ARITHMETIC PROGRESSION

 DEFINITION 1
Eg. 57, 52, 47, 42, 37, …….. d = –
2
 When the terms of a sequence or series are
arranged under a definite rule then they are said to rth term from end of an A.P.
be in a Progression. Progression can be classified If number of terms in an A.P. is n then
into 5 parts as - Tr from end = Tn – (r – 1)d = (n – r + 1)th from
(i) Arithmetic Progression (A.P.) beginning
(ii) Geometric Progression (G.P.) or we can use last term of series as first term and
(iii) Arithmetic Geometric Progression (A.G.P.) use ‘d’ with opposite sign of given A.P.
(iv) Harmonic Progression (H.P.) Eg. : Find 26th term from last of an AP 7, 15,
23……., 767 consits 96 terms.
(v) Miscellaneous Progression
Sol. Method : I
 ARITHMETIC PROGRESSION (A.P.) rth term from end is given by
 = Tn – (r – 1) d
Arithmetic Progression is defined as a series in
which difference between any two consecutive or = (n – r + 1) th term from beginning
terms is constant throughout the series. This where n is total no. of terms.
constant difference is called common difference. m = 96, n = 26
If ‘a’ is the first term and ‘d’ is the common T26 from last = T(96 – 26 + 1) from beginning
difference, then an AP can be written as = T71 from beginning
a + (a + d) + (a + 2d) + (a + 3d) + ...... = a + 70d
Note: If a,b,c, are in AP 2b = a + c = 7 + 70 (8) = 7 + 560 = 567
General Term of an AP Method : II
General term (nth term) of an AP is given by d = 15 – 7 = 8
Tn = a + (n– 1) d from last, a = 767 and d = –8
Note : T26 = a + 25d = 767 + 25 (–8)
(i) General term is also denoted by (last term) = 767 – 200
(ii) n (No. of terms) always belongs to set of = 567.
natural numbers.  Sum of n terms of an A.P.
(iii) Common difference can be zero, + ve or – ve. The sum of first n terms of an A.P. is given by
d = 0 then all terms of AP are same n n
Sn = [2a + (n – 1) d] or Sn = [a + Tn]
Eg. 2, 2, 2, 2, ……… d=0 2 2
d = +ve increasing AP Note :
5 7 9 1 (i) If sum of n terms Sn is given then general
Eg. , 3, , 4, ,……… d = +
2 2 2 2 term Tn = Sn – Sn–1 where Sn–1 is sum of
d = –ve decreasing A.P. (n – 1) terms of A.P.
 (ii) nth term of an AP is linear in ‘n’ Ex.2 Write the first three terms in each of the
Eg. : an = 2 – n, an = 5n + 2…….. sequences defined by the following -
Also we can find common difference ‘d’ from (i) an = 3n + 2 (ii) an = n2 + 1
an or Tn : d = coefficient of n Sol. (i) We have,
For an = 2 – n an = 3n + 2
d = –1 Ans. Putting n = 1, 2 and 3, we get
Verification : by putting n = 1, 2, 3, 4,……… a1 = 3 × 1 + 2 = 3 + 2 = 5,
we get AP : 1, 0, –1, –2,……..
a2 = 3 × 2 + 2 = 6 + 2 = 8,
d = 0 – 1 = –1 Ans.
a3 = 3 × 3 + 2 = 9 + 2 = 11
& for an = 5n + 2
d = 5 Ans. Thus, the required first three terms of the
sequence defined by an = 3n + 2 are 5, 8, and 11.
(iii) Sum of n terms of an AP is always quadratic
in ‘n’ (ii) We have,
Eg. : Sn = 2n2 + 3n. an = n2 + 1
n Putting n = 1, 2, and 3 we get
Eg. : Sn = (n + 1)
4 a1 = 12 + 1 = 1 + 1 = 2
we can find ‘d’ also from Sn. a2 = 22 + 1 = 4 + 1 = 5
d = 2 (coefficient of n2)
a3 = 32 + 1 = 9 + 1 = 10
for eg. : 2n2 + 3n, d = 2(2) = 4
Verification Sn = 2n2 + 3n Thus, the first three terms of the sequence
defined by an = n2 + 1 are 2, 5 and 10.
at n = 1 S1 = 2 + 3 = 5 = first term
at n = 2 S2 = 2(2)2 + 3(2) Ex.3 Write the first five terms of the sequence
defined by an = (–1)n–1 . 2n
= 8 + 6 = 14 second term
= sum of first two terms. Sol. an = (–1)n–1 × 2n
second term = S2 – S1 = 14 – 5 = 9 Putting n = 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 we get
d = a2 – a1 = 9 – 5 = 4 a1 = (–1)1–1 × 21 = (–1)0 × 2 = 2
n a2 = (–1)2–1 × 22 = (–1)1 × 4 = – 4
Eg. : Sn = (n + 1)
4 a3 = (–1)3–1 × 23 = (–1)2 × 8 × 8
2
n n a4 = (–1)4–1 × 24 = (–1)3 × 16 = –16
Sn = 
4 4
a5 = (–1)5–1 × 25 = (–1)4 × 32 = 32
1 1
d = 2    Ans. Thus the first five term of the sequence are
4 2 2, –4, 8, –16, 32.
 EXAMPLES  Ex.4 The nth term of a sequence is 3n – 2. Is the
sequence an A.P. ? If so, find its 10th term.
Ex.1 If the nth term of a progression be a linear
expression in n, then prove that this Sol. We have an = 3n – 2
progression is an AP. Clearly an is a linear expression in n. So, the
Sol. Let the nth term of a given progression be given sequence is an A.P. with common
given by difference 3.
Tn = an + b, where a and b are constants. Putting n = 10, we get
Then, Tn–1 = a(n – 1) + b = [(an + b) – a] a10 = 3 × 10 – 2 = 28
(Tn – Tn–1) = (an + b) – [(an + b) – a] = a,
which is a constant. REMARK : It is evident from the above examples
that a sequence is not an A.P. if its nth term is not a
Hence, the given progression is an AP. linear expression in n.
Ex.5 Find the 12th, 24th and nth term of the A.P. Sol. Let a be the first term and d be the common
given by 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, ......... difference of the given A.P. Let the A.P. be
Sol. We have, a1, a2, a3, ..... an, ......
a = First term = 9 and, It is given that a10 = 52 and a16 = 82
d = Common difference = 4  a + (10 – 1) d = 52 and a + (16 – 1) d = 82
[ 13 – 9 = 4, 17 – 13 = 4, 21 – 7 = 4 etc.]  a + 9d = 52 ....(i)
We know that the nth term of an A.P. with and,a + 15d = 82 ....(ii)
first term a and common difference d is given Subtracting equation (ii) from equation (i),
by we get
an = a + (n – 1) d
–6d = – 30  d = 5
Therefore, Putting d = 5 in equation (i), we get
a12 = a + (12 – 1) d a + 45 = 52  a = 7
= a + 11d = 9 + 11 × 4 = 53  a32 = a + (32 – 1) d = 7 + 31 × 5 = 162
a24 = a + (24 – 1) d and, an = a + (n – 1) d = 7 (n – 1) × 5 = 5n + 2.
= a + 23 d = 9 + 23 × 4 = 101 Hence a32 = 162 and an = 5n + 2.
and, an = a + (n – 1) d
Ex.9 Determine the general term of an A.P. whose
= 9 + (n – 1) × 4 = 4n + 5 7th term is –1 and 16th term 17.
a12 = 53, a24 = 101 and an = 4n + 5 Sol. Let a be the first term and d be the common
Ex.6 Which term of the sequence –1, 3, 7, 11, ..... , difference of the given A.P. Let the A.P. be
is 95 ? a1, a2, a3, ....... an, .......
Sol. Clearly, the given sequence is an A.P. It is given that a7 = – 1 and a16 = 17
We have, a + (7 – 1) d = – 1 and, a + (16 – 1) d = 17
a = first term = –1 and,  a + 6d = – 1 ....(i)
d = Common difference = 4. and,a + 15d = 17 ....(ii)
Let 95 be the nth term of the given A.P. then, Subtracting equation (i) from equation (ii),
an = 95 we get
 a + (n – 1) d = 95 9d = 18  d=2
 – 1 + (n – 1) × 4 = 95 Putting d = 2 in equation (i), we get
 – 1 + 4n – 4 = 95  4n – 5 = 95 a + 12 = – 1  a = – 13
 4n = 100  n = 25 Now, General term = an
th
Thus, 95 is 25 term of the given sequence. = a + (n – 1) d = – 13 + (n – 1) × 2 = 2n – 15
Ex.7 Which term of the sequence 4, 9 , 14, 19, ...... Ex.10 If five times the fifth term of an A.P. is equal
is 124 ? to 8 times its eight term, show that its 13th
term is zero.
Sol. Clearly, the given sequence is an A.P. with
first term a = 4 and common difference d = 5. Sol. Let a1, a2, a3, ..... , an, .... be the A.P. with its
Let 124 be the nth term of the given sequence. first term = a and common difference = d.
Then, an = 124 It is given that 5a5 = 8a8
a + (n – 1) d = 124  5(a + 4d) = 8 (a + 7d)
4 + (n – 1) × 5 = 124  5a + 20d = 8a + 56d  3a + 36d = 0
 n = 25  3(a + 12d) = 0  a + 12d = 0
Hence, 25th term of the given sequence is 124.  a + (13 – 1) d = 0  a13 = 0
Ex.8 The 10th term of an A.P. is 52 and 16th term is Ex.11 If the mth term of an A.P. be 1/n and nth term
82. Find the 32nd term and the general term. be 1/m, then show that its (mn)th term is 1.
Sol. Let a and d be the first term and common Putting d = – 1 in equation (i), we get
difference respectively of the given A.P. a = (p + q – 1)
Then, th
n term = a + (n – 1) d
1 1
= mth term  = a + (m – 1) d ....(i) = (p + q – 1) + (n – 1) × (–1) = (p + q – n)
n n
Ex.14 If pth, qth and rth terms of an A.P. are a, b, c
1 1 respectively, then show that
= nth term  = a + (n – 1) d ....(ii)
m m (i) a (q – r) + b(r – p) + c(p – q) = 0
On subtracting equation (ii) from equation (i), (ii) (a – b) r + (b – c) p + (c – a) q = 0
we get
Sol. Let A be the first term and D be the common
1 1 difference of the given A.P. Then,
– = (m – n) d
n m
a = pth term  a = A + (p – 1) D ....(i)
mn 1
 = (m – n) d  d= b= qth term  b = A + (q – 1) D ....(ii)
mn mn
c = term  c = A+ (r – 1) D
rth ....(iii)
1
Putting d = in equation (i), we get (i) : We have,
mn
a(q – r) + b (r – p) + c (p – q)
1 (m  1) 1
=a+  a= = {A + (p – 1) D} (q – r)
n mn mn
+ {A + (q – 1)} (r – p)
 (mn)th term = a + (mn – 1) d
+ {A + (r – 1) D} (p – q)
1 1 [Using equations (i), (ii) and (iii)]
= + (mn – 1) =1
mn mn
= A {(q – r) + (r – p) + (p – q)}
Ex.12 If m times mth term of an A.P. is equal to n + D {(p – 1) (q – r) + (q – 1) (r – p)
times its nth term, show that the (m + n) term
of the A.P. is zero. + (r – 1) (p – q)}
Sol. Let a be the first term and d be the common = A {(q – r) + (r – p) + (p – q)}
difference of the given A.P. Then, m times + D{(p – 1) (q – r) + (q – 1) (r – p)
mth term = n times nth term + (r – 1) (p – q)}
 mam = nan = A . 0 + D {p (q – r) + q (r – p)
 m{a + (m – 1) d} = n {a + (n – 1) d} + r (p – q) – (q – r) – (r – p) – (p – q)}
 m{a + (m – 1) d} – n{a + (n – 1) d} = 0 =A.0+D.0=0
 a(m – n) + {m (m – 1) – n(n – 1)} d = 0 (ii) : On subtracting equation (ii) from equation
(i), equation (iii) from equation (ii) and
 a(m – n) + (m – n) (m + n – 1) d = 0 equation (i) from equation (iii), we get
 (m – n) {a + (m + n – 1) d} = 0 a – b = (p – q) D, (b – c) = (q – r) D and
 a + (m + n – 1) d = 0 c – a = (r – p) D
 am+n = 0  (a – b) r + (b – c) p + (c – a) q
Hence, the (m + n)th term of the given A.P. is = (p – q) Dr + (q – r) Dp + (r – p) Dq
zero. = D {(p – q) r + (q – r) p + (r – p) q}
Ex.13 If the pth term of an A.P. is q and the qth term =D×0=0
is p, prove that its nth term is (p + q – n). Ex.15 Determine the 10th term from the end of the
Sol Let a be the first term and d be the common A.P. 4, 9, 14, ........, 254.
difference of the given A.P. Then, Sol. We have,
pth term = q  a + (p – 1) d = q ....(i) l = Last term = 254 and,
qth term = p  a + (q – 1) d = p ....(ii) d = Common difference = 5,
Subtracting equation (ii) from equation (i), 10th term from the end = l – (10 – 1) d
we get
= l – 9d = 254 – 9 × 5 = 209.
(p – q) d = (q – p)  d = – 1
  ARITHMETIC MEAN (A.M.) Note :
 (i) If no. of terms in any series is odd then only
 If three or more than three terms are in A.P., then one middle term is exist which is
the numbers lying between first and last term are th
 n 1
known as Arithmetic Means between them.i.e.   term where n is odd.
 2 
The A.M. between the two given quantities a and b is
A so that a, A, b are in A.P. (ii) If no. of terms in any series is even then
middle terms are two which are given by
ab
i.e. A – a = b – A A = th
2  n  
(n/2)th and    1 term where n is even.
Note : A.M. of any n positive numbers a1, a2  2  
......an is
 SOME PROPERTIES OF AN A.P.
a  a  a  .....a n 
A= 1 2 3 (i) If each term of a given A.P. be increased,
n
decreased, multiplied or divided by some non zero
n AM’s between two given numbers constant number then resulting series thus
If in between two numbers ‘a’ and ‘b’ we have to obtained will also be in A.P.
insert n AM A1, A2, .....An then a, A1, A2, A3....An, (ii) In an A.P., the sum of terms equidistant from the
b will be in A.P. The series consist of (n + 2) terms beginning and end is constant and equal to the
and the last term is b and first term is a. sum of first and last term.
a + (n + 2 – 1) d = b (iii) Any term of an AP (except the first term) is equal
ba to the half of the sum of terms equidistant from
d= the term i.e.
n 1
A1 = a + d, A2 = a + 2d,....An = a + nd or 1
an = (an–k + an+k), k < n
An = b – d 2
(iv) If in a finite AP, the number of terms be odd, then
Note : its middle term is the AM between the first and
(i) Sum of n AM’s inserted between a and b is equal last term and its sum is equal to the product of
to n times the single AM between a and b i.e. middle term and no. of terms.
n

A
r 1
r = nA where  SOME STANDARD RESULTS


ab (i) Sum of first n natural numbers

A= n
2 n (n  1)
(ii) between two numbers
 r 
r 1
2
sum of m AM' s m (ii) Sum of first n odd natural numbers
= 
sum of n AM' s n n

 SUPPOSITION OF TERMS IN A.P.

  (2r  1) = n2
r 1

(i) When no. of terms be odd then we take three (iii) Sum of first n even natural numbers
terms are as: a – d, a, a + d five terms are as – 2d, n
a – d, a, a + d, a + 2d
Here we take middle term as ‘a’ and common
=  2r = n ( n+ 1)
r 1
difference as ‘d’. (iv) Sum of squares of first n natural numbers
(ii) When no. of terms be even then we take 4 term n
n (n  1) (2n  1)
are as : a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d = r 2

6
6 term are as = a – 5d, a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d, r 1
a + 5d
Here we take ‘a – d, a + d’ as middle terms and
common difference as ‘2d’.


Ex.18 Divide 32 into four parts which are in A.P.

(v) Sum of cubes of first n natural numbers such that the product of extremes is to the
n 2 product of means is 7 : 15.
 n (n  1) 
= 
r 1
r3  
 2 
 Sol. Let the four parts be (a – 3d), (a – d), (a + d)
and (a + 3d). Then,
(vi) If for an A.P. pth term is q, qth term is p Sum = 32
then mth term is = p + q – m (a – 3d) + (a – d) + (a + d) + (a + 3d) = 32
(vii) If for an AP sum of p terms is q, sum of q   4a = 32  a=8
terms is p, then sum of (p + q) term is : (p + q).
(a  3d) (a  3d) 7
(viii) If for an A.P. sum of p terms is equal to It is given that 
sum of q terms then sum of (p + q) terms is (a  d ) (a  d ) 15
zero. a 2  9d 2 7 64  9d 2 7
  2 2
  
 a d 15 64  d 2 15
 EXAMPLES    128d2 = 512
Ex.16 The sum of three numbers in A.P. is –3, and   d2 = 4  d = ± 2
their product is 8. Find the numbers.
Thus, the four parts are a – d, a – d, a + d and
Sol. Let the numbers be (a – d), a, (a + d). Then, a + 3d i.e. 2, 6, 10 and 14.
Sum = – 3 (a – d) + a (a + d) = – 3 Ex.19 Find the sum of 20 terms of the A.P. 1, 4,
 3a = – 3 7, 10, ......
  a=–1 Sol. Let a be the first term and d be the common
difference of the given A.P. Then, we have
Product = 8
a = 1 and d = 3.
 (a – d) (a) (a + d) = 8
We have to find the sum of 20 terms of the
 a (a2 – d2) = 8 given A.P.
 (–1) (1 – d2) = 8 Putting a = 1, d = 3, n = 20 in
 d2 = 9  d = ± 3 n
Sn = [2a + (n – 1) d], we get
If d = 3, the numbers are –4, –1, 2. If d = – 3, 2
the numbers are 2, – 1, –4. 20
Thus, the numbers are –4, –1, 2, or 2, – 1, – 4. S20 = [2 × 1 + (20 – 1) × 3]
2
Ex.17 Find four numbers in A.P. whose sum is 20 = 10 × 59 = 590
and the sum of whose squares is 120.
Ex.20 Find the sum of first 30 terms of an
Sol. Let the numbers be (a – 3d), (a – d), (a + d), A.P. whose second term is 2 and seventh
(a + 3d), Then term is 22.
Sum = 20  Sol. Let a be the first term and d be the common
  (a – 3d) + (a – d) + (a + d) + (a + 3d) = 20  difference of the given A.P. Then,
   4a = 20   a2 = 2 and a7 = 22
   a = 5   a + d = 2 and a + 6d = 22
Sum of the squares = 120 Solving these two equations, we get
(a – 3d)2 + (a – d)2 + (a + d)2 + (a + 3d)2 = 120 a = – 2 and d = 4.
 4a2 + 20d2 = 120 n
Sn = [2a + (n – 1) d]
  a2 + 5d2 = 30 2
  25 + 5d2 = 30 [a = 5] 30
  S30 = [2 × (–2) + (30 – 1) × 4]
  5d2 = 5  d = ± 1 2
If d = 1, then the numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8.   15 (–4 + 116) = 15 × 112
If d = – 1, then the numbers are 8, 6, 4, 2. = 1680
Thus, the numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8 or 8, 6, 4, 2. Hence, the sum of first 30 terms is 1680.
 mn 1
  (m – n) d = d =
Ex.21 Find the sum of all natural numbers between mn mn
250 and 1000 which are exactly divisible by 3. 1
Sol. Clearly, the numbers between 250 and 1000 Putting d = in equation (i), we get
mn
which are divisible by 3 are 252, 255, 258,
1 1
...., 999. This is an A.P. with first term a + (m – 1) = 
a = 252, common difference = 3 and last term mn n
= 999. Let there be n terms in this A.P. Then, 1 1 1 1
   a+ – = a =
  an = 999 n mn n mn
  a + (n – 1)d = 999 mn
Now, Smn = {2a + (mn – 1) × d}
2
  252 + (n – 1) × 3 = 999  n = 250
mn  2 1 
n   Smn =   (mn  1) 
  Required sum = Sn =
2
[a + l] 2  mn mn 

250 1
= [252 + 999] = 156375   Smn = (mn + 1)
2 2
Ex.22 How many terms of the series 54, 51, 48, .... Ex.24 If the term of m terms of an A.P. is the same
be taken so that their sum is 513 ? Explain the as the sum of its n terms, show that the sum
double answer. of its (m + n) terms is zero.
Sol.  a = 54, d = – 3 and Sn = 513 Sol. Let a be the first term and d be the common
difference of the given A.P. Then,
n
 [2a + (n – 1) d] = 513 Sm = S n
2
m n
 
n
[108 + (n – 1) × – 3] = 513   [2a + (m – 1) d] = [2a + (n – 1) d]
2 2
2
  n2 – 37n + 342 = 0   2a(m – n) + {m (m – 1) – n (n – 1)} d = 0
  (n – 18) (n – 19) = 0 n = 18 or 19   2a (m – n) + {(m2 – n2) – (m – n)} d = 0
Here, the common difference is negative, So,   (m – n) [2a + (m + n – 1) d] = 0
19th term is a19 = 54 + (19 – 1) × – 3 = 0.   2a + (m + n – 1) d = 0
Thus, the sum of 18 terms as well as that of   2a + (m + n – 1) d = 0 [ m – n  0] ....(i)
19 terms is 513. mn
Now, Sm+n = {2a + (m + n – 1) d}
1 2
Ex.23 If the mth term of an A.P. is and the
n mn
Sm+n = × 0 = 0 [Using equation (i)]
1 2
nth term is , show that the sum of mn terms
m Ex.25 The sum of n, 2n, 3n terms of an A.P. are S1,
1 S2, S3 respectively. Prove that S3 = 3(S2 – S1).
is (mn + 1).
2
Sol. Let a be the first term and d be the common
Sol. Let a be the first term and d be the common difference of the given A.P. Then,
difference of the given A.P. Then,
S1 = Sum of n terms
1 1
am = a + (m – 1) d = ...(i) n
n n   S1 = {2a + (n – 1)d} ....(i)
2
1 1
and an =  a + (n – 1) d = ...(ii) S2 = Sum of 2n terms
m m
Subtracting equation (ii) from equation (i), 2n
  S2 = [2a + (2n – 1) d] ....(ii)
we get 2
1 1 and, S3 = Sum of 3n terms
(m – n) d = –
n m 3n
  S3 = [2a + (3n – 1) d] ....(iii)
2
 Now, S2 – S1 q
  b= [2A + (q – 1) D]
2n n 2
= [2a + (2n – 1) d] – [2a + (n –1) d]
2 2 2b
 = [2A + (q – 1) D] ....(ii)
n q
S2 – S1= [2 {2a + (2n – 1)d} – {2a + (n – 1)d}]
2 and, c = Sum of r terms
n r
= [2a + (3n – 1) d]   c= [2A + (r – 1) D]
2 2
3n 2c
  3(S2 – S1) = [2a + (3n – 1) d] = S3   = [2A + (r – 1) D] ....(iii)
2 r
[Using (iii)] Multiplying equations (i), (ii) and (iii) by
Hence, S3 = 3 (S2 – S1) (q – r), (r – p) and (p – q) respectively and
adding, we get
Ex.26 The sum of n terms of three arithmetical
progression are S1, S2 and S3. The first term of 2a 2b 2c
(q – r) + (r – p) + (p – q)
p q r
each is unity and the common differences are
1, 2 and 3 respectively. Prove that S1 + S3 = 2S2. = [2A + (p – 1) D] (q – r) + [2A + (q – 1) D] (r – p)
Sol. We have, + [(2A + (r – 1) D] (p – q)
S1 = Sum of n terms of an A.P. with first term = 2A (q – r + r – p + p – q) + D [(p – 1) (q – r)
1 and common difference 1 + (q – 1)(r – p) + (r – 1) (p – q)]
n n = 2A × 0 + D × 0 = 0
= [2 × 1 + (n – 1) 1] = [n + 1]
2 2 Ex.28 The ratio of the sum use of n terms of two
S2 = Sum of n terms of an A.P. with first term A.P.’s is (7n + 1) : (4n + 27). Find the ratio of
their mth terms.
1 and common difference 2
Sol. Let a1, a2 be the first terms and d1, d2 the
n
= [2 × 1 + (n – 1) × 2] = n2 common differences of the two given A.P.’s
2
.Then the sums of their n terms are given by
S3 = Sum of n terms of an A.P. with first term
n
1 and common difference 3 Sn = [2a1 + (n – 1) d1], and
2
n n
= [2 × 1 + (n – 1) × 3] = (3n – 1) n
2 2 Sn = [2a2 + (n – 1) d2]
2
n n
Now, S1 + S3 = (n + 1) + (3n – 1) n
2 2 [2a1  (n  1)d1 ]
Sn 2 2a  (n  1)d1
    1
= 2n2 and S2 = n2 ' n
Sn [2a 2  (n  1)d 2 ] 2a 2  (n  1)d 2
Hence S1 + S3 = 2S2 2

Ex.27 The sum of the first p, q, r terms of an A.P. Sn 7n  1

It is given that 
are a, b, c respectively. Show that S'n 4n  27
a b b 2a1  (n  1)d1 7n  1
(q – r) + (r – p) + (p – q) = 0    ....(i)
p q r 2a 2  (n  1)d 2 4n  27
Sol. Let A be the first term and D be the common To find the ratio of the mth terms of the two
difference of the given A.P. Then, given A.P.’s, we replace n by (2m – 1) in
p equation (i). Then we get
a = Sum of p terms  a = [2A + (q – 1) D]
2 2a1  (2m  2)d1 7(2m  1)  1
  
2a 2a 2  (2m  2)d 2 4(2m  1)  27
  = [2A + (p – 1) D] ....(i)
p a1  (m  1)d1 14m  6
  
b = Sum of q terms a 2  (m  1)d 2 8m  23
 Hence the ratio of the mth terms of the two given a – 3d + a – d + a + d + a + 3d = 20
A.P.s is (14m – 6) : (8m + 23) 4a = 20 a = 5
and (a – 3d)2 + (a – d)2 + (a + d)2 + (a + 3d)2
Ex.29 The ratio of the sums of m and n terms of an = 120
A.P. is m2 : n2. Show that the ratio of the mth 4a2 + 20 d2 = 120
and nth terms is (2m – 1) : (2n – 1). 4 × 52 + 20 d2 = 120
Sol. Let a be the first term and d the common d2 = 1 d = ±1
difference of the given A.P. Then, the sums
Hence numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8
of m and n terms are given by
Ex.33 Find the common difference of an AP, whose
m first term is 5 and the sum of its first four
Sm = [2a + (m – 1) d], and
2 terms is half the sum of the next four terms.
n Sol. ATQ
Sn = [2a + (n – 1) d]
2 1
a1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 =
(a5 + a6 + a7 + a8)
respectively. Then, 2
m  2[a1 + a2 + a3 + a4] = a5 + a6 + a7 + a8
[2a  (m  1)d]
Sm m2 m2  2[a1 + a2 + a3 + a4] + (a1 + a2 + a3 + a4)
= 2  2  2
Sn n n n
[2a  (n  1)d] = [a1 + a2 + a3 + a4]+ (a5 + a6 + a7 + a8)
2
(adding both side a1 + a2 + a3 + a4)
2a  (m  1)d m
    3(a1 + a2 + a3 + a4) = a1 + .... + a8  3S4 = S8
2a  (n  1)d n
4  8 
  [2a + (m – 1) d] n = {2a + (n – 1) d} m  3  ( 2  5  (4  1) d  =  ( 2  5  (8  1) d 
2  2 
  2a (n – m) = d {(n – 1) m – (m – 1) n}  3[10 + 3d] = 2[10 + 7d]
  2a (n – m) = d (n – m)  30 + 9d = 20 + 14d  5d = 10 d = 2
  d = 2a Ex.34 If the nth term of an AP is (2n + 1) then find
Tm a  (m  1)d the sum of its first three terms.
Now, 
Tn a  (n  1)d Sol. an = 2n + 1
a  (m  1)2a 2m  1 a1 = 2(1) + 1 = 3
=  a2 = 2(2) + 1 = 5
a  (n  1)2a 2n  1
a3 = 2(3) + 1 = 7
Ex.30 If 4 AM’s are inserted between 1/2 and 3 then
find 3rd AM.  a1 + a2 + a3 = 3 + 5 + 7 = 15
1 1 1
3 Ex.35 Which term of the sequence 20, 19 , 18 ,
2 1 4 2
Sol. Here d = 3
4 1 2 17 , …… is the first negative terms ?
1 1 4
A3 = a + 3d  +3× =2 Sol. The given sequence is an A.P. in which first
2 2
3
Ex.31 n AM’s are inserted between 2 and 38. If term a = 20 and common difference d = – .
third AM is 14 then n is equal to. 4
Sol. Here 2 + 3d = 14 d=4 Let an is the first negative term
then an < 0
38  2
 4 =  3
n 1 a + (n – 1) d < 0 20 + (n – 1)    < 0
4n + 4 = 36 n = 8  4
Ex.32 Four numbers are in A.P. If their sum is 20 3
20 < (n – 1) 80 < 3 (n – 1)
and the sum of their square is 120, then find 4
the middle terms. 83 2
Sol. Let the numbers are a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d 80 < 3n – 3 83 < 3n n > or n > 27
3 3
  28 is the natural number just greater than   n = 28 Ans.
2
27
3

IMPORTANT POINTS TO BE REMEMBERED

1. A succession of numbers formed and arranged
according to some definite law is called a
sequence.
For example :
6. General form of an A.P. is
(a) 3, 7, 11, 15 .........
a + (n –1)d = an
(b) 2, 4, 8, 16 ........
7. Sum of n terms of an A.P. is
2. Each number of the sequence is called a term of
the sequence. A sequence is said to be finite or Sn =
n
2a  (n – 1)d = n (a  a n )
infinite according as the number of terms in it is 2 2
finite or infinite. 8. nth term (an) = sum of n terms – sum of (n–1)
3. If the terms of a sequence are connected by the terms of same AP
sign of addition (+), we get a series
i.e. an = Sn – Sn–1
For example :
9. The nth term is linear in ‘n’ and d = coefficient of
3 + 7 + 11 + 15 + ..... n.
4. If the terms of a series constantly increase or 10. The sum of n terms is quadratic in ‘n’ and
decrease in numerical value, the series is called a d = double of coefficient of n.
progression.
11. S1 = a = (first term of A.P.)
5. A series is said to be in A.P. if the difference of
each term after the first term and the proceeding S2 = sum of first two terms.
term is constant. The constant difference is called   if d  0
common difference. 12. Sum of infinite terms = 
   if d  0
For Example : -
1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + ........ is an A.P. with
common difference 2.
 EXERCISE # 1
A.Very Short Answer Type Questions Q.8 The 10th and 18th terms of an A.P. are 41 and
73 respectively. Find 26th term.
Q.1 Write the first four terms of each of the
Q.9 If 10 times the 10th term of an A.P. is equal to
following sequences whose nth terms are -
15 times the 15th term, show that 25th term of
n2
(i) an = 3n + 2 (ii) an = the A.P. is zero.
3
3n  2 Q.10 The 6th and 17th terms of an A.P. are 19 and
(iii) an = 3n (iv) an =
5 41 respectively, find the 40th term.
n (n  2)
(v) an = (–1)n . 2n (vi) an = Q.11 Find the sum of all odd numbers between 100
2
and 200.
(vii) an = n2 – n + 1 (viii) an = 2n2 – 3n + 1
2n  3 Q.12 Find the sum of all integers between 84 and
(ix) an =
6 719, which are multiples of 5.

Q.2 The general term of a sequence is given by Q.13 Find the sum of all integers between 50 and
an = – 4n + 15. Is the sequence an A.P. ? If 500 which are divisible by7.
so, find its 15th term and the common
C. Long answer type Questions
difference.
Q.14 In a certain A.P. the 24th term is twice the
Q.3 The first term of an A.P. is 5, the common
10th term. Prove that the 72nd term is twice
difference is 3 and the last term is 80; find the
the 34th term.
number of terms.
Q.15 If (m + 1)th term of an A.P. is twice the
B. Short answer type Questions (n + 1)th term, prove that (3m + 1)th term is
Q.4 Find : twice the (m + n + 1)th term.
(i) 10th term of the A.P. 1, 4, 7, 10, ....
Q.16 If the nth term of the A.P. 9, 7, 5, .... is same
(ii) 18th term of the A.P. 2 , 3 2 , 5 2 , .... as the nth term of the A.P. 15, 12, 9, .... find n.
(iii) nth term of the A.P. 13, 8, 3, –2, ....
Q.17 The sum of three terms of an A.P. is 21 and
Q.5 (i) Which term of the A.P. 3, 8, 13, .... is 248 ? the product of the first and the third terms
(ii) Which term of the A.P. 84, 80, 76, .... is 0 ? exceeds the second term by 6, find three
(iii) Which term of the A.P. 4, 9, 14, .... is 254 ? terms.

Q.6 (i) Is 68 a term of the A.P. 7, 10, 13, .... ? Q.18 Three numbers are in A.P. If the sum of these
(ii) Is 302 a term of the A.P. 3, 8, 13, .... ? numbers be 27 and the product 648, find the
numbers.
Q.7 (i) How many terms are there in the A.P.
7, 10, 13, .... 43 ? Q.19 The angles of a quadrilateral are in A.P.
(ii) How many terms are there in the A.P. whose common difference is 10º. Find the
5 2 1 10 angles.
–1, – , – , – , .... , ?
6 3 2 3
Q.20 Find the four numbers in A.P., whose sum is Q.25 The first term of an A.P. is 2 and the last term
50 and in which the greatest number is 4 is 50. The sum of all these terms is 442. Find
times the least. the common difference.

Q.21 Find the sum of the following arithmetic Q.26 If 12th term of an A.P. is –13 and the sum of
progressions : the first four terms is 24, what is the sum of
(i) a + b, a – b, a – 3b, .... to 22 terms first 10 terms ?
(ii) (x – y)2, (x2 + y2), (x + y)2, .... to n terms
Q.27 Show that the sum of all odd integers between
x  y 3x  2 y 5 x  3 y
(iii) , , , to n terms 1 and 1000 which are divisible by 3 is 83667.
xy xy xy
Q.28 In an A.P., if the 5th and 12th terms are 30 and
Q.22 Find the sum of n terms of an A.P. whose nth
65 respectively, what is the sum of first 20
terms is given by an = 5 – 6n.
terms.
Q.23 How many terms are there in the A.P. whose Q.29 The production of TV in a factory increases
first and fifth terms are – 14 and 2 uniformly by a fixed number every year if
respectively and the sum of the terms is 40 ? produced 8000 acts in 6th years & 11300 in 9th
Q.24 The third term of an A.P. is 7 and the seventh year find the production in (i) first year
term exceeds three times the third term by 2. (ii) 8th year (iii) 6th year.
Find the first term, the common difference Q.30 A sum of Rs.2800 is to be used to award four
and the sum of first 20 terms. prizes. If each prize after the first prize
is Rs. 200 less than the preceding prize, find
the value of each of the prizes.

ANSWER KEY
A. VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE :
1 1 2 1 3 7 1 3
1. (i) 5, 8, 11, 14 (ii) – , 0, , (iii) 3, 9, 27, 81 (iv) , , ,2 (v) –2, 4, –8, 16 (vi) – , 0, , 4
3 3 3 5 5 5 2 2
1 1 1 5
(vii) 1, 3, 7, 13 (viii) 0, 3, 10, 21 (ix) – , , ,
6 6 2 6
2. –45, – 4 3. 26
B. SHORT ANSWER TYPE :
4. (i) 28 (ii) 35 2 (iii) – 5n + 18 5. (i) 50 (ii) 22 (iii) 51 6. (i) No (ii) No 7. (i) 13 (ii) 27
8. 105 10. 87 11. 7500 12. 50800 13. 17696
C. LONG ANSWER TYPE :
16. 7 17. 1, 7, 13 18. 6, 9, 12 19. 75º, 85º, 95º, 105º 20. 5, 10, 15, 20
n
21. (i) 22a – 440b (ii) n[(x – y)2 + (n – 1) xy] (iii) [n (2x – y) – y] 22. n (2 – 3n)
2( x  y)
23. 10 24. –1, 4, 740 25. 3 26. 0 28. 1150
29. (i) 2500 (ii) 10200 (iii) 31500 30. j 1000, j 800, j 600, j 400.
 EXERCISE # 2
Q.1 How many two digit number are there which Q.11 The sides of a right angle triangle are in A.P.
are divisible by 7 ? The ratio of side is –
(A) 13 (B) 14 (C) 15 (D) None (A) 1 : 2 : 3 (B) 2 : 3 : 4
(C) 3 : 4 : 5 (D) 5 : 8 : 3
Q.2 How many numbers are there between 103
and 750 which are divisible by 6 ? Q.12 The sum of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, ....... upto 20 terms
(A) 125 (B) 108 (C) 107 (D) 113 is–
(A) 400 (B) 563 (C) 472 (D) 264
Q.3 The sum of first 60 natural numbers is –
(A) 1830 (B) 1640 Q.13 The sum of the series 5 + 13 + 21 + ... + 181
(C) 3660 (D) 1770 is –
(A) 2139 (B) 2476
Q.4 The sum of all 2 digit numbers is –
(C) 2219 (D) 2337
(A) 4750 (B) 4905 (C) 3776 (D) 4680
Q.14 The sum of all odd numbers between 100 and
Q.5 23rd term of the A.P. 7, 5, 3, 1, ....... is – 200 is –
(A) 51 (B) 37 (A) 6200 (B) 6500 (C) 7500 (D) 3750
(C) –37 (D) –51
Q.15 The sum of all positive integral multiples of 5
Q.6 If (k + 1), 3k and (4k + 2) be any three less than 100 is –
consecutive terms of an A.P., then the value (A) 950 (B) 1230
of k is –
(C) 760 (D) 875
(A) 3 (B) 0 (C) 1 (D) 2
Q.16 The sum of all even natural numbers less than
Q.7 Which term of the A.P. 5, 8, 11, 24 .... is 320 ? 100 is –
(A) 104th (B) 105th (C) 106th (D) 64th (A) 2450 (B) 2272
(C) 2352 (D) 2468
Q.8 The 5th and 13th terms of an A.P. are 5 and
– 3 respectively. The first term of the A.P. Q.17 Arithmetic mean between 14 and 18 is –
is –
(A) 16 (B) 15 (C) 17 (D) 32
(A) 1 (B) 9 (C) –15 (D) 2
Q.18 If 4, A1, A2, A3, 28 are in A.P., then the value
Q.9 Which term of the A.P. 64, 60, 56, 52, .....is
of A3 is –
zero?
(A) 16th (B) 17th (C) 14th (D) 15th (A) 23
(B) 22
Q.10 The nth term of an A.P. is (3n + 5). Its 7th (C) 19
term is –
(D) cannot be determined
(A) 26
(B) (3n–2) Q.19 How many terms of the A.P. 3, 6, 9, 12, 15,
..... must be taken to make the sum 108 ?
(C) 3n + 12
(A) 6 (B) 7 (C) 8 (D) 36
(D)cannot be determined
Q.20 The 6th and 8th terms of an A.P. are 12 and 22 Q.22 200 logs are stocked in such a way that there
respectively, Its 2nd term is – are 20 logs in the bottom row, 19 in the next
(A) 8 (B) –8 (C) 6 (D) –3 row, 18 in the next row and so on. In how
many row 200 logs are placed and how many
Q.21 In an AP, then sum of first n terms is logs are there in the top row ?
 3n 2 5n  (A) 19, 5 (B) 16, 5
 
 2  2  . Find its 25 term.
th

  (C) 10, 20 (D) 20, 7

(A) 924 (B) 76 (C) 1924 (D) 1848

ANSWER KEY
Q.No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Ans. A B A B C A C B B A C A A C A A A B
Q.No 19 20 21 22
Ans. C B B B