INDEX

Page No.
CHAPTER 1 : EQUATIONS & INEQUATIONS (1-70)
Introduction 1

1
Section I : Quadratic Equations and Expressions 1
Ø Learn the subject - SECTION I 15

Section II : Logarithm 17
Ø Learn the subject - SECTION II 21

Section III : General Equations Inequations 21

Ø Learn the subject - SECTION III 36

MISCELLANEOUS SOLVED EXAMPLES 39

EXERCISE I 42
EXERCISE II 47
EXERCISE III 56
ANSWER KEYS 70

CHAPTER 2 : INEQUALITIES 71-100

Introduction 71
Basic Results 71
Section- I : A real perfect square is non negative 72

2
Ø Learn the subject - Section I 74

Section - II : Inequalities based on AM ³ GM ³ HM 75

Ø Learn the subject - Section II 81

Section -III : Some Classical Inequalities 82

Ø Learn the subject - Section III 83

Section -IV : Inequalities by monotonocity 83

Ø Learn the subject - Section IV 85

Section -V : Miscellaneous Inequalities 85

EXERCISE I 87
EXERCISE II 87
EXERCISE III 90
ANSWER KEYS 100

CHAPTER 3 : POLYNOMIALS 101-120

Introduction 101

3
Basic Properties 101
Section -I : Problems based on factor and remainder theorem 102
Ø Learn the Subject - Section I 106
Section - II : advanced problems in polynomials 106
EXERCISE I 111
EXERCISE II 111
EXERCISE III 113
ANSWER KEYS 120
 Page No.
CHAPTER 4 : SEQUENCE AND SERIES 121-178
Introduction 121
Section I : Sequence 121
Ø Learn the Subject - Section I 125
Section II : Arithmetic Progression 126
The sum of n terms of an A.P. 126
Properties op an A.P. 127
Arithmetic Means 127

4
Ø Learn the Subject - Section II 131
Section III : Geometric Progression 133
The sum of n terms of G. P. 133
Sum of an infinite G. P. 134
Geometric Means 134
Ø Learn the Subject - Section III 137
Section IV : Special Sequences 139
Harmonic progression 139
Arithmetico-geometric seRies (AGP) 140
summation of series 140
Other cases of summation 141
EXERCISE I 149
EXERCISE II 153
EXERCISE III 163
ANSWER KEYS 178

CHAPTER 5 : COMPLEX NUMBERS 179-252

Introduction 179
Definitions and Terms 179
Geometic interpretation 180
Section I : General Problems on Complex Numbers and De Moivre’s Theorem 181

5
De Moivre Theorem 182
Solved Examples 185
Ø Learn the Subject - Section I 198
Section II : Application of Complex Numbers in Geometry 199
Solved Examples 203
Ø Learn the subject - Section II 226
EXERCISE I 227
EXERCISE II 231
EXERCISE III 241
ANSWER KEYS 252

CHAPTER 6 : DETERMINANTS 253-286

Introduction 253

6
Section I : Properties of Determinant 255
Solved Examples 257
Ø Learn the subject - Section I 270
Section II : Theory of Linear Equations 271
Ø Learn the subject - Section II 274
EXERCISE I 275
EXERCISE II 277
EXERCISE III 283
ANSWER KEYS 286
 Page No.
CHAPTER 7 : MATRICES (287-316)
Introduction 287

7
Definition 287
Algebra of Matrices 288
Proof of some Theoretical Results 291
Section I : General problems on Matrices 292
Ø Learn the Subject - Section I 299
EXERCISE I 300
EXERCISE II 301
EXERCISE III 308
ANSWER KEYS 316

CHPATER 8 : PERMUTATIONS COMBINATIONS 317-348

Introduction 317
Section I : Problems based on fundamatal principle of counting 318
Ø Learn the subject - Section I 320
Section II : Factorial and nPr 320
Ø Learn the subject - Section II 324
Section III : circular permutations and permutation of objects not all of which are distinct 325

8
Circular permutations 326
Ø Learn the subject - Section III 327
Section IV : Combinations 328
Properties of nCr : 329
Ø Learn the subject - Section IV 332
EXERCISE I 333
EXERCISE II 334
EXERCISE III 339
ANSWER KEYS 348

CHAPTER 9 : COMBINATORICS 349-390

Introduction 349
Typical Situations 349
Section I : Problems based on Typical Situations in Combinatorics 351
Section II : Problems based on Typical Distributions 355
Ø Learn the subject - Section I 361
Section III : Problems based on multinomial expansions 362

9
Ø Learn the Subject - Section II 364
Section IV : problems based on principle of exclusion & inclusion 364
Ø Learn the subject - Section III 367
Section V : Combinatorial Number Theory 368
Ø Learn the subject - Section IV 370
Miscellaneous Solved Examples 370
EXERCISE I 375
EXERCISE II 375
EXERCISE III 380
ANSWER KEYS 390
 Page No.
CHAPTER 10 : BINOMIAL THEOREM 391-448
Introduction 391
Section I : Problems based on Binomial Expansion 392
Ø Learn the subject - Section I 394
Section II : Greatest term and greatest coefficient 395
Ø Learn the subject - Section II 397
Section III : integer and fractional part problems 398

10
Ø Learn the subject - Section IIII 401
Section iv : Problems on Binomial coefficients (non series) 401
Ø Learn the subject - Section IV 402
Section V : Problems on binomial series involving
binomial coefficients linearly 403
Ø Learn the subject - Section V 411
Section VI : Problems on Binomial Series involving
binomial coefficients non linearly 412
Ø Learn the subject - Section VI 417
MISCELLANEOUS SOLVED EXAMPLES 418
EXERCISE I 424
EXERCISE II 424
EXERCISE III 436
ANSWER KEYS 448

CHAPTER 11 : PROBABILITY 449-532

Introduction 449
Definitions and Terms 449
Theorems and Results 451
Independence of Three Events 452
Fundamental Probability Inequality 453
Binomial Probability Formula 453

11
Baye’s Theorem 453
Section I : Simple Probability Problems 454
Problems on Cards 464
Learn the subject - Section I 468
Section II : Set theoretic Probability theory 474
Learn the subject - Section II 476
Section III : Bayes Theorem based problems 479
Learn the subject - Section III 483
Section IV : Advanced problems on Probability 486
EXERCISE I 500
EXERCISE II 508
EXERCISE III 515
ANSWER KEYS 532
 4
SEQUENCE AND SERIES

INTRODUCTION

A set of numbers forming a pattern is said to form a series. The individual numbers in a series are called
terms of the series. Incase the number of terms is finite, the series is a finite series otherwise it is an
infinite series. The type of series depends upon the nature of the pattern. The series studied at our level
are arithmetic, geometric and harmonic series. The series can also be deduced from a more general
pattern called sequence. We will first of all discuss, Sequence.

SECTION I : SEQUENCE

The students must be familiar with the concept of a real function. A real function is evaluated at any real
value lying in the domain of the function. For instance consider the function
f(x) = x2

We note that f(2) = 2 2 = 4; f(1.1) = 1.21, f(– 3) = 9, f( 2 ) = 2 etc

At times we restrict our varibale x to lie in the set of natural number. In such case we call our function a
sequence. Thus a sequence is a function whose domain is the set of natural numbers. In the above case
if x is allowed to take any natural number values then we obtain the set of values as 12 , 22 , 32 , 42 , .........
which are called sequential values and the set of sequential values is called range of the sequence. A
sequence is normally denoted by {an }, or <a n > the sequential values are a1 , a2 , a3 , ..................
A sequence {an } is said to be monotonically increasing if a n + 1 ≥ an for all n and is said to monotonically
decreasing if a n + 1 ≤ an forall n.
A sequence which is neither increasing nor decreasing is called non-monotonic. A sequence is either
expressed by an explicit formula or by a recursion relation.
If the terms of a sequence { a n } follow a certain pattern then the expression : a1 + a 2 + ....... + a n +
........ is called a series. If the number of terms in a series is finite, it is called a finite series. It not necessary
that :
(i) Sum of all infinite series is infinity.
(ii) Sum of all finite series can be found.
A finite series is also called a progression.
122 TEXT BOOK OF ALGEBRA

n
Example 1 : Show that the sequence whose n th term is given by an = is monotonically increasing.
n +1

Solution : If we proceed numerically we note that the terms of the sequence are

1 2 3
a1 = , a 2 = , a 3 = , ..........
2 3 4

We note that, a2 > a1 , a3 > a2 and so on.

n +1
A formal proof will be as follows we have a n +1 =
n+2

n +1 n 1
Then, a n +1 – a n = – = > 0(Q n is a natural number)
n+2 n +1 (n + 1)( n + 2)

⇒ a n +1 – a n > 0 for all n.

Thus the sequence {an } is monotonically increasing.

D SHA
Example 2 : Show that the sequence defined by a n = sin n is non monotonic.

Solution : We have,

a1 = sin 1, a 2 = sin 2, a 3 = sin 3, a n = sin 4 etc.

We easily note that a 2 > a1 but a 3 < a 2 (1 radian = 57° approximately)

Thus the sequence a n = sin n is non monotonic.

1 1 1
Example 3 : Show that the sequence whose n th term is given by a n = + + +..............
n +1 n + 2 n +3

1
+ is monotonically increasing.
2n

Solution : Note carefully that a n is sum of reciprocals of consecutive natural numbers from n + 1 to 2n.

1 1 1 1 1 1
Thus a1 = , a 2 = + , a 3 = + + etc.
2 3 4 4 5 6

1 1 1 1 1
a n +1 = + + ............... + + +
n+2 n+3 2n 2n + 1 2n + 2

1 1 1 1 1
Now, a n +1 – a n = + – = – >0
2n + 1 2n + 2 n + 1 2n + 1 2n + 2
SEQUENCE AND S ERIES 123

1
Example 4 : If S1 > S2 > 0 and S n + 1 = ( S n + S n –1 ) then show that sequence { S 2n }is monotnically
2

2 n –1
1
increasing. Further show that S 2 n +1 – S 2n =   ( S1 – S2 )
2

Solution : Since arithmetic mean of two positive numbers lies between them we have
S2 < S3 < S1 (A)
1
Since S3 = ( S + S2 ) and S2 < S1 ,
2 1
1
Again, S4 = ( S2 + S3 )
2
We have, S2 < S4 < S3 (B)

Combining (A) and (B) we get

S2 < S4 < S3 < S1 (C)

We similarly have,

D SHA
S2 < S4 < S5 < S3 < S1 (D)

and S2 < S4 < S6 < S5 < S3 < S1 and so on.

Thus S2 < S4 < S6 < ........... < S7 < S5 < S3 < S1 .

The last inequality written clearly show that the sequence { S 2n } monotonically increasing

and the sequence { S 2 n +1 } is monotonically decreasing. To prove the other part we have,

1
S 2 n +1 = ( S + S 2 n –1 )
2 2n

 1
⇒ S 2 n +1 – S 2n =  –  ( S 2n – S 2 n –1 ) (E)
 2

 1  1  1  1
⇒  –   –  ( S 2 n –1 – S 2n – 2 ) =
1  –   –   –  ( S 2n – 2 – S 2n – 3 )
 2  2  2  2  2

(On successive application of recursion relation (E))

Continuing in this manner we get,

2 n –1 2 n –1
 1 1
S 2 n +1 – S 2n =  –  ( S2 – S1 ) =   ( S1 – S2 )
 2 2

Note : If S2 > S1 then { S 2n } is decreasing while { S 2 n +1 } is increasing.

124 TEXT BOOK OF ALGEBRA

1
Example 5 : If a1 = 1, a n = a n –1 + , if n > 1. Show that 14 < a 100 < 18.
a n –1

1
Solution : Since a1 = 1 > 0 and all other a i ’s are of the form x + all a i ’s are essentially greater then
x
or equal to 2, if i > 1.

2 1
Now a n = a 2n –1 + +2 (A)
a 2n –1

⇒ a n 2 > a n –12 + 2 (B)

2 2
Now a 2 > 1 + 2 = 3 = 2 × 2 – 1, a 3 > 3 + 2 = 5 = 2 × 3 – 1 and

a 4 2 > 5 + 2 = 7 = 2 × 4 – 1 and so on.

Thus a1002 > 2 × 100 – 1 = 199 ⇒ a100 > 196 ⇒ a 100 > 14
2

D SHA
which proves the first part.

1  
2
Again a n 2 = a n –1 +
2 2
+ 2 ⇒ a n < a n –1 + 3 Q 1 < 1
a 2n –1  a2 
 n –1 

2
⇒ a 2 2 < 1 + 3 = 4 = 3 × 2 – 2, a 3 < 4 + 3 = 7 = 3 × 3 – 2 and

a 4 2 < 7 + 3 = 10 = 3 × 4 – 2 and so on.

2 2
Thus a100 < 3 × 100 – 2 < 298 ⇒ a100 < 324 ⇒ a 100 < 18.

Thus 14 < a 100 < a18 .

Example 6 : Show that (1000 )1000 > (1001) 999

(1001) 999 (1001 )1000 1

Solution : We have, 1000
= 1000
×
(1000 ) (1000 ) 1001

1000 n

= 1 +
1   1  < e < 3 < 1 (Q 1 + 1  is MI and → e as n → ∞ )
  
 1000   1001  1001 1001  n

Which proves the given numerical inequality.

SEQUENCE AND S ERIES 125

Example 7 : If a1 = 1, a n +1 = 2 + a n for all n ≥ 1. Show that the sequence { a n } is monotonically

increasing. Hence show that 1 < a n < 2 for all n > 1.

Solution : We have,

a n +1 2 = 2 + a , a n 2 = 2 + a a n +1 2 – a n 2 = a n – a n –1
n n –1 ⇒ (A)

Now, as a 2 = 2 + a1 = 3.

We note that a 2 > a1 . On Putting n = 2 in (A), we get

(Q a 2 , a 3 > 0)
2
a 3 2 – a 2 2 = a 2 – a1 > 0 ⇒ a 3 > a 2 ⇒ a 3 > a 2
2

2 2
Again putting n = 3 in (A), we get a 4 – a 3 = a 3 – a 2 > 0, a 4 > a 3 and so on.

Thus a n +1 > a n for all n.

2 2 2
⇒ a n +1 > a n ⇒ 2 + a n > a n

D SHA
2
⇒ a n – a n – 2 < 0 ⇒ ( a n – 2) ( a n + 1) < 0 ⇒ – 1 < a n < 2

But as a1 = 1 and { a n } is MI all a n ’s are greater than 1. Hence 1 ≤ a n < 2 for all n.

LEARN THE SUBJECT - SECTION I

1. Which of the following sequences are not monotonic?

1 (–1) n
(a) an = (b) a n = (c) a n = (– 1) n (d) a n = n th prime
2 n
n
(Ans. (b), (c))

2. Beginning with what n, do the terms of the sequence; a n = n 2 – 5n + 6 satisfy a n + 1 > a n [n ≥ 3]

(Ans. n ≥ 3)

3. If the sequence { a n } is monotonically increasing prove that the sequence { S n } is also monotonically

a1 + a 2 + .... + a n
increasing where, S n =
n

1 1 1 1 459
4. For the sequence : a n = + + + ....... + . Show that a 2 =
n +1 n + 2 n+3 3n + 1 420
126 TEXT BOOK OF ALGEBRA

SECTION II : ARITHMETIC PROGRESSION

A progression a1 + a 2 + a 3 + ........... + a n is called an arithmetic progression (or A.P.), if

a n +1 – a n is constant for all n. This constant is called common difference the progression or common
difference of the A. P. If the common difference be taken as ‘d’ then by definition,
a n +1 – a n = d for all n
On putting n = 1, 2, 3, ............. in succession, we get
a 2 – a1 = d, a 3 – a 2 = d, a 4 – a 3 = d and so on.
From the first relation, a 2 = a1 + d

From the second relation, a 3 = a 2 + d = a1 + d + d = a1 + 2d

From the third relation, a 4 = a 3 + d = a1 + 2d = a1 + 3d etc.
We easily conclude that, a n +1 = a1 + nd or equivalently a n = a1 + (n – 1)d

It is customary to a write a for a1 . Thus the n th term of an A.P. is given by a n = a + (n – 1)d

POINTS TO BE NOTED

D SHA
(i) In an A.P., a n is a polynomial of degree one in n.
(ii) Conversly any first degree polynormial in n determines an A.P.

THE SUM OF N TERMS OF AN A.P. :

To derive the formula for sum of n terms of an A.P., we first prove a more important and useful result for
an A.P.
Result : In any A.P. a1 + a 2 + .......... + an
a1 + a n = a 2 + a n –1 = a 3 + a n – 2 = .............

= a i + a n – i +1 = 2a + (n – 1)d for all i.

Proof :We have, a i = a1 + (i – 1)d
a n – i +1 = a1 + (n – i + 1 – 1)d = a1 + (n – i)d
⇒ a i + a n – i +1 = 2 a1 + (n – 1)d
which is independent of i. Thus in any A.P.,
First term + last term = second term + second last term = Third term + Third last term = .........
Now if Sn denotes sum of n terms of the A.P. then S n = a1 + a 2 + a 3 + ................. + a n –1 + a n .
On writing this in the reversed order we get, S n = a n + a n –1 + a n – 2 + ................ + a 2 + a1
On adding the representations for S n , we get
2 S n = ( a1 + a n ) + ( a 2 + a n –1 ) + ( a 3 + a n – 2 ) + ........... + ( a n + a1 )
= [2a + (n – 1)d] + [2a + (n – 1)d] + ........... + [2a + (n – 1)d]
= n[2a + (n – 1)d]
(Since 2a + (n – 1)d is being added n times)
SEQUENCE AND S ERIES 127

n
⇒ Sn = [2a + (n – 1)d]
2
Since a n = a + (n – 1)d. The above formula can also be written as
n n
Sn = [a + a n ] = [first term + last term]
2 2

POINT TO BE NOTED
The nth term of any A.P. = sum of n terms – sum of (n – 1) term i.e. an = S n – S n–1

PROPERTIES OP AN A.P. :

(1) If a, b, c are in A.P. Then 2b = a + c (Q b – a = c – b)

(2) If a1 , a 2 , a 3 , .......... are in A.P. with common difference ‘d’ then a1 + k, a 2 + k, a 3 + k, ........ are also
in A.P. with same common difference.
(3) If a1 , a 2 , a 3 , ........... are in A.P. with common differnce d then k a1 , k a 2 , k a 3 , .......... (k ≠ 0) are
also in A.P. with common difference as kd.

D SHA
(4) Three numbers in A.P. may he taken as a – d, a, a + d. Four numbers in A.P. may be taken as a – 3d,
a – d, a + d, a + 3d.

ARITHMETIC MEANS :
a+b a+b
The arithmetic mean of two numbers a and b is defined as . We easily note that a, , b are is
2 2
in A.P. Can we find two numbers α and β beween a and b such that α is arithmetic mean of a and β ,
a+β α+b
while β is arithmetic mens of α and b? We will encounter the relations α = ,β =
2 2
which will yield 2 α – β = a, 2 β – α = b
2a + b a + 2b
On solving for α and β we get, α = ,β =
3 3
2a + b a + 2b
We note that, a, , , b are in A.P..
3 3
In general any number of numbers (say x1 , x 2 ,....., x n ) can be inserted between two given numbers a
and b such that a, x1 , x 2 , ........, x n , b are in A.P. Where x1 , x 2 , ........, x n are called arithmetic menans
inserted between a and b. A systematic procedure is as follows.
If the n arithmetic inserted between a and b be denoted by x1 , x 2 , ........., x n then the n + 2 numbers a,
x1 , x 2 , ........., x n , b must be in A.P..
b–a
If d be the common difference of this A.P. Then, b = (n + 2)th term = a + (n + 1)d ⇒ d =
n +1
b–a an + b b– a 
Now, x1 = a + d = a + = , x 2 = a + 2d = a + 2   ...........
n +1 n +1  n +1 
b– a 
xi = a + (i – 1)   (i = 1, 2, ...., n)
 n +1 
128 TEXT BOOK OF ALGEBRA

Example 8 : Find the A.P. if a n = 3 – 7n.

Solution : On putting n = 1, 2, 3, ....... in succession.

We get, a1 = – 4, a 2 = – 11, a 3 = – 18, .... etc.

Thus the A.P. is – 4 – 11 – 18 – 25 – ................

Whose first term is – 4 and whose common difference is – 7.

2
Example 9 : Let a n = n + 1 and bn is defined bn = a n +1 – a n . Show that {b n } is an arithmetic
sequence.

Solution : The first formula determines the series : 2 + 5 + 10 + 17 + 26 + ................

The second now determines the series : (5 – 2) + (10 – 5) + (17 – 10) + ..............

or 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + ............... which is clearly an A.P.

More rigourously, b n = a n +1 – a n = [ ( n + 1) 2 + 1] – ( n 2 + 1) = 2n + 1

D SHA
which is a linear polynomial in n.

1 1 1 n –1
Example 10 : If a i > 0 (i = 1, 2, ........ , n) be in A.P. Show that + + ....... + = .
a1a 2 a 2a 3 a n –1a n a1a n

Solution : Let d be the common difference of the A.P. We have,

1 d a – a1
= = 2
a1a 2 d a1a 2 d a1 a 2

1 d a3 – a2 1  1 1 
= = =  –  and so on.
a 2a 3 d a 2a 3 d a 2a 3 d  a 2 a 3 

1 1  1 1 
=  – 
a n –1a n d  a n –1 a n 

On adding these we get,

1  1 1  an – a1
 – =
LHS = a  da a (A)
d  1 an  1 n

Now a n = a1 + (n – 1)d ⇒ a n – a1 = (n – 1)d.

n –1
Thus, LHS = = RHS.
a1a n
SEQUENCE AND S ERIES 129

Example 11 : For an A.P. a1 , a 2 , ........... a n ( a i > 0) prove that

1 1 1 1 2  1 1 1 
+ + + ..... + =  + + .......... 
a1a n a 2 a n –1 a 3 a n– 2 a1 + a n a 
a n a1  1 a 2 a n 
Solution : In any A.P. we have,
a k + a n – k +1 = a1 + (k – 1)d + a1 + (n – k)d = a1 + a1 + (n – 1)d = a1 + a n
Which shows that a k + a n – k +1 is idependent of k.
∴ a1 + a n = a 2 + a n –1 = a 3 + a n – 2 = ............

1  a1 + a n a 1 + a n a +a 
Now, LHS =  + + ..... + 1 n 
a1 + a n  a1 a n a 2 a n –1 a n a1 

1  a1 + a n a 2 + a n –1 a +a 
=  + + ..... + 1 n 
a1 + a n  a1 a n a 2 a n –1 a n a1 

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 
=  + + + + .... + + 
a1 + a n  a1 a n a n –1 a 2 a1 a n 

D SHA
2 1 1 1 
=  + + .... + 
a1 + a n  a1 a 2 an 
2
Example 12 : Determine an A.P. for which S n = 3n – 5 n .
Solution : To determine an A.P. means to determine the first term and the common difference. We will
explain three methods to determine the A.P.
First Method : We have S n = a1 + a 2 + ....... + a n ⇒ S l = a1 , S2 = a1 + a 2

⇒ 3 × 1 – 5 × l 2 = a1 , 3 × 2 – 5 × 2 2 = a1 + a 2
⇒ a1 = – 2, a1 + a 2 = – 14 ⇒ a1 = – 2, a 2 = – 12 ⇒ d = – 12 + 2 = – 10
Thus the first term of the A.P. is – 2 and the common difference is – 10. Therefore
a n = – 2 + (n – 1) (– 10) = 8 – 10n.
Second Method : We have,
a n = ( a1 + a 2 + ........ + a n –1 + a n ) – ( a1 + a 2 + ....... + a n –1 ) = S n – S n –1
2 2
= [3n – 5 n ] – [3(n – 1) – 5 ( n – 1) ] = 8 – 10n = – 2 + (n – 1) (– 10).
Third Method : We must have,
n 2 dn2 nd
[2 a1 + (n – 1)d] = 3n – 5 n ⇒ a1 n + – = 3n – 5 n 2 ,
2 2 2

dn2  d 2
+  a1 –  n = 3n – 5 n
2  2

d d
On comparing coefficients, we get = – 5, a1 – = 3 which easily gives a1 = – 2 & d = – 10.
2 2
130 TEXT BOOK OF ALGEBRA

1 1 1
Example 13 : It is given that the positive numbers a 1 , a 2 , .........., satisfy + + ....... +
a1a 2 a 2 a3 a n −1a n

n −1
= for any n ≥ 3. Show that the numbers a1 , a 2 ......, a n are in A. P..
a1a n

1 1 2
Solution : For n = 3 we have, + = ⇒ a 3 + a1 = 2 a 2 ⇒ a 3 − a 2 = a 2 − a1
a1a 2 a 2a 3 a1a 3
⇒ a1 , a 2 , a 3 are in A. P..
Writing the given result for n – 2, n – 1 and n numbers, we get
1 1 1 n −3
+ + ...... + = (A)
a1a 2 a 2a 3 an −3 an − 2 a1 a n − 1

1 1 1 n −2
+ + ........ + = (B)
a1a 2 a 2a 3 a n − 2 a n −1 a1 a n − 1

1 1 1 n −1
+ + ......... + = (C)

D SHA
a1a 2 a 2a 3 a a
n −1 n a 1a n
Subtracting (A) from (B) and (B) from (C), we get
1 n −2 n−3
= – (D)
a n − 2 a n −1 a1 a n − 1 a1 a n − 2

1 n −1 n−2
= – (E)
a n −1a n a1 a n a1 a n −1
On simplifying (D) and (E), we get
a1 = (n – 2) a n − 2 – (n – 3) a n −1 and a1 = (n – 1) a n −1 – (n – 2) a n

On eliminating a1 , we get (2n – 4) a n −1 = ( n − 2) a n −2 + (n − 2) a n

⇒ 2a n −1 = a n − 2 + a n (Q n − 2 ≠ 0)
⇒ a n −2 , a n −1 , a n are in A. P. Since n is arbitrary the result follows.
Example 14 : If 1, log y x , log z y , – 15 log x z are in A.P. prove that

−3
(i) x = y −1 (ii) z = y
1+d
Solution : If d be the common difference of A. P. then log y x = 1 + d ⇒ x = y

log z y = 1 + 2d ⇒ y = z1 + 2d
1 + 3d
−
– 15 log x z = 1 + 3d ⇒ z = x 15

(1 + 2 d ) (1 + d) (1 + 3d )
−
1+d (1 + 2 d ) (1 + d)
Now x = y = z = x 15
SEQUENCE AND S ERIES 131

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

On equating the powers of x we get 1 = −
15

⇒ 6 d 3 + 11d 2 + 6 d + 16 = 0
(Q 6 d – d + 8 = 0 has not real roots)
2
⇒ ( d + 2) (6d 2 − d + 8) = 0 ⇒ d = – 2
−1 −3
For d = – 2, x = y , y = z follow immediately..
Example 15 : Show that cube roots of three distinct prime numbers can not be three terms (not recessarily
consecutive) of an A.P.
1/ 3 1/ 3
Solution : If possible let p , q , r 1 / 3 be three terms of an A.P. where p, q, r be three distinct prime
1/ 3 1/ 3
numbers. Then p = a, q = a + md, r 1 / 3 = a + nd; where m, n must be positive integers.
On subtracting these equations pairwise and dividing, we get

m q1 / 3 − p1 / 3
− nq1 / 3 = ( m − n) p
1/ 3 1/ 3
= 1/ 3 ⇒ mr
n r − p1 / 3

⇒ ( mr 1 / 3 − nq1 / 3 ) 3 = ( m − n) p
3

D SHA
= ( m − n) p
1/ 3 3
⇒ m r − n q − 3mn r q
3 3 1/ 3 1/ 3
(m – n) p

1/ 3 1/ 3 1/ 3 m 3 r − n3 q − (m − n) 3 p
⇒ p q r =
3mn ( m − n)

⇒ irrational = rational (Q p, q, r are distinct prime, p1 / 3 q1 / 3 r 1 / 3 can not become rational).

Which is a contradiction.

LEARN THE SUBJECT - SECTION II

1. An A.P. consists of 60 terms. If the first and the last terms be 7 and 125 respectively, find the 25th term.
(Ans : 55)
2. th th th
If the p term of an A.P. is q and q therm is p, then show that its n term is p + 1 – n.
3. How many two digit numbers are divisible by 3? (Ans : 30)
4. Find four numbers in A. P., whose sum is 10 and sum of whose squares is 14. (Ans : 0, 1, 2, 3, or 3, 2, 1, 0)
5. Find three numbers in A. P., whose sum and product are 21 and 215 respectively. (Ans : 5, 7, 9 or 9, 7, 5)
6. In an A.P. if a m = 1 / n and a n = 1 / m then show that a mn = 1.
7. If pth , q th and rth term of an A.P. are a, b, c respectively, then show that (a – b)r + (b – c)p + (c – a)q = 0
8. The sum of the first p, q, r terms of an A. P. are a, b, c respectively, show that
a b c
( q − r ) + ( r − p) + ( p − q) = 0.
p q r
9. Find the sum of all the integers beetween 50 and 450 which are divisible by 7.
10. The first, second and last terms of an A. P. are a, b, c respectively. Show that the sum of the A. P. is
(b + c − 2a ) ( a + c)
.
2( b − a )
132 TEXT BOOK OF ALGEBRA

p+q  a − b
11. The p th term of an A. P. is a and q th term is b. Prove that the sum of its p + q terms is a + b + .
2  p − q
12. If S1 , S 2 , S3 ....... S m are sums of n terms of m A.P.’s whose first terms are 1, 2, 3, ..........., m and common
1
differences are 1, 3, 5, ............ 2m – 1 respectively. Show that S1 + S 2 + S 3 + .......... S m = mn ( mn + 1).
2
a n +1 + b n +1
13. For what value of n,is the A. M. of a and b. (Ans : 0)
an + bn
14. The ratio of the sums of n terms of two A. P.’s is (7n + 1) : (4n + 27), find the ratio of their 11th terms.
(Ans. 148 : 111)
2 1 1 1
15. If a 2 + 2bc, b 2 + 2bc, c + 2ab are in A. P., Show that , , are in A. P..
b −c c− a a − b
b + c−a c+ a −b a +b −c 1 1 1
16. If , , are in A. P., Prove that , , are in A. P.
P.
a b c a b c

17. 1 , 1 , 1 are in A. P.
If ( b − c) 2 , ( c − a) 2 , ( a − b) 2 are in A. P., Prove that P.
b −c c−a a− b

D SHA
18. Show A. P. implications in the following cases : a, b, c > 0
(i) a, b, c ⇒ ( b + c) 2 − a 2 , (c + a ) 2 − b2 , ( a + b) 2 − c 2

(ii) a 2 , b 2 , c 2 ⇒ ( b + c) −1 , (c + a ) −1 , ( a + b) −1
a b c
2
(iii) a , b , c2 2
⇒ , , ,
b +c a + c a + b
a b c
(iv) a, b, c ⇒ , ,
b+ c c+ a a+ b

19. Determine an A. P. for which S n = 6 n 2 + 5n.

20. If for an A. P. Sp = q, Sq = p show that S p + q = – (p + q).

21. If S1 , S2 , S 3 be the sum of n 1 , n 2 ,n 3 terms respectively of an A. P., prove that

S1 ( n 2 − n3 ) S 2 ( n 3 − n1 ) S3 ( n1 − n 2 )
+ + = 0.
n1 n2 n3
22. If for an A. P., S p = S q show that S p +q = 0.

Sm m2 t m 2m − 1
23. If for an A. P. = 2 . Show that = .
Sn n tn 2n − 1
24. The interior angles of a polygon are in A. P. The smallest angle is 120° and the common difference is 5°.
Show that the polygon has 9 sides.
25. The sums of n terms of two arithmetic progressions are in the ratio (7n + 1) : (4n + 17). Find the ratio of
14n − 6
their n th terms. (Ans. ) [Roorkee, 86]
8n + 23
SEQUENCE AND S ERIES 133

SECTION III : GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION

a n +1
A series a1 + a 2 + a 3 + ....... + a n + ....... is said to be geometric progression (G. P.) if = constant
an
Thus in a G. P. every term bears a constant ratio with the previous term. This constant is called common
ratio of the G.. P. The progressions
1 1 1
3 + 15 + 75 + 375 + ........and 1 + + + + ....... are geometric progressions. The common ratio of the
2 22 23

15 75 375 1 / 2 1/ 2 2 1 / 23 1
first G. P. is = = = ....... = 5 and that of the second G.P. is = = = ....... =
3 15 75 1 1/ 2 1/ 2 2 2
The general term os a G. P. : –
Let the first term be ‘a’ and common ratio be ‘r’ then the second term a 2 is given by

a2
= r ⇒ a 2 = ar
a
3
The third term a 3 = ra 2 = r .ar = ar . The forth term a 4 = ra 3 = r .ar = ar and so on.
2 2

D SHA
n −1 n −1
. Not that the G. P. is a + ar + ar + ar + ....... + ar
2 3
We easily conclude that a n = ar

a
(i) The three numbers , a, ar will be in G. P. for all a and for all r with common ratio r..
r

a a 3
(ii) The four numbers ,
, ar,, ar will be in G.. P. for all a and for all r with common ratio r..
r 3
r
THE SUM OF N TERMS OF G. P. :
It the first term of a G. P. be a and the cmmon ratio be r ≠ 1 then the sum of n terms S n is given by

a (r 2 − 1) a (1 − r 2 )
Sn = =
r −1 1− r

To prove the formula we have S n = a + ar + ar 2 + ....... + ar n −1

On multiplying both sides by r we get, rS n = ar + ar 2 + ....... + ar n −1 + ar n

On subtracting we get, (1− r ) Sn = a − ar2 = a (1 − r 2 )

a (1 − r 2 ) a (r 2 − 1)
Since r ≠ 1 we conclude, S n = =
1− r r −1

POINTS TO BE NOTED

a(1− r n ) a(1− r n )
(i) It is advisible to use S n = when r < 1 and S n = when r > 1
1− r r −1
(ii) If r = 1 then S n= a + a + a + ....... n times = na
134 TEXT BOOK OF ALGEBRA

SUM OF AN INFINITE G. P. :

a (1 − r 2 ) a
We have proved that S n = . If | r | < | then S n → as n → ∞ . Since lim r n = 0
1− r 1− r n→ ∞

a
if | r | < 1. Thus sum of an intinite G. P. = .
1− r
Note that sum of an infinite G. P. when | r | > 1 has no meaning.

GEOMETRIC MEANS : –
If n geometric means g1 , g2 ,......, g n are inserted between two positive numbers a and b then the n + 2

1
 b  n +1
numbers a1 , g1 , g2 ,......., gn , b must be in G. P. with r =   (Q b = ar n +1 ) and ith geometric mean
a

g i given by g i = ari (i = 1, 2, 3, ......, n)

Example 16 : If a, b, c are in G. P. then show that the equations ax 2 + 2 bx + c = 0 and dx 2 + 2ex + f = 0

D SHA
d e f
have a common root if , , are in A.P.. [IIT 1985]
a b c

Solution : If a, b, c are in G. P. then b 2 = ac. The first quadratic equation becomes

ax 2 + 2 acx + c = 0 ⇒ ( a x + c ) = 0
2

c
which has exactly one root – . Therefore if the two equation have a common root we must
a
2
 c   c dc c
have d  − + 2 e + f = 0 ⇒ − 2e +f = 0
 a   a a a
  

d 2e f d f 2e
⇒ − + = 0 (on dividing by c) ⇒ + = (Q ac = b )
a ac c a e b

d e f
⇒ , , are in A. P..
a b c
Example 17 : Does there exist ‘a’ G. P. which has 27, 8 and 12 as three of its terms. If it exists, how many such
series are possible? [IIT 1982]
Solution : Let ‘a’ be the first term and ‘r’ be the common ratio. Then if a G. P. exists there must exist
distinct positive integers p, q and s such that
p −1 q −1 s−1
27 = ar ; 8 = ar ; 12 = ar (A)
To determine whether or not these integers exist we analyse the system of equations (A).
q −s p −q 3( q −s) q −p
= r p −q , = r q −s ⇒  27  8  3 3
27 8
We easily get =  ⇒   = 
8 12  8   12  2 2
⇒ 3(q – s) = q – p ⇒ 3s = 2q + p (B)
SEQUENCE AND S ERIES 135

Any three different positive integers satistying (B) will satisfy the condition of the problem
and as there are infinitely many triads (p, q, s) satisfying (B), the number of G.P.’s possible is
infinite. Let us determine one of them. One of the solution is
3 3
p = 1, q = 4, s = 3 ⇒ 27 = ar°, 8 = ar , 12 = ar .
From first two equations we easily get a = 27, r = 2/3.
(Note that these values satisfy the third equation also).

2 3
2 2 2
Thus 27 + ( 27 ) +   ( 27) +   (27 ) + ........ is a G. P. whose first term is 27, third term is
3 3 3
12 and fourth term is 8.

Example 18 : If sum of three distinct numbers which are in G. P. is α S and sum of their squares is S2 show

1 
that α 2 ∈  , 1 U (1, 3) where α , S and common ratio of G. P. are real numbrers. Discuss the
3 

1
cases α 2 = , α 2 = 1 and α 2 = 3. [IIT 1986]
3

D SHA
2
Solution : We must have a + ar + ar = α S (A)

a 2 + a 2 r 2 + a 2 r 4 = S2

(1 + r + r 2 ) 2
=α
2
From (A) on eleminating S, we get
1+ r + r2 4

(1 + r + r 2 ) 2 (1 + r + r 2 )
=α ⇒ =α
2 2
⇒
(1 + r + r ) (1− r + r )
2 2
(1 − r + r ) 2

⇒ (1− α 2 ) r 2 + (1 + α 2 ) r + (1 − α 2 ) = 0 (B)

Now, since r is real we must have (1+ α 2 ) 2 − 4(1 − α 2 ) 2 ≥ 0

(where t = α )
2
⇒ (1+ t) 2 − 4(1 − t) 2 ≥ 0

1 
⇒ ( 3t − 1) ( t − 3) ≤ 0 ⇒ t ∈  , 3 ⇒ α 2 ∈  , 3
1 (C)
3  3 
 

Now when α 2 = 1, then from (B) we get 2r = 0 ⇒ r = 0 ⇒ G. P. is not defined.

Again if α 2 = 3 then r = 1

1
⇒ Three numbers become same and if α 2 = then r = – 1 ⇒ a and ar 2 become same.
3

1 
Thus α 2 ∈  , 1 ∪ (1, 3) .
3 
136 TEXT BOOK OF ALGEBRA

Example 19 : For which values of the common ratio can three successive terms of a G. P. be the side of a
triangle?

Solution : Let the three successive terms of the G. P. be a , ar, ar 2 . The three numbers a, ar, ar 2 can be
sides of a triangle if the following two conditions are satisfied.
(i) a, ar, ar2 are positive numbers.
(ii) Sum of any two is greater than the third.
If r = 1 then all the numbers are equal and hence an equilateral triangle is possible in this case.
2
If r ≠ 1 then a < ar < ar (because a > 0) and the triangle is possible if ar 2 < ar + a
2
⇒ r –r–1<0 (because a > 0)

1− 5 5 +1 5 +1
⇒ <r < ⇒ r< (because r > 1) (A)
2 2 2
2
(ii) If 0 < r < 1 then we have a < ar < ar and the triangle is possible if a < ar + a r 2

 − 1 − 5   − 1 + 5 
⇒ r + r – 1 > 0 ⇒  − ∞, ,∞
2
∪
 2   2 
   

D SHA
−1 + 5
⇒ < r < 1 (Q 0 < r < 1) (B)
2

5 −1 5 +1
Combining (A) and (B), we get <r < .
2 2
Example 20 : The first and second terms of a G. P. and an A. P. with positive terms coincide. Show that any
other term of the G. P. is not less than the corresponding term of the A. P.
Solution : Let the A. P. be a1 , a 2 ...... a n and the G. P. be b1 , b2 ....... b n . We are given that a 1 > 0, bi > 0
for all i, a 1 = b1 , a 2 = b2 . We have to show that a n ≤ bn for all n > 2. Let d be common
defference of A. P. and r be the common ratio of G. P. Then a 2 = a1 + d and b 2 = a1r . Now
since all the terms in A. P. are positive we must have d > 0) (In a finite A. P., the assertion may
be false).
d
From a 2 = b2 we get, r = 1 + which shows that r > 1
a1

Since d > 0, a1 > 0.

n −1
Now we must show that a1 + (n – 1) d ≤ a 1r or,, a1 + (n – 1) ( a1r − a1 ) ≤ a1r n −1

or, 1 + (n – 1) (r – 1) ≤ r n −1 (Because a1 > 0 )

r n −1 − 1
or, n – 1 ≤ (Because r – 1 > 0)
r −1
n −2
or, n – 1 ≤ 1 + r + r + ....... r
2

The last inequality we have written is essentially true since RHS contains n – 1 terms each of
which is greater than unity. Thus a n ≤ b n if n > 2.