The sum of the first ten terms of an Arithmetic Progression (A.P.) is 130. If the fifth term is 3 times the first term, find the:
common difference;
first term;
number of terms of the A.P. if the last term is 28.
Verified Correct Answer: .
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
(a) it was expected that they substitute into the formula for sum of an Arithmetic Progression to have 130 = 1\(\frac{1}{2}\) [2a+(10 - 1)d] and simplifying will yield 2a + 9d = 26 -------(1).
Also, U5 = a + (5 – 1)d = 3a and simplifying will yield a = 2d --------------------------------(2)
Substituting for a in equation (1) will yield 2(2d) + 9d = 26 and solving for d, d = 2.
(b), Substituting for d in equation (2) to get the first term:a = 2(2) = 4
(c) The number of terms required can be obtained by solving 28 = 4 + (n – 1)2 which resulted to n = 13.
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #56266)