Arithmetic Progressions

NCERT SOLUTIONS

Arithmetic Progressions
 Arithmetic Progressions

Ex - 5.1
Q1. In which of the following situations, does the list of numbers involved make an arithmetic
progression, and why?
(i) The taxi fare after each km when the fare is Rs. 15 for the first km and Rs. 8 for each
additional km.
(ii) The amount of air present in a cylinder when a vacuum pump removes 1/4 of the air
remaining in the cylinder at a time.
(iii) The cost of digging a well after every metre of digging, when it costs Rs. 150 for the first
metre and rises by Rs. 50 for each subsequent metre.
(iv) The amount of money in the account every year, when Rs. 10000 is deposited at
compound interest at 8% per annum.

Sol. (i) tn denotes the taxi fare (in Rs.) for the first n km.
Now, t1 = 15,
t2 = 15 + 8 = 23,
t3 = 23 + 8 = 31,
t4 = 31 + 8 = 39,....
List of fares after 1 km, 2 km, 3 km, 4 km, .... respectively is 15, 23, 31, 39, .... (in Rs.).
Here, t2 – t1 = t3 – t2 = t4 – t3 = .... = 8.
Thus, the list forms an AP.
1 3
(ii) t1 = x units ; t2 = x – x = x units ;
4 4
3 13  3 3 9
t3 = x –  x   x – x  x units
4 44  4 16 16
9 1  9  27
t4 = x–  x  x units
16 4  16  64
3 9 27
The list of numbers is x, x, x, x,....
4 16 64
It is not an AP because t2 – t1  t3 – t2.
(iii) Cost of digging for first metre = 150
Cost of digging for first 2 metres
= 150 + 50 = 200
Cost of digging for first 3 metres
= 200 + 50 = 250
Cost of digging for first 4 metres
= 250 + 50 = 300
Clearly, 150, 200, 250, 300.... forms an A.P.
Here, t2 – t1 = t3 – t2 = t4 – t3 = .... = 50.
Thus, the list forms an AP.

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 Arithmetic Progressions

(iv) We know that if Rs P is deposited at r% compound interest per annum for n years, our money
n
will be P  1  r  after n years.
 100 

Therefore, after every year, our money will be

2
 8   8 
10000  1   , 10000  1   ,
 100   100 

3 4
 8   8 
10000  1   , 10000  1   ,....
 100   100 

Clearly, adjacent terms of this series do not have the same difference between them. Therefore,
this is not an A.P.

Q2. Write first four terms of the AP, when the first term a and the common difference d are given as
follows:
(i) a = 10, d = 10 (ii) a = – 2 d = 0
(iii) a = 4, d = – 3 (iv) a = – 1, d = 1/2
(v) a = – 1.25, d = – 0.25

Sol. (i) t1 = a = 10,

t2 = 10 + d = 10 + 10 = 20,
t3 = 20 + d = 20 + 10 = 30,
t4 = 30 + d = 30 + 10 = 40,....
Thus, the AP is 10, 20, 30, 40, ...
(ii) Given a = – 2 and d = 0
t1 = – 2, t2 = – 2 + 0 = – 2,
t3 = – 2 + 0 = – 2, t4 = – 2 + 0 = – 2, ....
Thus, the AP is –2, – 2, – 2, – 2, ...
(iii) a = 4, d = –3
t1 = a = 4
t2 = a1 + d = 4 – 3 = 1
t3 = a2 + d = 1 – 3 = –2
t4 = a3 + d = - 2 – 3 = –5

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 Arithmetic Progressions

Therefore, the series will be 4, 1, –2 –5 …

First four terms of this A.P. will be 4, 1, –2
and –5.

1
(iv) a = –1, d =
2

t1 = a = –1
1 1
t2 = a1 + d = –1 + =–
2 2
1 1
t3 = a2 + d = – + = 0
2 2
1 1
t4 = a3 + d = 0 + =
2 2
Clearly, the series will be
1
–1, – , 0, 1 … … … … .
2 2
First four terms of this A.P. will be
1 1
–1, – , 0 and –
2 2
(v) a = –1.25, d = –0.25
t1 = a = –1.25
t2 = a1 + d = – 1.25 – 0.25 = – 1.50
t3 = a2 + d = – 1.50 – 0.25 = – 1.75
t4 = a3 + d = – 1.75 – 0.25 = – 2.00
Clearly, the series will be –1.25, –1.50, –1.75, –2.00 … … ....
First four terms of this A.P. will be –1.25,
–1.50, –1.75 and –2.00.

Q3. For the following APs, write the first term and the common difference :
(i) 3, 1, – 1, –3, ....
(ii) –5, – 1, 3, 7, .....
1 5 9 13
(iii) 3 , 3 , 3 , 3 ,....
(iv) 0.6, 1.7, 2.8, 3.9, ....

Sol. (i) a = 3, d = t2 – t1 = 1 – 3 = – 2,
i.e., d = – 2
(ii) a = – 5, d = 4

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1
(iii) a =
3

5 1 4
d = t2 – t1 =  
3 3 3

(iv) 0.6, 1.7, 2.8, 3.9 …

a = 0.6
d = t2 – t1
= 1.7 - 0.6
= 1.1

Q4. Which of the following are APs ? If they form an AP, find the common difference d and write
three more terms.
(i) 2, 4, 8, 16,....

(ii) 2, 5 ,3, 7 ,....

2 2
(iii) – 1.2, – 3.2, – 5.2, – 7.2, ....
(iv) – 10, – 6, – 2, 2, .....

(v) 3, 3  2, 3  2 2, 3  3 2,...
(vi) 0.2, 0.22, 0.222, 0.2222, ....
(vii) 0, – 4, – 8, – 12, .....
1 1 1 1
(viii) – , – , – , – ,....
2 2 2 2
(ix) 1, 3, 9, 27, .....
(x) a, 2a, 3a, 4a, .....
(xi) a, a2, a3, a4, ....
(xii) 2, 8, 18, 32,....

(xiii) 3, 6 , 9, 12,....
(xiv) 12, 32, 52, 72, ...
(xv) 12, 52, 72, 73, ....

Sol. (i) Not an AP because t2 – t1 = 2

and t3 – t2 = 8 – 4 = 4,
i.e., t2 – t1  t3 – t2.
(ii) It is an AP. a = 2, d = 1/2
[ t2 – t1 = t3 – t2 = t4 – t3 = 1/2]
7 1 1 9
t5 =  = 4, t6 = 4 + = ,
2 2 2 2

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 Arithmetic Progressions

9 1
t7 =  = 5.
2 2
(iii) We have : –1.2, –3.2, –5.2, –7.2, .........
 t1 = –1.2, t2 = –3.2, t3 = –5.2, t4 = –7.2
t2 – t1 = –3.2 + 1.2 = –2
t3 – t2 = –5.2 + 3.2 = –2
t4 – t3 = –7.2 + 5.2 = –2
 t2 – t1 = t3 – t2 = t4 – t3 = –2
 d = –2
 The given numbers from an A.P. such that d = –2.
Now, t5 = t4+ (–2) = –7.2 + (–2) = –9.2,
t6 = t5 + (–2) = –9.2 + (–2) = –11.2
and t7 = t6 + (–2)
= –11.2 + (–2) = –13.2
Thus, d = –2 and t5 = –9.2, t6 = –11.2 and t7 = –13.2
(iv) It is an AP.
a = – 10, d = 4, t5 = 6, t6 = 10, t7 = 14.
(v) It is an AP.

a = 3, d = 2

t5 = 3  3 2  2  3  4 2,

t6 = 3  5 2 , t7 = 3  6 2 .
(vi) It is not AP.
t2 – t1 = 0.22 – 0.2 = 0.02,
t3 – t2 = 0.222 – 0.22 = 0.002, ...
i.e., t2 – t1  t3 – t2.
(vii) We have : 0, –4, –8, –12, ..........
 t1 = 0, t2 = –4, t3 = –8, t4 = –12
t2 – t1 = –4 – 0 = –4
t3 – t2 = –8 + 4 = –4
t4 – t3 = –12 + 8 = –4
 t2 – t1 = t3 – t2 = t4 – t3 = –4  d = –4
 The given numbers from an A.P.
Now, t5 = t4 + (–4) = –12 + (–4) = –16
t6 = t5 + (–4) = –16 + (–4) = –20
t7 = t6 + (–4) = –20 + (–4) = –24
Thus, d = –4 and t5 = –16, t6 = –20, t7 = –24.

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1 1 1 1
(viii) We have :  ,  ,  ,  ,.....
2 2 2 2

1
 t1 = t2 = t3 = t4 = 
2

t2 – t1 = 0, t3 – t2 = 0, t4 – t3 = 0 d = 0
 The given numbers from an A.P.

1 1
Now, t5 =  + 0 = 
2 2

1 1 1 1
t6 =  + 0 =  , t7 =  + 0 = 
2 2 2 2

1 1
Thus, d = 0 and t5 =  1 , t6 =  , t7 = 
2 2 2

(ix) Not an A.P. Here, t2 – t1  t3 – t2.

(x) We have : a, 2a, 3a, 4a, .........
 t1 = a, t2 = 2a, t3 = 3a, t4 = 4a
t2 – t1 = 2a – a = a,
t3 – t2 = 3a – 2a = a and
t4 – t3 = 4a – 3a = a
 t2 – t1 = t3 – t2 = t4 – t3 = a
 d=a
 The given numbers from an A.P.
Now, t5 = t4 + a = 4a + a = 5a, t6 = t5 + a
= 5a + a = 6a and t7 = t6 + a = 6a + a = 7a
Thus, d = a and t5 = 5a, t6 = 6a, t7 = 7a
(xi) Not an AP if a  1.
Here, t2 – t1 = a2 – a = a (1 – a),
t3 – t2 = a3 – a2 = a2 (1 – a)
t3 – t2  t2 – t1 when a  1.
It will be an AP if a = 1.
Hence, the given sequence is an AP only when a = 1.
In this case, first term = 1,
common difference = 0
(xii) 2, 8, 18, 32,... can be rewritten as

2,2 2,3 2,4 2 ,.....

a  2, d  2

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t5 = 5 2, t6 = 6 2, t7 = 7 2,

i.e., t5 = 50 , t6 = 72, t7 = 98.

(xiii) 3, 6, 9, 12,... can be rewritten as

3, 2  3, 3, 2 3,...

Here, t2 – t1  t3 – t2
Therefore, the given list is not an AP.
(xiv) We have 12, 32, 52, 72, .........

t  12  1 
 t 1  3 2  9   t2 – t1 = 9 – 1 = 8
2 

t 3  5 2  25 
 t4 – t3 = 49 – 25 = 24
t 4  7 2  49 

 t2 – t1  t4 – t3
 The given numbers do not form an A.P.
(xv) 12, 52, 72, 73, ... can be rewritten as 1, 25, 49, 73, ....
Here, t2 – t1 = t3 – t2 = t4 – t3 = .... = 24
Hence, it is an AP.
 t5 = 97, t6 = 121, t7 = 145

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Ex - 5.2
Q1. Fill in the blanks in the following table, given that a is the first term, d the common difference
and an, the nth term of the AP.
a d n an
(i) 7 3 8 ...
(ii) –18 ... 10 0
(iii) ... –3 18 –5
(iv) –18.9 2.5 ... 3.6
(v) 3.5 0 105 ...

Sol. (i) a = 7, d = 3, n = 8
a8 = a + 7 d = 7 + 7 × 3 = 28.
Hence, a8 = 28.
(ii) a = –18, n = 10, an = 0, d = ?
an = a + (n – 1) d
0 = – 18 + (10 – 1) d
18
18 = 9d  d= =2
9
Hence, d = 2
(iii) d = –3, n = 18, an = –5
an = a + (n – 1) d
–5 = a + (18 – 1) (–3)
–5 = a + (17) (–3)
–5 = a – 51
a = 51 – 5 = 46
Hence, a = 46
(iv) a = – 18.9, d = 2.5
tn = 3.6
 a + (n – 1) d = 3.6
 – 18.9 + (n – 1) × (2.5) = 3.6
 (n – 1) × (2.5) = 3.6 + 18.9 = 22.5
 n – 1 = 22.5  225  9
2.5 25
 n = 10
(v) a = 3.5, d = 0, n = 105
Then a105 = a + 104 d = 3.5 + 0 = 3.5

Q2. Choose the correct choice in the following and justify

(i) 30th term of the AP : 10, 7, 4,.... is
(A) 97 (B) 77 (C) – 77 (D) – 87

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 Arithmetic Progressions

1
(ii) 11th term of the AP : – 3, – , 2, ... is
2
1
(A) 28 (B) 22 (C) – 38 (D) – 48
2

Sol. (i) a = 10, d = – 3

t 30 = a + 29d = 10 + 29 × (– 3)
= 10 – 87 = – 77
Hence, the correct option is (C)
(ii) a = – 3, d = 5/2
t11 = a + 10d = – 3 + 10 × 5/2 = 22
Hence, the correct option is (B)

Q3. In the following APs, find the missing terms in the boxes :
(i) 2, , 26
(ii) , 13, , 3
1
(iii) 5, , ,9
2
(iv) – 4, , , , ,6
(v) , 38, , , , – 22

Sol. (i) a = 2, a + 2 d = 26  2 + 2d = 26
 2d = 26 – 2 = 24  d = 12
Then the missing term
t2 = a + d = 2 + 12 = 14
(ii) a + d = 13 ...(1)
a+3d=3 ...(2)
Subtracting (1) from (2), we get
(a + 3d) – (a + d) = 3 – 13
 2d = – 10  d = – 5
from (1), a – 5 = 13
 a = 18
Therefore, the first missing term is 18
The next missing term
t3 = t2 + d = 13 + (– 5) = 8
(iii) a = 5
1 19 19
a4 = 9 = a + 3d =
2 2 2
19
= 5 + 3d
2
19
– 5 = 3d
2
9 3
= 3d d=
2 2

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 Arithmetic Progressions

3 13
a2 = a + d = 5 + =
2 2
3 
a3 = a + 2d = 5 + 2   = 8
2 
13
Therefore, the missing terms are and 8 respectively..
2
(iv) a = –4
a6 = 6
a + 5d = 6
6 = – 4 + 5d
10 = 5d
d=2
a2 = a + d = – 4 + 2 = –2
a3 = a + 2d = – 4 + 2 (2) = 0
a4 = a + 3d = – 4 + 3 (2) = 2
a5 = a + 4d = – 4 + 4 (2) = 4
Therefore, the missing terms are –2, 0, 2, and 4 respectively.
(v) a2 = 38
a6 = –22
38 = a + d .......(1)
–22 = a + 5d ........(2)
On subtracting equation (1) from (2), we obtain
– 22 – 38 = 4d
– 60 = 4d
d = –15
a = a2 – d = 38 – (–15) = 53
a3 = a + 2d = 53 + 2 (–15) = 23
a4 = a + 3d = 53 + 3 (–15) = 8
a5 = a + 4d = 53 + 4 (–15) = –7
Therefore, the missing terms are 53, 23, 8, and –7 respectively.

Q4. Which term of the AP : 3, 8, 13, 18, ... is 78?

Sol. a = 3, d = 5
Let tn = 78
 a + (n – 1) d = 78
 3 + (n – 1) × 5 = 78  5n – 2 = 78
 5n = 80  n = 16
Hence, t16 = 78

Q5. Find the number of terms in each of the following AP's :

(i) 7, 13, 19. ...., 205
1
(ii) 18, 15 , 13, ..., – 47
2

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 Arithmetic Progressions

Sol. (i) a = 7, d = 6,
tn = 205
 a + (n – 1) d = 205
 7 + (n – 1) × 6 = 205  6n + 1 = 205
 6n = 204  n = 34
Hence, 34 terms
(ii) a = 18
1
d = a2 – a1 = 15 –18
2
31  36 5
d= 
2 2
Let there are n terms in this A.P.
Therefore, an = –47 and we know that
an = a + (n – 1)d
 5
–47 = 18 + (n – 1)   
 2
5
–47 = 18 + (n – 1)   
 2
5
–65 = (n – 1)   
 2
130
(n – 1) =
5
(n – 1) = 26
n = 27
Therefore, this given A.P. has 27 terms in it.

Q6. Check whether – 150 is a term of the AP : 11, 8, 5, 2, .... .

Sol. a = 11, d = – 3
Let if possible tn = – 150
 a + (n – 1) d = – 150
 11 + (n – 1) × (– 3) = – 150
 11 – 3 n + 3 = – 150
 14 – 3n = – 150
 3n = 14 + 150 = 164
164 2
 n=  54
3 3

It is not possible because n is to be natural number.

Hence, – 150 cannot be a term of the AP.

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Q7. Find the 31st term of an AP whose 11th term is 38 and the 16th term is 73.

Sol. Given that,

a11 = 38
a16 = 73
We know that,
an = a + (n – 1) d
a11 = a + (11 – 1) d
38 = a + 10d ......(1)
Similarly,
a16 = a + (16 – 1) d
73 = a + 15d ......(2)
On subtracting (1) from (2), we obtain
35 = 5d
d=7
From equation (1),
38 = a + 10 × (7)
38 – 70 = a
a = –32
a31 = a + (31 – 1) d
= – 32 + 30 (7)
= – 32 + 210
= 178
Hence, 31st term is 178.

Q8. An AP consists of 50 terms of which 3rd term is 12 and the last term is 106. Find the 29th term.

Sol. t3 = 12, t50 (last term) = 106

 a + 2d = 12 ...(1)
and a + 49d = 106 ...(2)
Subtracting (1) from (2), we get
47d = 106 – 12 = 94  d = 2
From (1), a + 2 × 2 = 12 a=8
t29 = a + 28d = 8 + 28 × 2 = 64

Q9. If the 3rd and 9th terms of an AP are 4 and – 8 respectively, which term of this AP is zero?

Sol. Given that,

a3 = 4
a9 = –8

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 Arithmetic Progressions

We know that,
an = a + (n – 1) d
a3 = a + (3 – 1) d
4 = a + 2d ......(I)
a9 = a + (9 – 1) d
–8 = a + 8d ......(II)
On subtracting equation (I) from (II), we obtain
–12 = 6d
d = –2
From equation (I), we obtain
4 = a + 2 (–2)
4=a–4
a=8
Let nth term of this A.P. be zero.
an = a + (n – 1) d
0 = 8 + (n – 1) (–2)
0 = 8 – 2n + 2
2n = 10
n=5
Hence, 5th term of this A.P. is 0.

Q10. The 17th term of an AP exceeds its 10th term by 7. Find the common difference.

Sol. a17 – a10 = 7

(a + 16d) – (a + 9d) = 7
7d = 7
d=1
Therefore, the common difference is 1.

Q11. Which term of the AP : 3, 15, 27, 39, .... will be 132 more than its 54th term?

Sol. a = 3, d = 12
Let us suppose tn = t54 + 132
 a + (n – 1) d = a + 53 d + 132
 (n – 1) d – 53 d = 132
 {n – 1 – 53) d = 132

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 Arithmetic Progressions
 (n – 54) × 12 = 132

 n – 54 = 11
 n = 65
Hence, t65 is 132 more than t54.

Q12. Two APs have the same common difference. The difference between their 100 th terms is 100,
what is the difference between their 1000th terms?

Sol. Let the two APs with same common difference d be

a, a + d, a + 2 d, ....
b, b + d, b + 2d, .... (a > b)
We are given that
{100th term of the first AP}
– {100th term of the second AP} = 100
 {a + 99d} – {b + 99d} = 100
 a – b = 100 ...(1)
Now, {1000th term of the first AP)
– {1000th term of the second AP}
= {a + 999 d} – {b + 999 d} = a – b = 100
{By (1)}

Q13. How many three-digit numbers are divisible by 7?

Sol. First three-digit number that is divisible by 7 = 105

Next number = 105 + 7 = 112
Therefore, 105, 112, 119, …
All are three digit numbers which are divisible by 7 and thus, all these are terms of an A.P. having
first term as 105 and common difference as 7.
The maximum possible three-digit number is 999. When we divide it by 7, the remainder will be
5. Clearly, 999 - 5 = 994 is the maximum possible three-digit number that is divisible by 7.
The series is as follows.
105, 112, 119, ....., 994
Let 994 be the nth term of this A.P.
a = 105
d=7
an = 994
n=?
an = a + (n – 1) d
994 = 105 + (n – 1) 7
889 = (n – 1) 7

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(n – 1) = 127

n = 128
Therefore, 128 three-digit numbers are divisible by 7.

Q14. How many multiples of 4 lie between 10 and 250?

Sol. The multiples of 4 between 10 and 250 are 12, 16, 20, 24...., 248.
Let these numbers be n.
a = 12, d = 4
tn = 248
 a + (n – 1) d = 248
 12 + (n – 1) × 4 = 248
 4n + 8 = 248  n = 60.

Q15. For what value of n, are the nth terms of two APs 63, 65, 67, ... and 3, 10, 17, .... equal?

Sol. Two APs are 63, 65, 67, ..., 3, 10, 17, ...
From (1), First term = 63 and common difference = 2.
Its nth term = 63 + (n – 1) × 2 = 2n + 61.
From (2), First term = 3 and common difference = 7
Its nth term = 3 + (n – 1) × 7 = 7n – 4
Putting 7n – 4 = 2n + 61
 7n – 2n = 61 + 4 5n = 65  n = 13

Q16. Determine the AP whose third term is 16 and the 7th term exceeds the 5th term by 12.

Sol. a3 = 16
a + (3 – 1) d = 16
a + 2d = 16 ....... (1)
a7 – a5 = 12
[a+ (7 – 1) d] – [a + (5 – 1) d]= 12
(a + 6d) – (a + 4d) = 12
2d = 12
d=6
From equation (1), we obtain
a + 2 (6) = 16
a + 12 = 16
a=4
Therefore, A.P. will be
4, 10, 16, 22, …

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Q17. Find the 20th term from the last term of the AP 3, 8, 13, ....., 253.

Sol. The AP is 3, 8, 13, ..., 253

Its first term = 3 and the common difference = 5.
Now, the AP in the reverse order will have the first term = 253 and the common difference = – 5.
The 20th term from the end of the AP (1)
= The 20 term of the AP in the reverse order
= a + 19d
= 253 + 19 × (–5) = 253 – 95 = 158.

Q18. The sum of the 4th and 8th terms of an AP is 24 and the sum of the 6th and 10th terms is 44. Find
the first three terms of the AP.

Sol. t4 + t8 = 24 ; t6 + t10 = 44
 (a + 3d) + (a + 7d) = 24 ;
(a + 5d) + (a + 9d) = 44
 2a + 10d = 24 ; 2a + 14d = 44
We have a + 5d = 12 ...(1)
and a + 7d = 22 ...(2)
Subtracting (1) from (2), we get
2d = 10  d = 5
From (i) a + 5 × 5 = 12, a = – 13
t1 = – 13, t2 = – 8, t3 = – 3

Q19. Subba Rao started work in 1995 at an annual salary of Rs. 5000 and received an increment of Rs. 200
each year. In which year did his income reach Rs. 7000 ?

Sol. It can be observed that the incomes that Subba Rao obtained in various years are in A.P. as every
year, his salary is increased by Rs. 200.
Therefore, the salaries of each year after 1995 are
5000, 5200, 5400, .....
Here, a = 5000
d = 200
Let after nth year, his salary be Rs 7000.
Therefore, an = a + (n – 1) d
7000 = 5000 + (n – 1) 200
200(n – 1) = 2000
(n – 1) = 10
n = 11
Therefore, in 11th year, his salary will be Rs 7000.

16
 Arithmetic Progressions

Q20. Ramkali saved Rs. 5 in the first week of a year and then increased her weekly savings by Rs.
1.75. If in the nth week, her weekly savings become Rs. 20.75, find n.

Sol. t1 = Rs. 5 (savings in the Ist week)

t2 = Rs. 5 + Rs. 1.75 = Rs. 6.75
(savings in the 2nd week)
t3 = Rs. 6.75 + Rs. 1.75 = Rs. 8.50
(savings in the 3rd week)
.......................
tn = Rs. 20.75
 a + (n – 1) d = 20.75
 5 + (n – 1) × 1.75 = 20.75
 (n – 1) × 1.75 = 15.75
15.75 1575
 n–1=  9  n = 10
1.75 175
Hence, in the 10th week, Ramkali's savings will be Rs. 20.75

17
 Arithmetic Progressions

Ex - 5.3
Q1. Find the sum of the following APs :
(i) 2, 7, 12, .... to 10 terms.
(ii) – 37, – 33, – 29, ... to 12 terms.
(iii) 0.6, 1.7, 2.8, ... to 100 terms
1 1 1
(iv) , , ,...to 11 terms
15 12 10

Sol. (i) a = 2, d = 5
10
S10 = {2a + 9d}
2
 n 
 S n  2 {2a  (n – 1)d}
 
= 5 × {2 × 2 + 9 × 5 ) = 5 × 49 = 245
(ii) a = – 37, d = 4
12
S12 = {2a + 11d}
2

= 6 × {2 (– 37) + 11 × 4}
= 6 × {– 74 + 44} = – 180
(iii) 0.6, 1.7, 2.8,....., to 100 terms
For this A.P.,
a = 0.6
d = a2 – a1 = 1.7 – 0.6 = 1.1
n = 100
100
S100 = 2(0.6)  100  1 1.1 
2

= 50[1.2 + (99) × (1.1)]

= 50[110.1]
= 110.1
= 5505
1 1 1
(iv) , , , ....... , to 11 terms
15 12 10

For this A.P.,

1
a=
15

n = 11

18
 Arithmetic Progressions

1 1 5 4 1
d = a2 – a1 =  = 
12 15 60 60

We know that,
n
Sn= 2a  (n  1)d 
2

 
S11 = 11 2  1   (11  1) 1 
2   15  60 

11  2 10 
= 
2 15 60 
11  2 1  11  4  5 
=  
2 15 6  2  30 
 11  9  33
=  
 2   30  20

Q2. Find the sums given below :

1
(i) 7 + 10 + 14 + ... + 84.
2

(ii) 34 + 32 + 30 + ... + 10
(iii) – 5 + (– 8) + (– 11) +...+ (– 230).

1 1 7
Sol. (i) a = 7, d = 10 –7=3 =
2 2 2
 = tn = 84  a + (n – 1) d = 84
7
 7 + (n – 1) × = 84
2
7
 (n – 1) × = 77
2
2
 n – 1 = 77 × = 22
7
 n = 23
n 23
The sum = {a + tn) = {7 + 84)
2 2
23 2093 1
= × 91 = = 1046
2 2 2
(ii) 34 + 32 + 30 + ....... + 10
a = 34
d = a2 – a1 = 32 – 34 = –2
 = 10
Let 10 be the nth term of this A.P.
 = a + (n – 1) d
10 = 34 + (n – 1) (–2)
–24 = (n – 1) (–2)

19
 Arithmetic Progressions

12 = n – 1
n = 13
n
Sn = (a + )
2
13
= (34 + 10)
2
13  44
= = 13 × 22 = 286
2
(iii) (–5) + (–8) + (–11) + ......... + (–230)
For this A.P.,
a = –5
 = –230
d = a2 – a1 = (–8) – (–5)
= – 8 + 5 = –3
Let –230 be the nth term of this A.P.
 = a + (n – 1)d
– 230 = – 5 + (n – 1) (–3)
– 225 = (n – 1) (–3)
(n – 1) = 75
n = 76
n
And, Sn = (a + )
2
76
= ( 5)  ( 230) 
2
= 38(–235)
= –8930

Q3. In an AP :
(i) Given a = 5, d = 3, an = 50, find n and Sn.
(ii) Given a = 7, a13 = 35, find d and S13.
(iii) Given a12 = 37, d = 3, find a and S12.
(iv) Given a3 = 15, S10 = 125, find d and a10.
(v) Given d = 5, S9 = 75, find a and a9.
(vi) Given a = 2, d = 8, Sn = 90, find n and an.
(vii) Given a = 8, an = 62, Sn = 210, find n and d.
(viii) Given an = 4, d = 2, Sn = – 14, find n and a.
(ix) Given a = 3, n = 8, S = 192, find d.
(x) Given  = 28, S = 144, and there are total 9 terms. Find a.

20
 Arithmetic Progressions

Sol. (i) a = 5, d = 3, an = 50
 a + (n – 1) d = 50
 5 + (n – 1) (3) = 50
 5 + 3n – 3 = 50 or 3n = 48 or n = 16
16
S16 = {2a + 15d}
2

= 8 {10 + 15 × 3} = 440
(ii) a = 7, a13 = 35
 a13 = a + (13 – 1) d
35 = 7 + 12 d
35 – 7 = 12d
28 = 12d
7
d=
3

n
S13 = a  a 13 
2

13
= [7 + 35]
2

13  42
= = 13 × 21
2
= 273
(iii) a12 = 37, d = 3
a12 = a + (12 – 1)3
37 = a + 33
a=4
n
Sn = [a + an]
2

12
S12 = [4 + 37]
2

S12 = 6(41)
S12 = 246
(iv) a3 = 15, S10 = 125
a3 = a + (3 – 1)d
15 = a + 2d .....(i)

n
Sn = [2a + (n – 1)d]
2

10
S10 = [2a + (n – 1)d]
2
21
 Arithmetic Progressions

125 = 5(2a + 9d)

25 = 2a + 9d ....(ii)
On multiplying equation (i) by 2, we obtain
30 = 2a + 4d .....(iii)
On subtracting equation (iii) from (ii), we obtain
–5 = 5d
d = –1
From equation (i),
15 = a + 2(–1)
15 = a – 2
a = 17
a10 = a + (10 – 1)d
a10 = 17 + (9) (–1)
a10 = 17 – 9 = 8
(v) d = 5, S9 = 75

9
S9 = [2a + (9 – 1)5]
2

9
75 = (2a + 40)
2

25 = 3(a + 20)
25 = 3a + 60
3a = 25 – 60

35
a=
3

a9 = a + (9 – 1) (5)

35
= + 8(5)
3

35
= + 40
3

35  120 85
= 
3 3

(vi) a = 2, d = 8, Sn = 90
n
 {2a + (n – 1) d} = 90
2
n
 {4 + (n – 1) × 8} = 90
2

22
 Arithmetic Progressions

n
 × {8n – 4} = 90
2
 4n2 – 2n – 90 = 0
 2n2 – n – 45 = 0
 2n2 – 10n + 9n – 45 = 0
 2n (n – 5) + 9 (n – 5) = 0
 (n – 5) (2n + 9) = 0
 n–5=0 ( 2n + 9  0)
 n=5
an = a5 = a + 4 d = 2 + 4 × 8 = 34
 an = 34
(vii) a = 8, an = 62, Sn = 210
n
210 = [8 + 62]
2
n
210 = (70)
2
n=6
an = a + (n – 1)d
62 = 8 + (6 – 1)d
62 – 8 = 5d
54 = 5d
54
d=
5
(viii) an = 4, d = 2, Sn = – 14
Now, an = 4  a + (n – 1) d = 4
 a + (n – 1) (2) = 4
 a = 6 – 2n ...(1)
Sn = – 14
n
 {2a + (n – 1) d} = – 14
2
n
 {2 (6 – 2n) + (n – 1) (2)} = – 14 {By(1)}
2
n
 {12 – 4n + 2n – 2) = – 14
2
n
 {10 – 2n} = – 14
2
 n (n – 5) = 14
 n2 – 5n – 14 = 0
 n2 – 7n + 2n – 14 = 0
 n (n – 7) + 2 (n – 7) = 0
 (n – 7) (n + 2) = 0
 n=7

23
 Arithmetic Progressions

From (1), a = 6 – 2 × 7 = – 8
a=–8
(ix) a = 3, n = 8, S = 192
8
192 = [2 × 3 + (8 – 1)d]
2
192 = 4 [6 + 7d]
48 = 6 + 7d
42 = 7d
d=6
(x)  = 28, i.e., tn = 28
 t9 = 28  a + 8d = 28
S = 144, i.e., S9 = 144
9 9
 {t1 + t9} = 144  (a + 28) = 144
2 2
 a + 28 = 32 a=4

Q4. How many terms of the AP : 9, 17, 25,.... must be taken to give a sum of 636?

Sol. a = 9, d = 8
Let Sn = 636
n
 [2a + (n – 1) d] = 636
2
n
 {2 × 9 + (n – 1) (8)} = 636
2
n
 {18 + 8n – 8} = 636
2
n
 {8n + 10} = 636  n (4n + 5) = 636
2
 4n2 + 5n – 636 = 0
–5  25  10176 –5  10201
 n= 
8 8
–5  101 106 96 53
= – or – or 12
8 8 8 4
53
We reject n = –  n = 12.
4
Hence, 12 terms makes the sum.

Q5. The first term of an AP is 5, the last term is 45 and the sum is 400. Find the number of terms and
the common difference.

Sol. a = 5, last term tn = 45 and Sn = 400

n
Sn = 400  {t1  t n }  400
2

24
 Arithmetic Progressions

n n
 {5  45}  400   50  400
2 2
 n = 16
Now, tn = 45  t16 = 45
 a + 15 d = 45  5 + 15d = 45
 15d = 40  d = 8/3

Q6. The first and the last term of an AP are 17 and 350 respectively. If the common difference is 9,
how many terms are there and what is their sum?

Sol. Given that,

a = 17
 = 350
d=9
Let there be n terms in the A.P.
 = a + (n – 1) d
350 = 17 + (n – 1)9
333 = (n – 1)9
(n – 1) = 37
n = 38

n
Sn  (a   )
2

38
 Sn = (17 + 350) = 19(367) = 6973
2

Thus, this A.P. contains 38 terms and the sum of the terms of this A.P. is 6973.

Q7. Find the sum of first 22 terms of an AP in which d = 7 and 22nd term is 149.

Sol. d = 7
a22 = 149
S22 = ?
a22 = a + (22 – 1)d
149 = a + 21 × 7
149 = a + 147
a=2
n 22
Sn = (a + an) = (2 + 149) = 11(151) = 1661
2 2

25
 Arithmetic Progressions

Q8. Find the sum of first 51 terms of an AP whose second and third terms are 14 and 18 respectively.

Sol. t2 = 14, t3 = 18
d = t3 – t2 = 18 – 14 = 4, i.e., d = 4
Now t2 = 14  a + d = 14
 a + 4 = 14  a = 10

51 51
S51 = {2a + 50d} = {2 × 10 + 50 × 4}
2 2

51
= × 220 = 51 × 110 = 5610
2

Q9. If the sum of 7 terms of an AP is 49 and that of 17 terms is 289, find the sum of n terms.

Sol. S7 = 49

7
 {2a + 6d} = 49  a + 3 d = 7 ...(1)
2

S17 = 289

17
 {2a + 16d} = 289  a + 8 d = 17 ...(2)
2

Subtracting (1) from (2), we get

5d = 17 – 7 = 10
 d=2
From (1),
a+3×2=7
 a=1

n
Sn = {2a + (n – 1)d}
2

n
= {2 × 1 + (n – 1) × 2}
2

n
= {2n} = n2
2

Hence, Sn = n2

Q10. Show that a1, a2,...an,... form an AP where an is defined as below :

(i) an = 3 + 4n (ii) an = 9 – 5n
Also find the sum of the first 15 terms in each case.

26
 Arithmetic Progressions

Sol. (i) an = 3 + 4 n
Putting n = 1, 2, 3, 4, ... in (1), we get
a1 = 3 + 4 = 7, a2 = 3 + 8 = 11,
a3 = 3 + 12 = 15, a4 = 3 + 16 = 19, ....
Thus, the sequence (list of numbers) is
7, 11, 15, 19, .....
Here, a2 – a1 = 11 – 7 = 4
a3 – a2 = 15 – 11 = 4,
a4 – a3 = 19 – 15 = 4
Therefore, the sequence forms an AP in which
a = 7 and d = 4.

15 15
S15 = {2a + 14d} = {2 × 7 + 14 × 4}
2 2

15
= × 70 = 15 × 35 = 525
2

(ii) an = 9 – 5n
a1 = 9 – 5 × 1 = 9 – 5 = 4
a2 = 9 – 5 × 2 = 9 – 10 = – 1
a3 = 9 – 5 × 3 = 9 – 15 = – 6
a4 = 9 – 5 × 4 = 9 – 20 = –11
It can be observed that
a2 – a1 = – 1 – 4 = –5
a3 – a2 = – 6 – (–1) = –5
a4 – a3 = – 11 – (–6) = –5
Therefore, this is an A.P. with common difference as –5 and first term as 4.
15
S15 = [2a + (n – 1)d]
2

15
= [8 + 14(–5)]
2

15
= (8 – 70)
2

15
= (–62) = 15(–31)
2

= –465

27
 Arithmetic Progressions

Q11. If the sum of the first n terms of an AP is 4n – n2, what is the first term (that is S1)? What is the
sum of first two terms? What is the second term? Similarly, find the 3rd, the 10th and the nth
terms.

Sol. Sn = 4n – n2
Putting n = 1, we get S1 = 4 – 1 = 3
i.e., t1 = 3
S2 = 4 (2) – (2)2 = 8 – 4 = 4, i.e., S2 = 4
 t1 + t2 = 4  3 + t2 = 4  t2 = 1
t2 – t1 = 1 – 3 = – 2  d = – 2
Then t3 = t2 + d = 1 – 2 = – 1, i.e., t3 = – 1
t10 = a + 9 d = 3 + 9 (– 2) ( t1 = a)
 t10 = – 15
tn = a + (n – 1) d = 3 + (n – 1) × (– 2)
i.e., tn = 5 – 2n

Q12. Find the sum of the first 40 positive integers divisible by 6.

Sol. The positive integers that are divisible by 6 are 6, 12, 18, 24 …
It can be observed that these are making an A.P. whose first term is 6 and common difference is
6.
a=6
d=6
S40 = ?
n
Sn = [2a + (n – 1)d]
2

40
S40 = [2(6) + (40 – 1)6]
2

= 20[12 + (39) (6)]

= 20(12 + 234)
= 20 × 246
= 4920

Q13. Find the sum of the first 15 multiples of 8.

Sol. The multiples of 8 are 8, 16, 24, 32…

These are in an A.P., having first term as 8 and common difference as 8.
Therefore, a = 8
d=8
S15 =?
28
 Arithmetic Progressions

n
Sn = [2a + (n – 1)d]
2

15
= [2(8) + (15 – 1)8]
2

15
= [16 +14 (8)]
2

15
= (16 + 112)
2

15(128)
= =15 × 64
2

= 960

Q14. Find the sum of the odd numbers between 0 and 50.

Sol. 1, 3, 5, 7 ..., 49
a = 1, d = 2
 = tn = 49
 a + (n – 1) d = 49
 1 + (n – 1) (2) = 49
 1 + 2n – 2 = 49
 2n = 50 or n = 25
25 25
The sum = {a + } = {1 + 49)
2 2

25
= × 50 = 625
2

Q15. A contract on construction job specifies a penalty for delay of completion beyond a certain date as
follows : Rs. 200 for the first day, Rs. 250 for the second day, Rs. 300 for the third day, etc., the
penalty for each succeeding day being Rs. 50 more than for the preceding day. How much money
the contractor has to pay as penalty, if he has delayed the work by 30 days?

Sol. It can be observed that these penalties are in an A.P. having first term as 200 and common difference
as 50.
a = 200
d = 50
Penalty that has to be paid if he has delayed the work by 30 days = S30
30
S30 = [2(200) + (30 – 1)50]
2
= 15 [400 + 1450]

29
 Arithmetic Progressions

= 15 (1850)
= 27750

Q16. A sum of Rs. 700 is to be used to give seven cash prizes to students of a school for their overall
academic performance. If each prize is Rs. 20 less than its preceding prize, find the value of each of
the prizes.

Sol. Let the Ist prize be of Rs. a.

Then the next prize will be of Rs. (a – 20)
Then the next prize will be of Rs. {(a – 20) – 20},
i.e., Rs. (a – 40)
Thus, the seven prizes are of Rs. a, Rs. (a – 20), Rs. (a – 40), ... (an AP)
Then a + (a – 20) + (a – 40) + ... to 7 terms = 700
7
 {2a + 6 × (–20)} = 700 ( d = – 20)
2

7
 × (2a – 120) = 700  a – 60 = 100
2

 a = 160
Thus, the 7 prizes are of Rs. 160, Rs. 140, Rs. 120, Rs. 100, Rs. 80, Rs. 60, Rs. 40.

Q17. In a school, students thought of planting trees in and around the school to reduce air pollution. It
was decided that the number of trees, that each section of each class will plant, will be the same
as the class, in which they are studying, e.g., a section of class I will plant 1 tree, a section of
class II will plant 2 trees and so on till class XII. There are three sections of each class. How
many trees will be planted by the students?

Sol. It can be observed that the number of trees planted by the students is in an AP.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ..........12
First term, a = 1
Common difference, d = 2 – 1 = 1
n
Sn = [2a + (n – 1)d]
2
12
S12 = [2(1) + (12 – 1)(1)]
2
= 6 (2 + 11)
= 6 (13)
= 78
Therefore, number of trees planted by 1 section of the classes = 78
Number of trees planted by 3 sections of the classes = 3 × 78 = 234
Therefore, 234 trees will be planted by the students.

30
 Arithmetic Progressions

Q18. A spiral is made up of successive semi-circles, with centres alternately at A and B, starting with
centre at A, of radii 0.5 cm, 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, 2.0 cm,... as shown in fig. What is the total length of
such a spiral made up of thirteen consecutive semi-circles? (Take  = 22/7)
3
1

AB
2
4

Sol. From the figure,

1 3 1 3
1 =  × ,  =  × 1, 3 =  × , 4 =  × 2, and so. i.e., 1 = , 2 = , 3 = , 4 = 2,.....
2 2 2 2 2
Thus, 1,2,3, 4,........ form an AP.
1
 2 –1 =3 – 2 =4 – 3 =...= 
2

 
Thus, a= ,d=
2 2
Length of the spiral = 1 + 2 +.... + 13

13 13 2    12   
= {2a + 12d} =  
2 2  2 2

91  91 22
= cm   cm = 143 cm
2 2 7

Q19. 200 logs are stacked in the following manner : 20 logs in the bottom row, 19 in the next row, 18
in the row next to it and so on (see figure). In how many rows are the 200 logs placed and how
many logs are in the top row?

Sol. It can be observed that the numbers of logs in rows are in an A.P.
20, 19, 18…
For this A.P.,
a = 20
d = a2 – a1 = 19 – 20 = –1
Let a total of 200 logs be placed in n rows.
Sn = 200
n
Sn = [2a + (n – 1)d]
2

31
 Arithmetic Progressions

n
200 = [2(20) + (n – 1)(–1)]
2
400 = n (40 – n + 1)
400 = n (41 – n)
400 = 41n – n2
n2 – 41n + 400 = 0
n2 – 16n – 25n + 400 = 0
n (n – 16) –25 (n – 16) = 0
(n – 16) (n – 25) = 0
Either (n – 16) = 0 or n – 25 = 0
n = 16 or n = 25
an = a + (n – 1)d
a16 = 20 + (16 – 1) (–1)
a16 = 20 – 15
a16 = 5
Similarly,
a25 = 20 + (25 – 1) (–1)
a25 = 20 – 24
= –4
Clearly, the number of logs in 16th row is 5. However, the number of logs in 25th row is negative,
which is not possible.
Therefore, 200 logs can be placed in 16 rows and the number of logs in the 16th row is 5.

Q20. In a potato race, a bucket is placed at the starting point, which is 5 m from the first potato, and the
other potatoes are placed 3 m apart in a straight line. There are ten potatoes in the line (see fig.).
A competitor starts from the bucket, picks up the nearest potato, runs back with it, drops it in the
bucket, runs back to pick up the next potato, runs to the bucket to drop it in, and she continues in
the same way until all the potatoes are in the bucket. What is the total distance the competitor has
to run?

5m 3m 3m

Sol. Distance run to pick up the Ist potato

= 2 × 5 = 10 m
Distance run to pick up the IInd potato
= 2 × (5 + 3) m = 16 m
Distance run to pick up the IIIrd potato

32
 Arithmetic Progressions

= 2 × {5 + 3 + 3} m = 22 m
Thus, the sequence become 10, 16, 22, ... to 10 terms. It forms an A.P.
Here, a = 10, d = 6 and n = 10

10
Sum = S10 = {2a + 9d} = 5 × {2 × 10 + 9 × 6)
2

= 5 × 74 m = 370 m
Hence, the total distance run by a competitor

= 370 m.

33