Arithmetic Progression

Introduction to AP
Sequences, Series and Progressions

A sequence is a finite or infinite list of numbers following a certain pattern. For

example - 1,2,3,4,5… is the sequence is infinite.sequence of natural numbers.
A series is the sum of the elements in the corresponding sequence. For example -
1+2+3+4+5….is the series of natural numbers. Each number in a sequence or a series is
called a term.
A progression is a sequence in which the general term can be can be expressed using a
mathematical formula.

Arithmetic Progression

An arithmetic progression (A.P) is a progression in which the difference between two

consecutive terms is constant.
Example: 2,5,8,11,14.... is an arithmetic progression.

Common Difference

The difference between two consecutive terms in an AP, (which is constant) is the "common
difference"(d) of an A.P. In the progression: 2,5,8,11,14 ...the common difference is 3.
As it is the difference between any two consecutive terms. For any A.P, if the common
difference is:

positive, the AP is increasing.

zero, the AP is constant.
negative, the A.P is decreasing.

Finite and Infinite AP

A finite AP is an A.P in which the number of terms is finite. For example: the
A.P: 2,5,8......32,35,38
An infinite A.P is an A.P in which the number of terms is infinite. For
example: 2,5,8,11.....

A finite A.P will have the last term, whereas an infinite A.P won't.
General Term of AP
nth term of an AP
n

The nth term of an A.P is given by T = a + (n − 1)d , where a is the first term, d is the
common difference and n is the number of terms.

General form of an AP

The general form of an A.P is: (a, a+d,a+2d,a+3d......) where a is the first term and d is
the common difference. Here, d=0, OR d>0, OR d<0

Sum of Terms in an AP
Formula for sum to n terms of an AP

The sum to n terms of an A.P is given by:

n
Sn = (2a + (n − 1)d)
2

Where a is the first term, d is the common difference and n is the number of terms.

The sum of n terms of an A.P is also given by

n
Sn = (a + l)
2

Where a is the first term, l is the last term of the A.P. and n is the number of terms.

Arithmetic Mean (A.M)

The Arithmetic Mean is the simple average of a given set of numbers.The arithmetic mean of
a set of numbers is given by:

Sum of terms
A. M =
N umber of terms

The arithmetic mean is defined for any set of numbers. The numbers need not necessarily
be in an A.P.

Basic Adding Patterns in an AP

The sum of two terms that are equidistant from either end of an AP is constant.
For example: in an A.P: 2,5,8,11,14,17...
T1 + T6 = 2 + 17 = 19
T2 + T5 = 5 + 14 = 19 and so on....
Algebraically, this can be represented as

Tr + T(n−r)+1 = constant

Sum of first n natural numbers

The sum of first n natural numbers is given by:

n(n+1)
Sn =
2

This formula is derived by treating the sequence of natural numbers as an A.P where the
first term (a) = 1 and the common difference (d) = 1.
 CBSE Board Class 10 Chapter 5- Arithmetic Progression
Objective Questions

General Term of AP

1. Find the number of terms in each of the following APs:

(i) 7,13,19....,205

(ii) 18,31/2,13,...−47

(A) 26, 35
(B) 27, 34
(C) 35, 26
(D) 34, 27

Answer: (D) 34, 27

Solution: (i) 7, 13, 19...., 205

First term, a=7

Common difference, d=13−7=6

an=205

Using formula an=a+ (n−1) d to find nth term of arithmetic progression, we

get

205=7+ (n−1)6
⇒205=6n+1

⇒204=6n

⇒n=204/6=34

Therefore, there are 34 terms in the given arithmetic progression.

(ii) 18,31/2,13,...−47

First term, a=18

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 Common difference, d= (31/2) −18=−5/2

an = − 47

Using formula an=a+ (n−1) d to find nth term of arithmetic progression, we get

−47=18 + (n−1) (−5/2)

⇒−94=36−5n+5

⇒5n=135

⇒n=135/5=27

Therefore, there are 27 terms in the given arithmetic progression.

2. Find the 31st term of an AP whose 11th term is 38 and 16th term is 73.

(A) 185
(B) 210
(C) 178
(D) 150

Answer: (C) 178

Solution: We are given that a11=38 and a16=73 where, a11 is the 11th term and a16 is
the 16th term of an AP.

Using formula an=a+ (n−1) d to find nth term of arithmetic progression, we get
38=a+10d..... (i)
73=a+15d ...... (ii)
equation (ii) - equation (i) gives,
35 = 5d
d = 7..... (iii)
Substituting (iii) in (i) we get, a = -32
a31=−32+(31−1)(7)
⇒−32+210=178
Therefore, 31st term of AP is 178.

3. If the third and the ninth terms of an AP are 4 and -8 respectively, which term of this AP is
zero?

(A) 5th
(B) 4th

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 (C) 3rd
(D) 6th

Answer: (B) 4th

Solution: It is given that 3rd and 9th term of AP are 4 and -8 respectively.
It means a3=4 and a9=−8
Where, a3 and a9 are third and ninth terms respectively.
Using formula an=a+(n−1)d to find nth term of arithmetic progression, we get
4=a+(3−1)d
⇒4 = a+2d...(i)
−8 = a+(9−1)d
⇒−8=a+8d...(ii)
From equation (i) we have a=4−2d
Substituting in equation (ii) , we have
−8=4−2d+8d
⇒−12 = 6d
⇒d =−126 =−2
Solving for (a) , we get
⇒−8 = a−16
⇒a = 8
Therefore, first term a = 8 and Common Difference d =−2

We know an = a+ (n−1) d (where an is the nth term)

Finding value of n where an=0

0=8+ (n−1) (−2)
⇒0 = 8−2n+2
⇒0 = 10−2n
⇒2n = 10
⇒n = 10/2=5

Therefore, 5th term is equal to 0.

4. Which term of the AP: 3, 15, 27, 39, … will be 132 more than its 54th term?

(A) 70
(B) 65
(C) 80
(D) 55

Answer: (B) 65

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 Solution: Let’s first calculate 54th of the given AP.

First term = a = 3

Common difference = d =15 - 3 = 12

Using formula an=a+ (n−1) d, to find nth term of arithmetic

progression, we get

a54=a+ (54−1) d

a54 = 3 + 53 (12) =3 + 636=639

We want to find which term is 132 more than its 54th term. Let’s suppose
it is nth term which is 132 more than 54th term.

Therefore, we can say that

an = a54+132

an=a+ (n−1) d=3+ (n−1) (12)}

⇒3+ (n−1)12=639+132

⇒3+12n−12=771

⇒12n−9=771

⇒12n=780

⇒n= 780/12=65

Therefore, 65th term is 132 more than its 54th term.

5. Two AP's have the same common difference. The difference between their 100th terms
100, what is the difference between their 1000th terms.

(A) 200
(B) 150
(C) 100
(D) 55

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 Answer: (C) 100

Solution: Let first term of first AP = a

Let first term of 2nd AP = a′

It is given that their common difference is same. Let their common difference be d.

It is given that difference between their 100th terms is 100. Using formula an = a + (n−1) d,
to find nth term of arithmetic progression, we can say that

a+ (100−1) d− (a′ +(100−1)d)=a+99d−a′−99d=100

⇒a−a′=100 ........ (1)

We want to find difference between their 1000th terms which means we want to
calculate:

a+ (1000−1) d−(a′+(1000−1)d)=a+999d−a′−999d=a−a′

Putting equation (1) in the above equation we get,

a+ (1000−1) d−(a′+(1000−1)d)=a+999d−a′-999d=a−a′=100

Therefore, difference between their 1000th terms would be equal to 100

6. How many three-digit numbers are divisible by 7?

(A) 112
(B) 114
(C) 128
(D) 110

Answer: (C) 128

Solution: We have an AP starting at 105 because it is the first three digit number divisible
by 7.

AP will end at 994 because it is the last three digit number divisible by 7.

Therefore, we have an AP 105,112,119...994

First term, a = 105

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 Common difference, d = 112 - 105 = 7

Using formula an=a+ (n−1) d, to find nth term of arithmetic progression, we can say that

994=105+ (n−1) (7)

⇒994=105+ (n−1) (7)

⇒889=7(n−1)

⇒n−1=889/7⇒n=127+1=128

994 is the 128th term of AP. Therefore, there are 128 terms in AP. In other words, we can
also say that there are 128 three digit numbers divisible by 7.

7. For what value of n, are the nth terms of two AP’s: 63, 65, 67 .... and 3, 10, 17,.. equal?

(A) 11
(B) 14
(C) 12
(D) 13

Answer: (D) 13

Solution: Let’s first consider AP: 63, 65, 67.....

First term =a=63

Common difference =d=65−63=2

Using formula an=a+ (n−1) d, to find nth term of arithmetic progression, we can say that

an=63+ (n−1) (2) (1)

Now, consider second AP 3, 10, 17...

First term = a = 3

Common difference = d = 10 -3 = 7

Using formula an=a+ (n−1) d, to find nth term of arithmetic progression, we can say that

an=3+(n−1)(7) (2)

According to the given condition, we can write

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 (1) = (2)

⇒63+ (n−1) (2) =3+ (n−1) (7)

⇒63+2n−2=3+7n−7

⇒65=5n

⇒n=65/5=13

Therefore, 13th terms of both the AP's are equal.

Introduction to AP

8. If (x+1),3x and (4x+2) are first three terms of an AP, then its 5th term is :

(A) 14
(B) 19
(C) 24
(D) 28

Answer: (D) 28

Solution: Given, (x+1), 3x, (4x+2) are in AP.

Hence, the difference of two consecutive terms will be same.

Hence, 3x–(x+1) = (4x+2)–3x

⇒2x−1=x+2

⇒x=3

So, the first term,

a=(x+1) =4.
The common difference,
d=9–4=5.

The nth term of an AP is given by

tn =a+ (n−1) d

⇒t5=4+4(5) =24.

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9. The sum of first ten terms of an A.P. is four times the sum of its first five terms, then ratio of the
first term and common difference is

(A) ½
(B) ¼
(C) 4
(D) 1

Answer: (A) ½

Solution: Let S10 be the sum of first 10 terms and S5 be the sum of first 5 terms.

We know,

Sn = (n/2) [2a + (n-1) d]

Given,

S10=4S5

⇒ (10/2) [2a + (10-1) d] = 4 × (5/2) [2a + (5-1) d]

⇒ (10/2) [2a+ 9d] = 4 × (5/2) [2a+ 4d]

⇒ 2a+ 9d = 4a+ 8d

⇒ a/d= ½

10. Find the common difference (d) in the following APs respectively.

(i) 20, 40, 60, 80, 100,..

(ii) 5, 0, -5, -10, -15, ...

(iii) 2, 2, 2, 2, 2..

(A) 20, 5, 0
(B) -20, -5, 0
(C) -20, 5, 0
(D) 20, -5, 0

Answer: (D) 20, -5, 0

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 Solution: Common difference is

(i) 20, 40, 60, 80, 100,

d= 40-20 =20

(ii) 5, 0, -5, -10, -15, ...

d= 0-5 = -5

(iii) 2, 2, 2, 2, 2....

d= 2-2 =0

11. Which of the following sequences form an AP?

(i) 2, 4, 8, 16……..

(ii) 2, 3, 5, 7, 11…….

(iii) -1, -1.25, -1.5, -1.75……

(iv) 1, -1, -3, -5, -7…………

Answer: (iii) -1, -1.25, -1.5, -1.75…… and

(iv) 1, -1, -3, -5, -7…………

Solution: Consider each list of numbers:

(i) 2, 4, 8, 16……..

Difference between the first two terms = 4 - 2 = 2

Difference between the third and second term = 8 - 4 = 4

Since a2–a1≠a3–a2, this sequence is not an AP

(ii) 2, 3, 5, 7, 11……..

Difference between the first two terms = 3 - 2 = 1

Difference between the third and second term = 5 - 3 = 2

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 Since a2–a1≠a3–a2, this sequence is not an AP

(iii) -1, -1.25, -1.5, -1.75…….

Difference between the first two terms = -1.25 – (-1) = -0.25

Difference between the third and second term = -1.5 – (-1.25) = -0.25

Difference between the fourth and third term = -1.75 – (-1.5) = -0.25

Since a2–a1=a3−a2=a4−a3, this sequence is an AP

(iv) 1, -1, -3, -5, -7…………

Difference between the first two terms = -1 – 1 = -2

Difference between the third and second term = -3 – (-1) = -2

Difference between the fourth and third term = -5 – (-3) = -2

Since a2–a1=a3−a2=a4−a3, this sequence is an AP

12. What are the conditions for a sequence to be an AP?

(A) The sum of two consecutive terms should be constant.

(B) The product of two consecutive numbers should be constant.
(C) The difference between two consecutive terms should be constant.
(D) The ratio of two consecutive terms should be constant.

Answer: (C) The difference between two consecutive terms should be constant.

Solution: Let a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, a7, a8… be a sequence.

For this sequence to be an AP, the difference between any two consecutive terms should
be constant.

a2–a1=a3–a2=a4–a3=d

This difference is called the common difference of the AP and is denoted by d.

So an AP can also be represented in this form as well a, a+d, a+2d...

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13. Which of the following list of numbers forms an AP?

(i) 4, 4 + √3 , 4 + 2√3, 4 + 3√3, 4 + 4√3

(ii) 0.3, 0.33, 0.333, 0.3333, 0.33333

(iii) 3/5, 6/5, 9/5, 12/5, 3

(iv) -1/5, -1/5, -1/5, -1/5, -1/5

Answer: (i), (iii) and (iv)

Solution: Consider each series (i) 4, 4 + √3, 4 + 2 √3, 4 + 3 √3, 4 + 4 √3

Difference between first two consecutive terms = 4 + √3 - 4 = √3

Difference between third and second consecutive terms = 4 + 2 √3 - 4 + √3 = √3

Difference between fourth and third consecutive terms = 4 + 3 √3– 4 + 2 √3 = √3

Since a2–a1 = a3−a2 = a4−a3

This series is an AP

(ii) 0.3, 0.33, 0.333, 0.3333, 0.33333

Difference between first two consecutive terms = 0.33-0.3 = 0.03

Difference between third and second consecutive terms = 0.333 - 0.33 = 0.003

Since a2–a1 ≠ a3−a2

This series is not an AP

(iii) 3/5, 6/5, 9/5, 12/5, 3

Difference between first two consecutive terms = (6/5)–(3/5) = 3/5

Difference between third and second consecutive terms = (9/5)–(6/5) = 3/5

Difference between fourth and third consecutive terms = (12/5) – (9/5) = 3/5

Since a2–a1 = a3–a2 = a4–a3

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 This series is an AP

(iv) -1/5, -1/5, -1/5, -1/5, -1/5

Difference between first two consecutive terms = -1/5 – (- 1/5) = 0

Difference between third and second consecutive terms = -1/5 – (-1/5) = 0

Difference between fourth and third consecutive terms = -1/5 – (-1/5) = 0

Since a2–a1 = a3–a2 = a4–a3

This series is an AP

Sum of Terms in AP

14. The first term of an AP is 5, the last term is 50 and the sum is 440. Find the number of
terms and the common difference

(A) 17; 3
(B) 16; 2
(C) 17; 2
(D) 16; 3

Answer: (D) 16; 3

Solution: First term, a=5

Last term, l=50

Sn=440

Applying formula, Sn= n/2 (a+l) to find sum of n terms of AP, we get

440= n/2 (5+50)

⇒440/55=n/2

⇒8=n/ 2

⇒n=16

Applying formula, Sn=n/2(2a+ (n−1) d) to find sum of n terms of AP and putting value
of n, we get

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 440=16/2(2(5) + (16−1) d)

⇒440=8(10+15d)

⇒10+15d=55

⇒15d=45

⇒d=45/15=3

15. The first and the last terms of an AP are 17 and 350 respectively. If, the common
difference is 9, how many terms are there and what is their sum?

(A) 38; 7114

(B) 32; 7114
(C) 38; 6973
(D) 32; 6973

Answer: (C) 38; 6973

Solution: First term = a = 17

Last term = l = 350

Common difference = d = 9

Using formula an = a + (n−1) d, to find nth term of arithmetic progression, we can say that

350=17+ (n−1) (9)

⇒350=17+9n−9

⇒342=9n

⇒n=342/9=38

Applying formula, Sn=n/2(2a+ (n−1) d) to find sum of n terms of AP and putting value of n,
we get

S38=38/2(34+ (38−1) (9))

⇒S38=19(34+333) =6973

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 Therefore, there are 38 terms and their sum is equal to 6973.

16. Find the sum of first 22 terms of an AP in which d = 7 and the 22nd term is 149.

(A) 1623
(B) 1712
(C) 1542
(D) 1661

Answer: (D) 1661

Solution: It is given that 22nd term is equal to 149.

It means a22=149

Using formula an=a+ (n−1) d, to find nth term of AP, we can say that

149=a+ (22−1) (7)

⇒149=a+147

⇒a=2

Applying formula, Sn = n/2(2a+ (n−1) d) to find Sum of n terms of AP and putting value of
a, we get

S22= 22/2(4+ (22−1) (7))

⇒S22=11(4+147)

⇒S22=1661

Therefore, sum of first 22 terms of AP is equal to 1661.

17. Find the sum of first 51 terms of an AP whose second and third terms are 14 and 18
respectively.

(A) 5610
(B) 5840
(C) 5320
(D) 5000

Answer: (A) 5610

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Solution: It is given that second and third terms of AP are 14 and 18 respectively.

Using formula an=a+ (n−1) d, to find nth term of arithmetic progression, we can say that

14=a+ (2−1) d

⇒14=a+ d (1)

And, 18=a+ (3−1) d

⇒18=a+2d (2)

These are equations consisting of two variables. We can solve them by the method of
substitution.

Using equation (1), we can say that a=14−d

Putting value of a in equation (2), we can say that

18=14−d+2d

⇒d=4

Therefore, common difference d=4

Putting value of d in equation number (1), we can say that

18=a+2(4)

⇒a=10

Applying formula, Sn= n/2(2a+ (n−1) d) to find sum of n terms of AP, we get

S15=51/2(20+ (51−1) 4) =51/2(20+200) =51×110 =5610

Therefore, sum of first 51 terms of an AP is equal to 5610.

18. The sum of four consecutive numbers in an A.P. with d > 0 is 20. Sum of their square is
120, then the middle terms are

(A) 8, 10
(B) 6,8
(C) 4,6

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 (D) 2,4

Answer: (C) 4, 6

Solution: Let the numbers are a−3d,a−d,a+d,a+3d

Given: a−3d+a—d+a+d+a+3d=20
4a=20
a=5 and
(a−3d)2+ (a−d)2 + (a+3d)2 + (a+3d)2=120
(4)(a)2 + 20 d2=120
(4)(5)2+20 d2=120
d2=1
d=+1 or−1

Hence numbers are 2,4,6,and 8

19. Find the sum of all the non-negative terms of the following sequence: 100, 97, 94, … .

(A) 1717
(B) 1719
(C) 1721
(D) 1723

Answer: (A) 1717

Solution: Here, t1 = 100, common difference, d = t2 – t1 = 97 – 100 = -3

tn = t1 + (n-1) d ⇒100 + (n-1)(-3) = 100 – 3(n-1) = 103 – 3n.

Let tn be the first negative term. i.e,

tn < 0 ⇒ 103 - 3n < 0 ⇒ n > 103/3 > 34

That is, the 35th term will be negative.

Sum of the first 34 terms = (34/2) (first term + last term)

= 17(100+100+ (34−1) (−3)) =1717

20. What is the sum of all 3 digit numbers that leave a remainder of '2' when divided by 3?

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 (A) 149700
(B) 164749
(C) 164850
(D)897

Answer: (C) 164850

Solution: The smallest 3 digit number that will leave a remainder of 2 when divided by 3 is 101.
The next number that will leave a remainder of 2 when divided by 3 is 104, 107, ....
The largest 3 digit number that will leave a remainder of 2 when divided by 3 is 998.

So, it is an AP with the first term being 101 and the last term being 998 and common difference
being 3.

Sum of an AP = n/2(a+l)

we know that in an A.P., the nth term an=a1+ (n−1)×d

In this case, therefore,

998 = 101 + (n - 1) × 3
⇒897= (n−1) ×3
⇒299= (n−1)
⇒n=300

Sum of the AP will therefore, be (101+198)/ 2 ×300= 164, 850

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 Arithmetic
Progressions
Topics
1.Arithmetic Progressions
2.Types of an Arithmetic
Progression

…
 3.General Form of an AP

a, a + d, a + 2d, a + 3d, a + 4d
a d

th
4.n Term of an AP

𝑎𝑛 = {a + (𝑛 − 1)d}

a
d
𝑛
𝑎𝑛
5.Sum of First 𝑛 Terms in an AP

𝑛 𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = {𝟐𝑎 + (𝑛 − 𝟏)𝒅} 𝑆𝑛 = (𝑎 + 𝑙)
𝟐 2

a a
d 𝑙

𝑛
𝑆𝑛 𝑛

6.Arithmetic Mean

𝑎+𝒄
𝑏=
𝟐
𝑎, 𝑏 𝒄
𝑏 𝑎 𝒄
 Important Formulae

n 𝒂𝒏 = 𝒂 + 𝑛 − 𝟏 𝒅

n 𝑛
𝑺𝒏 = {𝟐𝒂 + 𝑛 − 𝟏 𝒅}
𝒂 𝟐
𝒅

n
𝑛
𝑎 𝑆𝑛 = (𝒂 + 𝒍)
𝟐
𝑙

𝒃 𝒂+𝒄
𝑏=
𝑎, 𝑏 𝒄 𝟐

Tips/Points to be Remembered

–
Mind Map
 Practice Challenge - Objective

Subject: Mathematics
Topic : Arithmetic Progressions
Exam Prep 1 Class: X

1.
Which of the following sequences form an AP?

(i) 2, 4, 8, 16……..

(ii) 2, 3, 5, 7, 11…….

(iii) -1, -1.25, -1.5, -1.75……

(iv) 1, -1, -3, -5…………

A. (i) and (iv)

B. (ii) and (iv)

C. (iii) and (iv)

D. (i),(iii) and (iv)

2.
A player who was playing video game was given 20 coins to begin with the
game. To go to the next level, he needs to spend 4 coins and if he succeeds
the particular level, he earns 6 coins. Find the number of coins he collects
after clearing each level (assuming he clears every level).

A. 20, 25, 30, 35, 36………

B. 20, 22, 24, 26, 28………

C. 20, 24, 28, 30, 34………

D. 20, 26, 32, 38, 44………

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

3.
Find the 20 term of the AP 2, 5, 8, 11, 14 ,...
th

A. 57

B. 58

C. 59

D. 60

4.
An arithmetic sequence has 6 term as 52 and 15 term as 142. Find a & d
th th

A. 2, 10

B. 10, 2

C. 2, 20

D. 20, 2

5.
Does the sequence of odd numbers form an AP?

A. Yes, with a common difference of 1.

B. No

C. Yes, with a common difference of 2.

D. Yes, with a common difference of -1.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

6.
A twenty storied building was observed from outside, each floor has a kite
shaped figure which gets on magnifying as observed from the 1 to 20
st th

floor. The area of first five kites on each floor was calculated and they were
found to develop a pattern. These five areas are 10m , 15m , 20m , 25m ,
2 2 2 2

30m and so on. The area of the kite on the top floor is ____.
2

A. 100m
2

B. 105m
2

C. 110m
2

D. 200m
2

7. If the first term of an AP is -8 and the common difference is 4, then the sum
of the first ten terms is

A. 92

B. 96

C. 100

D. 104

8. The sides of a right triangle are in an AP. The area and the perimeter of the
triangle are numerically equal. Find its perimeter.

A. 24 units

B. 34 units

C. 44 units

D. 66 units

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

9. The sum of `n' terms of a finite AP is times the sum of its first and last
13

terms. Which term would be the middle term in this AP?

A. 3rd term

B. 5th term

C. 7th term

D. 9th term

10. If 8 times the 8 term of an AP is equal to 15 times the 15 term of the AP,
th th

then the 23 term of the AP is ___.

rd

A. 144

B. 1

C. 0

D. 8

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

Subject: Mathematics
Topic : Arithmetic Progressions
Exam Prep 1 Class: X

1.
Which of the following sequences form an AP?

(i) 2, 4, 8, 16……..

(ii) 2, 3, 5, 7, 11…….

(iii) -1, -1.25, -1.5, -1.75……

(iv) 1, -1, -3, -5…………

 A. (i) and (iv)

 B. (ii) and (iv)

 C. (iii) and (iv)

 D. (i),(iii) and (iv)

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective
Consider each list of numbers:
(i) 2, 4, 8, 16……..

Difference between the first two terms = 4 - 2 = 2

Difference between the third and second term = 8 - 4 = 4

Since a 2– a1 ≠ a3 – a2 , this sequence is not an AP.

(ii) 2, 3, 5, 7, 11……..

Difference between the first two terms = 3 - 2 = 1

Difference between the third and second term = 5 - 3 = 2

Since a 2– a1 ≠ a3 – a2 , this sequence is not an AP.

(iii) -1, -1.25, -1.5, -1.75…….

Difference between the first two terms = -1.25 – (-1) = -0.25

Difference between the third and second term = -1.5 – (-1.25) = -0.25

Difference between the fourth and third term = -1.75 – (-1.5) = -0.25

Since a 2– a1 = a3 − a2 = a4 − a3 , this sequence is an AP.

(iv) 1, -1, -3, -5…………

Difference between the first two terms = -1 – 1 = -2

Difference between the third and second term = -3 – (-1) = -2

Difference between the fourth and third term = -5 – (-3) = -2

Since a 2– a1 = a3 − a2 = a4 − a3 , this sequence is an AP

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

2.
A player who was playing video game was given 20 coins to begin with the
game. To go to the next level, he needs to spend 4 coins and if he succeeds
the particular level, he earns 6 coins. Find the number of coins he collects
after clearing each level (assuming he clears every level).

 A. 20, 25, 30, 35, 36………

 B. 20, 22, 24, 26, 28………

 C. 20, 24, 28, 30, 34………

 D. 20, 26, 32, 38, 44………

Initial coins the player has is 20 coins

Net no. of coins he gain after clearing a level = coins gained - coins spent
=6-4
=2

∴ Coins he has after clearing first level = 20 + 2 = 22

No. of coins after clearing second level = 22 + 2 = 24

No. of coins after clearing third level = 24 + 2 = 26

So, the series of coins after clearing each level is 20, 22, 24, 26, 28………

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

3.
Find the 20 term of the AP 2, 5, 8, 11, 14 ,...
th

 A. 57

 B. 58

 C. 59

 D. 60

2, 5, 8, 11, 14 ,...

∵ n term of an AP is a + (n-1)d
th

Here, a = 2 & d = 8-5 = 3

∴ 20
th
term = 2 + (20-1)3
= 2+ (19 × 3)
= 59

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

4.
An arithmetic sequence has 6 term as 52 and 15 term as 142. Find a & d
th th

 A. 2, 10

 B. 10, 2

 C. 2, 20

 D. 20, 2

Given a = a + (6 - 1) d = 52
6

a + 5d = 52 ---------------------(i)

and a15 = a + (15 - 1) d = 142

a + 14d = 142 -----------------(ii)

equation (ii) – equation (i) ⇒ 9d = 90

d = 10

Substituting d = 10 in (i)

a + 50 = 52

a=2

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

5.
Does the sequence of odd numbers form an AP?

 A. Yes, with a common difference of 1.

 B. No

 C. Yes, with a common difference of 2.

 D. Yes, with a common difference of -1.

Odd numbers are 1,3,5,7,…

First term = 1.

Second term = 3

difference = 3- 1 = 2

Similarly, 5-3 = 7-5 = 2

Observe that the difference between any two consecutive terms is 2 .

Hence it forms an AP.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

6.
A twenty storied building was observed from outside, each floor has a kite
shaped figure which gets on magnifying as observed from the 1 to 20 st th

floor. The area of first five kites on each floor was calculated and they were
found to develop a pattern. These five areas are 10m , 15m , 20m , 25m ,
2 2 2 2

30m and so on. The area of the kite on the top floor is ____.
2

 A. 100m
2

 B. 105m
2

 C. 110m
2

 D. 200m
2

The sequence of the areas on each floor forms an Arithmetic Progression,

with first term as 10 and common difference as 5.

General term T n = a + (n − 1)d

= 10 + (n − 1)5

We require,T 20 = 10 + (20 − 1)5 = 10 + 19 × 5 = 105

7. If the first term of an AP is -8 and the common difference is 4, then the sum
of the first ten terms is

 A. 92

 B. 96

 C. 100

 D. 104
n
Sn = [2a + (n − 1)d]
2

10
S10 = (2(−8) + 9(4))
2

S10 = 100

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

8. The sides of a right triangle are in an AP. The area and the perimeter of the
triangle are numerically equal. Find its perimeter.

 A. 24 units

 B. 34 units

 C. 44 units

 D. 66 units

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective
Let us take the sides of the triangle to be (a - d), a and (a+d), with a and d
both positive. We assume this so that we have positive values for the sides.

Perimeter P = (a - d) + a + (a + d) = 3a

Since the triangle is right angled, (a + d) is the hypotenuse as it is the

largest side.
So, by Pythagoras theorem
2 2 2
(a + d) = a + (a − d)

Simplifying the equation, we get 2ad = a 2

− 2ad
2
⇒ a − 4ad = 0

⇒ a(a − 4d) = 0

⇒ a = 0or a = 4d
we cannot take a = 0 as side of a triangle cannot be zero.

Since (a + d) is the hypotenuse, the other sides a and (a - d) form the base
and altitude of the right angled triangle, as shown below:

So, area

1
= × a × (a − d)
2

1
= × 4d × (4d − d)
2

2
= 6d

Given that area and perimeter are numerically equal,

2
⇒ 3a = 6d

We have a = 4d and hence

2
12d = 6d
2
⇒ 6d − 12d = 0

⇒ d(6d − 12) =0
⇒ d = 0 or d = 2
(we cannot take d = 0, because it will make all sides equal)
Hence, d = 2 and a = 4d = 8

Therefore, the sides are 6, 8 and 10

and perimeter = 24 units
Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

9. The sum of `n' terms of a finite AP is times the sum of its first and last
13

terms. Which term would be the middle term in this AP?

 A. 3rd term

 B. 5th term

 C. 7th term

 D. 9th term
For a finite AP having first term as a and last term as l, the formula for the
sum of n terms would become (a + l) = (f irst term + last term).
n

2
n

Now, in the question it is given that the sum of n terms is 13

2
times the sum of
its first and last terms, which means,
n = 13
Since, the AP has 13 terms.
So, the 7th term is the middle term.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

10. If 8 times the 8 term of an AP is equal to 15 times the 15 term of the AP,
th th

then the 23 term of the AP is ___.

rd

 A. 144

 B. 1

 C. 0

 D. 8
Given,
8a8 = 15a15 .

Since the n term of an AP of first term a and common difference d is given

th

by
a n= a + (n − 1)d, we have

8[a + (8 − 1)d] = 15[a + (15 − 1)d].

⇒ 8(a + 7d) = 15(a + 14d)

⇒ 8a + 56d = 15a + 210d

⇒ 7a + 154d = 0

⇒ a + 22d = 0

⇒ a + (23 − 1)d = 0

Hence, the 23 term of the AP is zero.

rd

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

Subject: Mathematics
Topic : Arithmetic Progressions
Exam Prep 1 Class: X

1. If the sum of first 7 terms of an AP is 49 and that of 17 terms is 289, find the
sum of first n terms.

2. Check whether -150 is a term of the AP: 11,8,5,2…

3. Write first four terms of the AP, when the first term a and common difference
d are given as follows:
(i) a= -2, d=0
(ii) a=4, d=-3
(iii) a= -1.25, d= -0.25

4. Determine the AP whose third term is 16 and the 7 term exceeds the 5
th th

term by 12.

5. The ratio of the sums of m and n terms of an A.P. is m : n . Show that the
2 2

ratio of the m and n term is (2m– 1) : (2n– 1).

th th

6. In the following APs, find the missing term in the boxes.

7. If the sum of the first 2n terms of the AP 2, 5, 8, ... is equal to the sum of the
first n terms of A.P. 57, 59, 61, ... then what is the value of n?

8. The sum of n terms of an A.P is written as S n = pn + qn

2
. What is the
common difference d of the A.P.?

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

Subject: Mathematics
Topic : Arithmetic Progressions
Exam Prep 1 Class: X

1. If the sum of first 7 terms of an AP is 49 and that of 17 terms is 289, find the
sum of first n terms.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective
It is given that sum of first 7 terms of an AP is equal to 49 and sum of first
17 terms is equal to 289.

Applying formula, S = (2a+ (n−1) d) to find sum of n terms of AP , we get

n
n

49= (2a + (7−1) d)

7

⇒ 98=7(2a+6d)

⇒ 98=14a+42d

⇒ 7=a+3d

⇒ a=7−3d (1)

And, 289= (2a+ (17−1) d)

17

⇒ 578=17(2a+16d)

⇒ 34=2a+16d

⇒ 17=a+8d

Putting equation (1) in the above equation, we get

17=7−3d+8d

⇒ 10=5d

d= =2
10
⇒
5

Putting value of d in equation (1), we get

a=7−3d=7−3 (2) =7−6=1

Again applying formula, S = (2a+ (n−1) d) to find sum of n terms of AP , we

n
n

get

Sn = [2(1) + (n−1) (2)]

n

⇒Sn = [2+2n−2]
n

⇒Sn = [2n] n

⇒Sn =n 2

Therefore, sum of n terms of AP is equal to n

2

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

2. Check whether -150 is a term of the AP: 11,8,5,2…

Let −150 is the n of AP 11,8,5,2...

th
Which means that an =−150

Here, First term = a = 11

Common difference = d = 8 - 11 = -3

Using formula a =a+ (n−1) d, to find nth term of arithmetic progression, we

n

get

−150=11+ (n−1) (−3)

⇒ −150=11−3n+3

⇒ 3n=164

n=
164
⇒
3

But, n cannot be in fraction. Therefore, our supposition is

wrong. −150 cannot be term in AP.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

3. Write first four terms of the AP, when the first term a and common difference
d are given as follows:
(i) a= -2, d=0
(ii) a=4, d=-3
(iii) a= -1.25, d= -0.25

(i)

Here, difference between any two consecutive terms which is also called
common difference is equal to 0.

First term = a = -2, d=0

Second term = a+d = -2 + 0 = -2

Third term = second term + d = -2 + 0 = -2

Fourth term = third term + d = -2 + 0 = -2

Therefore, first four terms are: -2, -2, -2, -2

(ii)

First term = a = 4, d=-3

Second term = a+ d = 4 -3 = 1

Third term = second term + d = 1-3 = -2

Fourth term = third term + d = -2 -3 = -5

Therefore, first four terms are: 4, 1, -2, -5

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

(iii)

First term = a =-1.25, d = -0.25

Second term = a+ d = -1.25 - 0.25 = -1.50

Third term = second term + d = -1.50 -0.25 = -1.75

Fourth term = third term + d = -1.75 -0.25 = -2

Therefore, first four terms are: -1.25, -1.50, -1.75,-2

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

4. Determine the AP whose third term is 16 and the 7 term exceeds the 5
th th

term by 12.

Let first term of AP = a

Let common difference of AP = d

It is given that its term is equal to 16. It means a =16, where

3 a3 is the 3
rd

term of AP.

Using formula a =a+ (n−1) d, to find

n n
th
term of arithmetic progression, we
can say that
16 = a + (3 − 1)(d)

⇒ 16 = a + 2d

It is also given that 7 term exceeds 5 term by12. Again using formula a
th th
n

= a + (n−1) d, which is used to find n term of arithmetic progression, we

th

can say that

a7 = a + (7 − 1)d = a + 6d and, a5 = a + (5 − 1)d = a + 4d (1)

According to the given condition, we can say that

a7 = a +12
5

Putting (1) in the above equation, we get

⇒ a + 6d = a + 4d + 12

⇒ 2d = 12

12
⇒ d = = 6
2

Putting value of d in equation 16=a+2d, we get

16 = a + 2(6)

⇒ a = 4

Therefore first term = a = 4

And, common difference = d = 6

Therefore, AP is 4, 10, 16, 22....

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

5. The ratio of the sums of m and n terms of an A.P. is m : n . Show that the
2 2

ratio of the m and n term is (2m– 1) : (2n– 1).

th th

Let a be the first term and d the common difference of the given A.P. Then,
the sums of m and n terms are given by

Sm = ( ) [2a + (m – 1) d], and

m

Sn = ( ) [2a + (n – 1) d]
n

=
Sm m

Sn 2
n

m
[2a+(m−1)d] 2
2

n
= m

2
[2a+(n−1)d] n
2

2a+(m−1)d
⇒
2a+(n−1)d
= m

⇒ [2a + (m − 1)d]n = [2a + (n − 1)d]m

⇒ 2a(n − m) = d((n − 1)m − (m − 1)n)

⇒ 2a(n − m) = d(n − m)

⇒ d = 2a

a+(m−1)×2a a+(m−1)×2a
=
Tm 2m−1
= =
Tn a+(n−1)×2a a+(n−1)×2a 2n−1

(∵ d = 2a)

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

6. In the following APs, find the missing term in the boxes.

For this A.P.,

a = 2

a3 = 26

W e know that, an = a + (n − 1)d

a3 = 2 + (3 − 1)d

26 = 2 + 2d

24 = 2d

d = 12

a2 = 2 + (2 − 1)12

= 14
Therefore, 14 is the missing term.

7. If the sum of the first 2n terms of the AP 2, 5, 8, ... is equal to the sum of the
first n terms of A.P. 57, 59, 61, ... then what is the value of n?
Given: 2 + 5 + 8 + ... 2n terms = 57 + 59 + 61 + ... n terms
n
Sn = [2a + (n − 1)d
2
2n n
⇒ [2(2) + (2n − 1)3] = [2(57) + (n − 1)2]
2 2

⇒ n[4 + 6n − 3] = n[57 + n − 1]

⇒ 6n + 1 = n + 56
⇒ 5n = 55
⇒ n = 11

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

8. The sum of n terms of an A.P is written as S n = pn + qn

2
. What is the
common difference d of the A.P.?
Let a be the first term of the AP. We have
n
Sn = (2a + (n − 1)d)
2

n(n−1)d
Sn = an +
2

d d 2
Sn = (a − )n + n
2 2

2
Sn = pn + qn

2 d d 2
pn + qn = (a − )n + n
2 2

On comparing the coefficients of n and n , we get 2

d
= q
2

⇒ d = 2q

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Arithmetic Progressions Exam Prep 1