25–x
n(n + 1) n n + 1 
5
1 1 1 1 1 1  ⇒ a = 5.5x + + (5x)2 + (5–x)2
Sn = STn = 2  – + – + ...  = 2 5x
1 2 2 3 3 ∞  5 1
Let 5x = t ⇒ a = 5t + + t2 + 2
t t
5 2 1
5t + t + 2
Sol 3: (C) t t ≥ 1 hence a ≥ 10 + 2
≥ 5;
• • • • • • • 2 2

←10m→ ←middle→ n stones ∴ a ≥ 12

n stones
Sol 7: (A) S11 = S19
⇒ 2[20 + 40 + 60 …n terms] = 4800
11 19
[2a + 10d] = [2a + 18d]
⇒ 120 = 1 + 2 … n terms 2 2
n(n + 1) a –29
⇒ 120 = ⇒ n2 + n = 240 16a = – 232 d ⇒ =
2 d 2
⇒ n = 15 30  29d 
S30 = [2a + 29d] = 30 a + =0
Total no of stone = 2n+1 = 31 [C] 2  2 

Sol 4: (D) S = 12 + 32 + 52 … 992 Sol 8: (C) S2 = 2t2

S1 = 22 + 42 + 62 … (100)2 S1 + ds = 2(t1 + dt)
S1 – S = 2 – 1 + 4 – 3 + 6 – 5 …
2 2 2 2 2 2
ds = t1 + 2dt
= 2+1+4+3+6+5+ … +100+99 10 15
⇒ [2s1 + 9ds] = [2t1 + 14dt ]
100 2 2
= [1 + 100] = 50 [101] = 5050
2 ⇒ 18ds = 2t1 + 42dt ⇒ 18ds = 2ds – 4dt + 42dt

Sol 5: (C) a, a + d, … a + (n – 1)d, a + nd, … a + (2n – 1) d ⇒ 16ds = 38dt

n ds 19
S1 = [2a + (n – 1)d] =
2 dt 8
3 . 5 6 | Sequences and Series

Sol 9: (A) The given expression is equal to Previous Years’ Questions

1 1 1 1 1 1
( − + − + ...) =
d a1 a2 a2 a3 a1d Sol 1: (B) Here, (a2 + b2 + c2) p2 – 2(ab + bc + cd)p +
(b2 + c2 +d2) ≤ 0

Sol 10: (A) a + ar + ar2 = 21 …(i) ⇒ (a2p2 – 2abp + b2) + (b2p2 – 2bcp + c2) +
(c2p2 – 2cdp + d2) ≤ 0
a2 + a2r2 + a2r4 = 189 …(ii)
⇒ (ap – b)2 + (bp – c)2 + (cp – d)2 ≤ 0
Squaring equation (i) & then dividing by (ii)
(Since, sum of squares is never less than zero )
2 2 2
a (1 + r + r ) 441 ⇒ Each of the squares is zero
⇒ =
2 2
a (1 + r + r ) 4 189
∴(ap – b)2 = (bp – c)2 = (cp – d)2 = 0
(1 + r + r 2 )(1 + r + r 2 ) 441 b c d
⇒ = ⇒p= = =
2
(1 + r + r )(1 – r + r ) 2 189 a b c
\a, b, c are in G.P.
⇒ 2r2 – 5r + 2 = 0
1 Sol 2: (C) Sum of the n terms of the series
⇒ r = 2, ⇒ a = 3, 12
2
1 3 7 15
(2n – 1) + + + + .... upto n terms can be written as
GP is 3, 6, 12 … Sn = 3 = 3(2n – 1) Hence, (A) is 2 4 8 16
the correct choice 2 – 1
 1  1  1  1 
1 –  + 1 –  + 1 –  + 1 –  .... upto n terms
 2   4   8   16 
∞
n 1
Sol 11: (C) ∑ n4 + 4 =
 2 4  1 1 1 
n=1
nn + 2 + 4 – 4  = n –  + + + .... + nterms 
 n  2 4 8 
1 1 
1 1 1 – n 
=∑ = ∑  2  2  2 2 
 2
2  = n–  = n + 2–n – 1
n  n +  – 4  n n + – 2 n + + 2 1
 n   n  n  1–
  2
n Sol 3: (B) Let the common ratio of the G.P. be r. Then,
= ∑ (n2 + 2 – 2n)(n2 + 2n + 2)
Y = xr and z = xr2
1  1 1  ⇒ ln y = lnx + ln r and ln z = ln x + 2 ln r
= ∑ – 
4  n2 – 2n + 2 n2 + 2n + 2  Let A = 1 + ln x, D = ln r
1 1
1 ∞  1 1  Then, = ,
= ∑  – 
4 n=1  (n − 1) + 1 (n + 1) + 1 
2 2 1 + lnx A
1 1 1
= =
1 1 ∞  1 1  3 1 + ln y 1 + lnx + lnr A + D
= 1 + + ∑  –  =

4 2 n=1  (n + 1) + 1 (n + 1) + 1   8
2 2
1 1 1
and
= =
1 + lnz 1 + lnx + 2lnr A + 2D
Sol 12: (D) ln a2 + (ln a2)2 + (ln a2)3 …..
1 1 1
Therefore, , , are in H.P.
= 3 {ln a + (ln a)2 + (ln a)3 + …. } 1 + lnx 1 + ln y 1 + lnz
2lna 3lna
⇒ =
1 – 2lna 1 – lna Sol 4: (A) Since A.M. ≥ G.M., then
⇒ 2 – 2 ln a = 3 – 6 ln a
(a + b) + (c + d)
≥ (a + b)(c + d)
⇒ 1 = 4 ln a 2
⇒ a = e1/4 ⇒M ≤ 1
 M a them a ti cs | 3.57

Also,(a + b) + (c + d) > 0( a, b, c, d > 0) Sol 8: (C) Let Sn = cn2

∴0 < M ≤ 1 Sn–1 = c (n – 1)2 = cn2 + c – 2cn
∴Tn = 2cn – c ( Tn = Sn – Sn – 1)
Sol 5: (D) Since a, b, c, d are in A.P.
T2n = (2cn – c)2 = 4c2n2 + c2 – 4c2n
a b c d
⇒ , , , are in AP ∴ Sum = STn2
abcd abcd abcd abcd
4c2n(n + 1)(2n + 1)
1 1 1 1 = + nc2 – 2c2n(n + 1)
⇒ , , , are in A.P. 6
bcd cda abd abc
⇒ bcd, cda, abd, abc are in HP. 2c2n(n + 1)(2n + 1) + 3nc2 – 6c2n(n + 1)
=
3
⇒ abc, abd, cda, bcd are in HP.
nc2 (4n2 + 6n + 2 + 3 – 6n – 6) nc2 (4n2 – 1)
= =
Sol 6: (D) Since a, b, c are in AP. 3 3

Leta = A – D, b = A, c = A + D
Sol 9: (B) Let a, ar, ar2, …
3
Given, a + b + c = a + ar = 12  … (i)
2
3 3 1 ar + ar = 48 
2 3
… (ii)
⇒ (A – D) + A + (A + D) = ⇒ 3A = ⇒ A = Dividing (ii) by (i), we have
2 2 2
1 1 1 ar 2 (1 + r)
∴ The numbers are – D, , + D =4
2 2 2 a(r + 1)
2 2
1  1 1  ⇒ r2 = 4 if r ≠ – 1
Also,  – D  , ,  + D  are in GP.
2  4 2  ∴r=–2
Also, a = – 12 (using (i)).
2 2 2 2
1 1  1  1 1 
=
⇒    – D  +D ⇒ =  – D2  2 6 10 14
4 2  2  16  4  Sol 10: (B) Let S =1 + + + + + .......
 ...(1)
... (i)
3 32 33 34
1 1 1 1 1 1 2 6 10
⇒ – D2 = ± ⇒ D2 = ⇒ D =± S= + + + + ....... ...(2)... (ii)
4 4 2 2 3 3 32 33 34

1 1 1 1 Dividing (i) and (ii)

⇒ a= + or −
2 2 2 2
 1 1 4 4 4
1 1 S 1 −  =1 + + + + + .......
So, out of the given values, a = – is the right  3  3 32
33
34
choice 2 2
2 4 4 1 1 
S = + 1 + + + ...... 
3 3 3  3 3
2 2

Sol 7: (C) We know that, the sum of infinite term of G.P. is
 
 a 2 4 4 1  4 4 3 4 2 6
 , | r |< 1 ⇒ S= +  = + = + =
S∞ = 1 – r 3 3 32  1  3 32 2 3 3 2
 ∞,  1 − 
 | r |≤ 1  3
x 2 6
S∞
∴= = 5 (thus |r| < 1) ⇒ S= ⇒S= 3
1–r 3 3
x 5–x  +n
or 1 – r = ⇒r = exists only when |r| < 1
5 5 Sol 11: (B) M =
2
5–x  , G1 , G2 , G3 , n are in G.P.
i.e., –1 < <1
5 1
or –10 < – x < 0⇒ 0 < x < 10  n 4
r= 

 3 . 5 8 | Sequences and Series

1 1 3
 n 4  n 2  n 4
=G1  =
  G2 =
  G3    Sol 15: (B) a, ar, ar2 → G.P.
  
a, 2ar, ar2 → A.P.
G14 + 2G24 + G34
2 × 2ar = a + ar2
2 3
n n n
=  4 × + 2 4 × +  4 × 4r = 1 + r2
2
  3
⇒ r2 – 4r + 1 = 0
=3n + 22n2 + n3
4 ± 16 − 4
= n(2 + 2n + n2 ) r= = 2± 3
2
= n( + n)2
= 4m2n r= 2 + 3

n2 (n + 1)2 r = 2 − 3 is rejected

Sol 12: (B) Tn =

4 ∴ (r > 1)
n2 G.P. is increasing.
1
Tn
= (n + 1)2
4 Sol 16: (B) Statement-I has 20 terms whose sum is 8000
1 2 and statement-II is true and supporting statement-I.
Tn= [n + 2n + 1]
4
∴ kth bracket is (k – 1)2 + k(k – 1) + k2 = 3k2 – 3k + 1.
n
Sn = ∑ Tn
n=1 Sol 17: (D) 100(T100) = 50(T50) ⇒ 2[a + 99d] = a + 49d
1  n(n + 1)(2n + 1)  ⇒ a + 149d = 0 ⇒ T150 = 0
=Sn  + n(n + 1) + n
4 6 
n=9 Sol 18: (D) f(x) = 2x3 + 3x + k
1  9 × 10 × 19  1 384 f’(x) = 6x2 + 3 > 0 ∀x ∈R
S=
9  + 9 × 10 + 9=
 [285 + 90 + 9]
= = 96
4 6  4 4 ⇒ f(x) is strictly increasing function
⇒ f(x) = 0 has only one real root, so two roots are not
Sol 13: (A) a + d, a + 4d, a + 8d → G.P possible
∴ (a + 4d)2 = a2 + 9ad + 8d2
Sol 19: (A) x2 + 2x + 3 = 0  ... (i)
⇒ 8d2 = ad ⇒ a = 8d
ax2 + bx + c = 0  ... (ii)
∴ 9d, 12d, 16d → G.P.
Since equation (i) has imaginary roots
12 4
r
Common ratio= =
9 3 So equation (ii) will also have both roots same as (i).
Thus
Sol 14: (A)
a b c
= = ⇒ a =λ ,b =λ
2 ,c =λ
3
2 2
 8   12   16   20   24 
2 2 2 1 2 3
  +   +   +   +   + ....... Hence 1 : 2 : 3
5  5   5   5   5 

82 122 162 202 242 7 77 777

+ + + + + ...... Sol 20: (C) + + + ....... + up to 20 terms
52 52 52 52 52 10 100 103
10
(4n + 4)2 1 16 10 2
Tn =
2
5= 52 n
; Sn
= ∑16(n =
∑ (n + 2n + 1)
+ 1)2
25 n 1
1
= 7 +
11 111
+

+ ....... + up to 20 terms 
10 100 10
1= 3

16 10 × 11× 21 2 × 10 × 11  16 16 7  9 99 999 
= + + 10  = × 505 = m ⇒ m = =101 + + + ....... + up to 20 terms 
 9 10 100 1000
25  6 2  25 5 
⇒ m = 101
 M a them a ti cs | 3.59

7  1  1   1   G2
= 1 −  + 1 − 2  + 1 − 3  + ....... + up to 20 terms  HM =
AM
(we know this)
9  10   10   10  
⇒ (A – 27) (A) = (A – 15)2
 20 
 1   1    ⇒ 27A = 225 – 30 A
1−  
7  10   10      20  
A = 75 …(i)
= 20 −    = = 7 20 − 1 1 −  1   
 
9 1  9 9   10    G.M. = 60 …(ii)
 1 −    
10
  H.M. = 48
 

7 179 1  1   7 
20  a + b = 150 using (i) and (ii)
= +   = 179 + (10)−20 
9 9 9  10   81   ab = 3600
 
a = 120
b = 30
Sol 21: (A) 2y = x + z
2 tan-1 y = tan-1 x + tan-1 (z) Sol 2: H10 = 21, H21 = 10
 2y   x+z  1 1 1
tan−1   = tan−1   = + 9d =
 1− y2   1 − xz  H10 H1 21
 
x+z x+z 1 1 1
= = + 20d =
1− y 2 1 − xz H10 H1 10
11 1
⇒ 11d = ⇒d=
⇒ y2 = xz or x + z = 0 ⇒ x = y = z 210 210
1 9 10
+ =
H1 210 210
JEE Advanced/Boards 1 1
=
H1 210
Exercise 1 1 1 1 209 210
= + 209d = + = =1
H210 H1 210 210 210
Sol 1: (i) Let 2 numbers be a, b
2ab ab Sol 3: sin x, sin22x, cos x sin 4x are in GP.
Given H.M. = =4⇒a+b=
a+b 2
sin42x = sin x cos x sin 4x
a+b
We have A.M. = and G.M. = ab (2 sin x cos x)4= sin x cos x 2 sin 2x cos 2x
2
(G.M.)2 = ab  … (i) 16 sin4 x cos4 x = 4 sin2 x cos2 x cos 2x

2A.M. = a + b … (ii) 4 sin2x cos2x = cos 2x

2A + G2 = 27 Sin22x = cos 2x

a + b + ab = 27 using (i) and (ii) 1 – cos2 2x = cos 2x

3ab cos2 2x + cos 2x – 1 = 0

= 27 ⇒ ab = 18
2 –1 ± 5
cos 2x =
2
a+b=9
–1 – 5
⇒ a, b = 3, 6 ∴ cos θ can never be equal to i.e
2
–1 + 5
(ii) A.M. = G.M. + 15 = H.M. + 27 ∴ cos 2x =
2
a+b 2ab sin2 2x 4 sin2 x cos2 x
= + 27 = ab + 15 Common ratio = =
2 a+b sinx sinx
3 . 6 0 | Sequences and Series

= 4 cos2 x sin x = 2 cos x sin 2x a2

= 1 ⇒ a2 = 1 – r2
1 – r2
1 + cos2x
= 2 1 – cos2 2x a1r1 = a2r2 ⇒ (1 – r1)r1 = (1 – r2)r2
2
⇒ r1 – r2 = (r1 – r2)(r1 + r2)
(6 – 2 5)  5 –1
= 2 1– 1+  ⇒ r1 + r2 = 1
4  2 
 
a1r12 = 1/8 ⇒ (1 – r1)r12 = 1/8
5 −1 5 +1 = 2 . 4
= 2 . = 2
2 2 4 ⇒ (2r1 – 1)(4r12 – 2r1 – 1) = 0

If r1 = ½ then r1 = r2
Sol 4: a, b, c, d, e be 5 numbers ⇒ 4r12 – 2r1 – 1 = 0
a b c in AP, b c d in GP, c d e in HP
1± 5
2ce
⇒ r1 =
2b = a + c ,c2 = bd, d = , Let b be b 4
c+e
c be br, d be br2
1− 5
If r1 = then, r2 > 1.
2bre br 2 4
br2 = ⇒ br2 + er = 2e ⇒ e =
br + e 2–r 1+ 5
⇒ r1 =
a = 2b – br = b(2 – r) 4
  1 + 5  1 + 5 
ae = b2r2 = c2 hence a,c,e are in GP …(i) ∴ a1r1 = (1 – r1)r1 =  1 −   
  4  4 
(2b – a)2 c2 b2r 2 br 2
(ii) ⇒ = = = =e
a a b(2 – r) 2–r    5 −1 m −n
=  3 − 5  1 + 5  = =
Hence proved.  4  4  8 p

(iii) a = 2 e = 18 ⇒ c = ± 6 ∴ 100m + 10n +p = 500 + 10 + 8 = 518

bc, d, e = (4, 6, 9); (–2, –6, –18)
⇒ b = 4, – 2 ⇒d = 9, – 18
99
5100
Sol 7: S = ∑ 25n + 5100
n=1

Sol 5: 2α2, α4, 24 form A.P. 5100

T1 =
α4 = α2 + 12 …(i) 52 + 5100
α4 – α2 = 12 5100 5100 52
T99 = = =
⇒ α = 2, – 2 (α1, α2 = 2, – 2 52×99 + 5100 5200 52 + 5100
+ 5100
(β2)2 = 1(6 – β2) 52
T1 + Tn = 1
β4 + β2 = 6
S = T1 + T2 + … + T99 = 1 + 1 … T50
β4 + β2 – 6 = 0
5100
β4 + 3β2 – 2β2 – 6 = 0 = 49 + T50 = 49 + = 49+1/2
5100 + 5100
β2 = 2 [S] = 49
β1, β2 = 2,– 2
α1 + α2 + β12 + β22 = 4 + 4 + 2 + 2 = 12
2 2 Sol 8: ax3 – ax2 + 9bx – b = 0
3 3αβγ
HM roots = =
Sol 6: 2G.P.s 1 1 1 αβ + βγ + γα
α + β + γ =1 α + β + γ
a1
= 1 ⇒ a1 = 1 – r1
1 – r1 9b1
αβ + βγ + γα =
a1
 M a them a ti cs | 3.61

b1 127 S
αβγ = 127 – =S–
a1 r r n–1

1  1  63.5 
H.M .= 127  1 –  = 32r – r – 31.5 
3 r r
  
α+β+ γ
≥ H.M.(abc) from (v)
3
α+β+ γ 1 127
≥ 127 – = 63.5 r – 63.5
3 3 r
⇒r=2
α + β + γ ≥1  …(i)
∴ s = 64
Its given α + β + γ =1
s 1
Equality of equation (i) holds only if α = β = γ =
r n–1 2
1
i.e all the roots are
3 2n–2 = 64
3
b 1 ⇒n=8
= α3 =  
a 3
b = 27a Sol 10: an+1 = an +1 for n = 1 … 97

b + a = 28a ⇒ a2 = a1 + 1

∴ a is an integer, min (a + b) = 28 ⇒ a3 = a2 + 1 = a1 + 2
⇒ a4 = a1 + 3
Sol 9: Let time taken to solve 1st problem be S time to an = a1 + (n – 1)
S 98
solve second problem will be ⇒ a1 + a2 … a98 = 4949 = [2a1 + 97.1]
r 2
S S
+… + = 63.5 …(i) 101 = 2a1 + 97 ⇒ a1 = 2
r rn–1
s s Now, we can write here Sa2k
Sn = 127 = S + … …(ii)
r r n–2
 = a2 + a4 + a6 … a98 = a1 + 1 + a1 + 3 … a1 + 97
s s 49
31.5 = +… …(iii) = [2a1 + 2 + 48 × 2] = 49[a1 + 49] = 49 × 51
2 n–1
r r  2
S = 2499
= 32 …(iv)
r
S 343
127 + = 63.5 + S Sol 11: xyz = 55 or acc to a, x, y, z, b in AP/HP
rn–1 55
For a, x, y, z, b in AP
S
63.5 + =S x = a + d; y = a + 2d z = a + 3d
rn–1
b–a
S S  1 b = a + 4d ⇒ d =
– = 63.5  1 –  4
r r n
 r
(a + d) (a + 2d) (a + 3d) = 55  …(i)
s 63.5 For a, x, y, z, b in HP
32 – = 63.5 –
rn r
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
63.5 S = + dH ; = + 4dH ⇒ dH =  – 
= 31.5 …(v) x a b a 4 b a 
r rn
1 1
 1  = + 2dH
S  1 – n–1  y a
r 
127 = 
 1 1 1
1 –  = + 3dH
 r z a
3 . 6 2 | Sequences and Series

1 1  1  1  55 Sol 13: We have b2 = ac

=  + dH   + 2dH   + 3dH  = 343  …(ii)
xyz a  a  a  Also, logca, logbc and logab are in AP
Equation (i) can be written as We can write logab = logca + (3 - 1)d

 b – a  (b – a)2   (b – a)3  log b − logc a

a +  a +  a +  =55 ⇒d= a
 4  4  4  2

loga ac − logc a
(3a + b)(2a + 2b)(a + 3b) =
= 55 2
64
1 + 3 loga c
Equation (ii) can be written as =
4
 3 1   1 1   1 3  55 Given that logac = 4
 +   +   +  =
 4a 4b   2a 2b   4a 4b  343
1+ 3× 4 13
∴d = =
(3b + a)(2b + 2a)(b + 3a) 55 4 4
=
2 2
64a b ab 343
Sol 14: a = b – 2
⇒ a3b3 = 343
ar2 = b + 6
⇒ ab = 7
a & b are integers a + ar 2 5
=
2ar 3
i.e a = 1 , b = 7or a = 7, b = 1
2b + 4 5
i.e a2 + b2 = 50 =
2ar 3
3
Sol 12: 10x3 – cx2 – 54x – 27 = 0 (b + 2) = ar
5
Let α, b, g be the roots
9
(b + 2)2 = (b + 6) (b – 2)
c 25
α+β+g= …(i)
10 
54 ⇒ 9(b2 + 4 + 4b) = 25 (b2 + 4b – 12)
aβ + by + gα = – …(ii)
10  16b2 + 64b – 336 = 0
27
abg = …(iii) b2 + 4b – 21 = 0
10 
α β & g are in harmonic progression b2 + 7b – 3b – 21 = 0
2αγ b = 7, 3 ⇒ +ve integral value of b is 3.
i.e β =
α+γ
bα + bg = 2αg ….(iv) S1–11 1
Sol 15: = … (i)
Sn–10–n 8
Putting this in equation (iii)
S10–n
β = – 3/2 this in equation (iv) =2 … (ii)
S(n–8 ) –n
 –3  –3.6
(α + γ )   =
2
  10
S1 – 11 = a
(r 11
–1 )S = ar 9
(r n–9
–1 )
10 – n
12
r –1 r –1
α+ γ =
5
–3 S(n – 10) – n = ar n–11
(r 11
–1 )s =a
(r n–9
–1 )
⇒ α = 3; γ = (n–8)–n
5 r –1 r –1
–3 –3
The 3 roots are 3, , Putting these values in equation (i) and equation (ii)
2 5
1 1
C 12 3 9 =
=α+β+y= − = ⇒C=9 r n–11 8
10 5 2 10
 M a them a ti cs | 3.63

1 ⇒ a(a – 8) = (a – 6)2 ⇒ a = 9, r = 3
r =2⇒r=
9
29
So the number is 931
⇒ rn – 11 = 23
n–11 Sol 18: S(θ) = 1 + (1 + sin θ) cos θ
⇒ 2 9 = 23
+ (1 + sin θ + sin2θ) cos2 θ … ∞
⇒ n = 11 + 27 = 38 = 1 + cos θ + cos2 θ ...
+ sin θ (cos θ + cos2 θ ...) + sin2 θ
Sol 16: Sn = (1 + 2Tn) (1 – Tn)
1 sin θ sin2 θ cos2 θ
n = + cos θ +
Sn = [2a + (n – 1)d] 1 – cos θ 1 – cos θ 1 – cos θ
2
= [1 + 2a + (n – 1) 2d] [1 – a – (n – 1)d] 1
= [1+ sin θ cos θ + sin2θ cos2θ …]
1 – cos θ
Tn = a + (n – 1)d
1
Sn = 1 + Tn – 2Tn2 S(θ) =
(1 – sin θ cos θ)(1 – cos θ)
S1 = 1 + T1 – 2T12 = T1
1 1  1  2 2
S π  = 1 –  =
T1 =
2  
4

 1 –
1 

2 ( 2 –1 )
 2
S2 = 1 + T2 – 2T2 = T1 + T2 2

1
1– = 2T22  π  π  π 
2 Sol 19: tan  – x  , tan , tan  + x  are in GP
 12  12  12 
 2 –1 2– 2 4– 2
  = T22 = = π  π   π 
 2 2  4 4 tan2 = tan  – x  tan  + x 
  12  12   12 
⇒ a = 4 and b = 2
 π   π  π
sin  + x  sin  – x  cos2x – cos
a+b=6  12   12  6 π
= ⇒ = tan2
 π   π  π 12
cos  + x  cos  – x  cos2x + cos
Sol 17: Let number be abc (a > b > c)  12   12  6
a a
a = a, b = ,c= π π π π π 
r r2 cos tan2 + cos cos tan2 + 1
6 12 6 = 6  12 
10a a a 10a − a cos 2x =
⇒ 100a + + – 100 – = 792 2 π 2 π
r 2 2 r 1 – tan 1 − tan
r r 12 12
99a a
⇒ 99a – = 792 ⇒ a – =8  2 π  2 π   
r 2
r2  sin   + cos     
π  12
  12
  3 1
cos  =1
∴ New number = 100 ( a − 4 ) + 10b + c =
6  2 π  2 π 
= 2   π 
 cos   − sin     cos   
2a a   12   12     6 
⇒ 2b = a – 4 + c ⇒ =a–4+
r r2
2a 3 2
⇒ =a–4+a–8 = × 1
=
r 2 3
2a a a ∴ cos 2x = 1
⇒ 2a – 12 = ⇒a= +6= +8
r r r2
a
⇒r=
a–6 π/2
⇒
 a 
2 O π
a
⇒   =
 a – 6  a – 8
3 . 6 4 | Sequences and Series

Solutions are O, π, 2π, 3π … 99π 1  1002 + 100  5050

=   =
99 2  10101  10101
[2π + 98π] = 50 π . 99 = 4950 π
2

K = 4950
Sol 4: (A)

r
a
Exercise 2
a/2
Single Correct Choice Type
Circle inscribed in 1st circle = r = a/2
Sol 1: (A) A.M. = 9 + 99 … 999999999/9
a
⇒ 9[1 + 11 + 111 + …. 111111111]/9 In 2nd circle = r1 =
2 2
= 123456789 a 1
In 3rd circle = this is G.P. with common ratio
This does not contain 0 2×2 2
n–1  1–n 
n–1
a 1  1 2  
360
1 m ar =   = r  = r2 2  [A]
Sol 2: (D) Given ∑ =
n
2 2  2
k =1 k k + 1 + (k + 1) k

360
1  1 k +1 – k  Assertion Reasoning Type
∑ =  
k =1 k + 1 k  k + k + 1 k + 1 – k 
Sol 5: (D) Statement-I: If (a + b + c)3 ≤ 27 abc
360
k +1 – k 3a + 4b + 5c = 12
∑ =
k =1 k +1 k
Statement-II: ⇒ A.M. ≥ G.M. (True)
360  1 1  We Know A.M. ≥ G.M.
∑ = ∑ – 
k =1  k k + 1 For three numbers a + b + c
360
1 1 1 1 1 a+b+c
∴ ∑ Tk =–
2
+
2
–
3
…- ⇒
3
≥ (abc)1/3
k =1 1 361
1 18 m ⇒ (a + b + c)3 ≥ 27 abc
=1– = = (given)
19 19 n Given (a + b + c)3 ≤ 27 abc
⇒ m + n = 18 + 19 = 37 ⇒ a = b = c & (a + b + c)3 = 27 abc
3a + 4a + 5a = 12 ⇒ a = b = c = 1
100
k k
Sol 3: (B) ∑ 4
= ∑ (k 2 + 1)2 – k 2 1
+
1
+
1
=
1
+
1
+
1
= 3 ≠ 10
k =1 k + k2 + 1 a 2 3
b b 5 1 1 1
k
= ∑ (k 2 + 1 + k)(k 2 + 1– k) So statement-II is false.

k  1 1  Multiple Correct Choice Type

= ∑ 2k  k 2 + k + 1 + k 2 – k + 1
 
Sol 6: (A, B, C, D) a1 = 25, b1 = 75, a100 + b100 = 100
1 1 1 
= ∑ 2  k 2 – k + 1 – k 2 + k + 1 a1 + 99da + b1 + 99db = 100
 
⇒ da + db = 0
1 1 1 1 1 1  ⇒da = – dB
= ∑  – + – ... 
2  1 3 3 7 100 + 100 + 1 
2
(a) Hence a is correct
 M a them a ti cs | 3.65

(b) an + bn = a1 + (n – 1)da + b1 + (n – 1)dB a2

+ a2r + a2 = q
= a1 + b1 + (n – 1) (da + dB) = a1 + b1 = 100 r

Hence, correct a3 = 1 ⇒ a = 1

(c) (a1 + b1) (a2 + b2) (a3 + b3) …  1

 r + 1 +  = – p … (i)
 r
= 100, 100, 100 is in AP
100 100 1 
 + r + 1 = q ⇒ q = – p ⇒ p + q =
0
(d) ∑ (ar + br ) = ∑ (100) = 10000  r 
r =1 r =1
1
r +1+
r ≥ 1 [AM ≥ GM]
Sol 7: (B, C) sin (x – y), sin x, sin (x + y) are in HP 3
1
2sin(x – y)sin(x + y) r+1+ ≥3
sin x = r
sin(x – y) + sin(x + y)
p∈ (– ∞, 3) [B is incorrect]
⇒ 2 sin2x cosy = 2cos2y – 2cos2x
one root (a) is unity
⇒ sin2x (cos y – 1) = cos2 y – 1 1
one root is & other is r, so if 1 root is greater than 1
⇒ sin2x = 1 + cos y = 2 cos2y/2 r
and other less than [ACD]
y
⇒ sin x sec   = 2
2 a 2b
Sol 10: (B, D) log a, log b, log c, log , log ,
2b 3c
Sol 8: (A, B) Given series is a ar ar2 ar3… 3c
log are in AP
Given that ar – a = 6 and ar3 – ar2 = 54 a
a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6
⇒ ar2(r – 1) = 54 ⇒ a ( r – 1) = 6
Dividing these (2) 2a5 = a4 + a6

r2 = 9 4b2 3c
=
r=±3 9c 2 2b

a = 3, for r = 3 b 3 3c
= ⇒b=
ar = 9 c 2 2

ar2 = 27 3b 9c
a= =
2 4
a=3
15c
sum = 39 [A] a+b= >c
4
–3 13c 3c
for r = – 3; a = a+c= 4 > 2 (b)
2
9 –27 5c 9c
ar = ; ar2 = b+c= > (a)
2 2 2 4
–3 9 27 27 –21 Hence a, b, c can form ∆
∴ sum = + – =3– =
2 2 2 2 2 log b – log a = log c – log b
2log b = log a + log c
Sol 9: (A, C, D) x3 + px2 + qx – 1
b2 = ac ie a, b, c are in GP[B]
Roots form increasing GP
a = a, b = ar, c = ar2
a
Roots be , a, ar 18 (a + b + c)2 – 18a2 – 18b2 – 18c2
r
a = 18 (2ab + 2bc + 2ac)
+ a + ar = – p
r = 36 (ab + bc +ac) > ab so A is incorrect
3 . 6 6 | Sequences and Series

Sol 11: (A, B, C, D) x2 – 3x + A = 0  1 

n−1
⇒ an = 10   (Qa1 = 10 given)
x1 + x2 = 3  2
x1x2 = A 2(n–1)
 1 
⇒ an2 = 100  
x2 – 12x + B = 0
 2
x3 x4 = B 100
⇒ ≤ 1 ( an2 ≤ 1given )
n–1
x3 + x4 = 12 2
x1 = a ; x2 = ar ; x3 = ar ; x4 = ar
2 3
⇒ 100 ≤ 2n–1
a2r = A This is possible for n ≥ 8. So (b), (c), (d) are the answer.
a(1 + r) = 3
a2r5 = B k −1
k! = 1
ar2(1 + r) = 12 Sol 3: (4) We have Sk =
1 (k – 1)!
1–
r=±2 k
a = 1, – 3 Now, (k2 – 3k + 1) Sk = {(k – 2) (k – 1) – 1} × Sk
A = a2 r = 1 × 2 = 2
1 1 100
a2r5 = 25 = 32 = B = –
(k – 3)! (k – 1)!
⇒ ∑ | (k 2 – 3k + 1)Sk |
k =1
x1 + x3 = a(1 + r2) = 5
x2 + x4 = ar (1 + r2) = 2.5 = 10
 1 1  1002
= 1+1+ 2 –  + = 4–
 99! 98!  100!

Previous Years’ Questions 1002 100 2

⇒ + ∑ | (k – 3k + 1)Sk | =
4
100! k =1
Sol 1: (A, B, D) Since, first and (2n – 1)the terms are
equal. Let first term be x and (2n – 1)th term by y. whose Sol 4: (0) ak = 2ak–1 – ak –2
middle term is tn.
⇒ a1, a2,…., a11 are in AP
x+y
Thus in arithmetic progression ; tn = =a
2
a12 + a22 +.... + a11
2
11a2 +35×11d2 +10ad
∴ = = 90
In geometric progression : xy =b 11 11

2xy ⇒ 225 + 35d2 +150d = 90

In harmonic progression ; tn = =c
x+y ⇒ 35d2 + 150d + 135 = 0
9
⇒ b2 = ac and a ≥ b ≥ c (using A.M. ≥ G.M. ≥ HM) ⇒ d = – 3, –
7
Here, equality holds (ie, a = b = c) only if all terms are 27 9
same. Given a2 < ∴ d = – 3 and d ≠ –
2 7
a1 + a2 + ..... + a11 11
Sol 2: (B, C, D) Let an denotes the length of side of the ⇒ = [30 –=
10 × 3] 0
square Sn. 11 2

We are given an = length of diagonal of Sn+1.

Sol 5: a1, a2, a3, …. A100 is an A.P.
an
⇒ an = 2an+1 ⇒ an+1 = p
2 a1 = 3, Sp = ∑ a1 , 1 ≤ p ≤ 100
i =1
This show that a1, a2, a3…. Form a G.P. with common
5n
ratio 1 / 2
n–1
Sm S5n 2
(
6 + (5n − 1) d )
 1  = =
Sn Sn n
Therefore, an = a1 
 2

2
( 6 − d + nd)
 M a them a ti cs | 3.67

Sm is independent of n of 6 – d = 0 ⇒ d = 6 Sol 11: (B) Since,

a1 = 3 Tr = 3r2 + 2r – 1
a2 = 3 + 6 = 9 ∴Tr+1 = 3(r + 1)2 +2 (r +1) –1
a2 = 9 ∴Qr = Tr + 1 – Tr = 3[2r + 1] + 2[1]
Qr = 6r + 5
Sol 6: (C) Let a and b are two numbers. Then,
a+b 2ab n
1 1
=A1 = ;G1 ab ;H1
= Sol 12: (A, D) Sn < lim Sn = lim ∑ ⋅
3 a+b
k =1 n 1 + k / n + (k / n)
n→∞ n→∞ 2

An–1 + Hn–1 1 dx π
=An =
2
,Gn An–1Hn–1 , = ∫=
0
1 + x + x2 3 3
2An–1Hn–1
Hn =
An–1 + Hn–1 π n−1 n
Now, Tn > as h f(kh) > 1f(x)dx > h f(kh)
3 3 0 ∑ ∫ ∑
Clearly, G1 = G2 = G3 = ….. = = k 0= k 1
ab

Sol 7: (A) A2 is A.M. of A1 and H1 and A1 > H1 Sol 13: (C) b1 = a1, b2 = a1 + a2, b3 = a1 + a2 + a3,
b4 = a1 + a2 + a3 + a4
⇒ A1 > A2 > H1
Hence b1, b2, b3, b4 are neither in A.P. nor in G.P. nor in
A3 is A.M. of A2 and H2 and A2 > H2
H.P.
⇒ A2 > A3 > A4
::: Sol 14: (C) tn = c {n2 − (n − 1)2} = c (2n − 1)
∴ A1 > A2 > A3 >……. tn2 c2 (4n2 − 4n + 1)
⇒=

n
Sol 8: (B) As above A1 > H2 > H1, A2 > H3 > H2  4n(n + 1)(2n + 1) 4n(n + 1) 
⇒ ∑ tn2 c2 
= − + n
∴ H1 < H2 < H2 < …… n=1  6 2 

c2n
r 1 3 2
Sol 9: (B) Here, Vr= [2r + (r – 1)(2r – 1)] =(2r – r + r)=
6
{4(n + 1)(2n + 1) − 12(n + 1) + 6}
2 2
1 c2n c2
∴ ΣV
=r
2
[2Σr3 – Σr 2 + Σr] =
3
{
4n2 + 6n + 2 − 6n − 6=
+3
3
n(4n2 − 1) }
1   n(n + 1)  n(n + 1)(2n + 1) n(n + 1) 
2
2   – +  100
2  2  6 2 
  Sol 15: (3) ∑ (k 2 − 3k + 1)Sk
k =2
n(n + 1)
= [3n(n + 1) – (2n + 1) + 3] for k = 2 |k2 - 3k + 1) Sk| = 1
12
1
= n(n + 1)(3n2 + n + 2) 100
k −1 k −1 +1
12 ∑ (k − 2)! − (k − 1)!
k =3
1 1
Sol 10: (D) Vr +1 – Vr = (r + 1)3 – r3 – [(r + 1)2 – r 2 ] + (1) 100
2 2 1 1 1 1
= 3r2 + 2r – 1
∑ (k − 3)! + (k − 2)! − (k − 2)! − (k − 1)!
k =3

∴ Tr = 3r + 2r – 1= (r + 1) (3r – 1)
2
100
 1 1 
Which is a composite number. ∑  (k − 3)! − (k − 1)! 
k =3  
 3 . 6 8 | Sequences and Series

 1 1 1 1 1  1 1 1 1 (n−1)
S =+
1 1 −  +  −  +  −  +  −  +  −  + =
 2!   1! 3!   2! 4!   3! 5!   4! 6! 
∑ ((4r + 4)2 + (4r + 3)2 − (4r + 2)2 − (4r + 1)2 )
r =0
 1 1   1 1   1 1   1 1 
....  − + − + − + −  (n−1) (n−1)
94! 96! 95! 97! 96! 98! 97! 99!
        =
∑ (2(8r + 6) + 2(8r=
+ 4)) ∑ (32r + 20)
1 1 r =0 r =0
2
=− −
98! 99!
1056 for n = 8
= 16(n – 1)n + 20n = 4n(4n + 1) = 
1002 1 1 1332 for n = 9
E
∴= +3− −
100! 98! 99.98!
b c
1002 100 1002 100 Sol 20: (6) = = (int eger)
= +3− = +3− = 3 a b
100! 99! 100.99! 99!
b2
b2 = ac ⇒ c =
Sol 16: (0) ak = 2ak−1 − ak−2 ⇒ a1, a2, …, a11 are in A.P. a
a+b+c
a2 + a22 + .... + a11
2
11a2 + 35 × 11d2 + 10ad = b+2
∴ 1 = = 90 3
11 11
a + b + c = 3b + 6 ⇒ a − 2b + c = 6
⇒ 225 + 35d2 + 150d = 90
35d2 + 150d + 135 = 0 ⇒ d = − 3, − 9/7 b2 2b b2 6
a − 2b + =6 ⇒ 1 − + =
27 a a a2 a
Given a2 < ∴ d = − 3 and d ≠ − 9/7 ⇒
2 2
b  6
a1 + a2 + .... + a11 11  − 1  = ⇒ a = 6only
= 30 − 10 × 3
=  0
11 2 a  a

Sol 17: (B) ax2 + bx + c = 0 ⇒ x2 + 6x – 7 = 0 Sol 21: (9) Let seventh term be ‘a’ and common
difference be ‘d’
⇒ α = 1, β = – 7
n n
S7 6
∞ ∞ Given, = ⇒ a = 15d
 1 1 1 1  S11 11
∑  α + β  = ∑ 1− 7  = 7
= 
n 0=  n 0  Hence, 130 < 15d < 140
⇒ d=9
Sol 18: (D) Corresponding A.P.
Sol 22: (B) log (b2) - log (b1) = log (2)
1 1
,.......................... (20th term) b2
5 25 ⇒ =2 ⇒ b1, b2, …. are in G.P. with common ratio 2
b1
1 1 1  −4  4
= + 19d ⇒d=  = − ∴ t = b1 + 2b1 + …… + 250 b1 = b1 (251 - 1)
25 5 19  25  19 × 25
S = a1 + a2 + ….. + a51
an < 0
51 51 51
= (a + a ) = (b + b ) = b (1 + 250 )
1 4 2 1 51 2 1 2 2 1
− × (n − 1) < 0
5 19 × 25  51   53 
− t b1  + 51 × 249 − 251 =
S= + 1  b1  + 249 × 47  ⇒ S > t
19 × 5  2   2 
< n−1
4
⇒S>t
n > 24.75 b101 = 2100 b1
4n k(k +1) a101 = a1 + 100 d = 2 (a1 + 50d) - a1
Sol 19: (A, D) S
=n ∑ (−1) 2 k2
= 2a51 - a1 = 2b51 - b1 = (2 × 251 - 1) b1 = (251 - 1) b1
k =1
∴ b101 > a101