Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Solutions to Exercise 1A
1a Each term is 150 more than the previous term. The sequence is as follows:
850, 1000, 1150, 1300, 1450, 1600, 1750, 1900, 2050, 2200, 2350, 2500, 2650, 2800

1b Looking at the sequence from part (a), 𝑇9 = 2050.

Alex’s stamp collection first exceeded 2000 stamps after 9 months.

2a Each term is 5 more than the previous term. The sequence is as follows:
5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35

2b Each term is 10 more than the previous term. The sequence is as follows:
6, 16, 26, 36, 46, 56, 66

2c Each term is double the previous term. The sequence is as follows:

2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128

2d Each term is double the previous term. The sequence is as follows:

3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 192

2e Each term is 4 less than the previous term. The sequence is as follows:
38, 34, 30, 26, 22, 18, 14

2f Each term is 9 less than the previous term. The sequence is as follows:
39, 30, 21, 12, 3, −6, −15

2g Each term is half the previous term. The sequence is as follows:

3 3
24, 12, 6, 3, 112, 4 , 8

2h Each term is the previous term divided by 3. The sequence is as follows:

1 1
81, 27, 9, 3, 1, 3 , 9

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

2i Each term is the previous term multiplied by −1. The sequence is as follows:
−1, 1, −1, 1, −1, 1, −1

2j Each term is squared. The sequence is as follows:

1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49

𝑛
2k Each term is of the form 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑛+1. The sequence is as follows:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
, , , , , ,
2 3 4 5 6 7 8

2l Each term is the previous term divided by −2. The sequence is as follows:
1 1
16, −8, 4, −2, 1, − ,
2 4

3a 𝑇𝑛 = 6𝑛
𝑇1 = 6
𝑇2 = 6 × 2 = 12
𝑇3 = 6 × 3 = 18
𝑇4 = 6 × 4 = 24

3b 𝑇𝑛 = 5𝑛 − 2
𝑇1 = 5 − 2 = 3
𝑇2 = 10 − 2 = 8
𝑇3 = 15 − 2 = 13
𝑇4 = 20 − 2 = 18

3c 𝑇𝑛 = 2𝑛
𝑇1 = 21 = 2
𝑇2 = 22 = 4
𝑇3 = 23 = 8
𝑇4 = 24 = 16

3d 𝑇𝑛 = 5𝑛
𝑇1 = 51 = 5
𝑇2 = 52 = 25
𝑇3 = 53 = 125
𝑇4 = 54 = 625

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

3e 𝑇𝑛 = 20 − 𝑛
𝑇1 = 20 − 1 = 19
𝑇2 = 20 − 2 = 18
𝑇3 = 20 − 3 = 17
𝑇4 = 20 − 4 = 16

3f 𝑇𝑛 = 6 − 2𝑛
𝑇1 = 6 − 2 = 4
𝑇2 = 6 − 4 = 2
𝑇3 = 6 − 6 = 0
𝑇4 = 6 − 8 = −2

3g 𝑇𝑛 = 3 × 2𝑛
𝑇1 = 3 × 2 = 6
𝑇2 = 3 × 4 = 12
𝑇3 = 3 × 8 = 24
𝑇4 = 3 × 16 = 48

3h 𝑇𝑛 = 7 × 10𝑛
𝑇1 = 7 × 10 = 70
𝑇2 = 7 × 100 = 700
𝑇3 = 7 × 1 000 = 7000
𝑇4 = 7 × 10 000 = 70 000

3i 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑛3
𝑇1 = 13 = 1
𝑇2 = 23 = 8
𝑇3 = 33 = 27
𝑇4 = 43 = 64

3j 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
𝑇1 = 1(2) = 2
𝑇2 = 2(3) = 6
𝑇3 = 3(4) = 12
𝑇4 = 4(5) = 20

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

3k 𝑇𝑛 = (−1)𝑛
𝑇1 = (−1)1 = −1
𝑇2 = (−1)2 = 1
𝑇3 = (−1)3 = −1
𝑇4 = (−1)4 = 1

3l 𝑇𝑛 = (−3)𝑛
𝑇1 = (−3)1 = −3
𝑇2 = (−3)2 = 9
𝑇3 = (−3)3 = −27
𝑇4 = (−3)4 = 81

4a Start with 6 as the first term, and add 2 to find the next term:
6, 8, 10, 12

4b Start with 11 as the first term, and add 50 to find the next term:
11, 61, 111, 161

4c Start with 15 as the first term, then subtract 3 to find the next term:
15, 12, 9, 6

4d Start with 12 as the first term, then subtract 8 to find the next term:
12, 4, −4, −12

4e Start with 5 as the first term, then double it to find the next term:
5, 10, 20, 40

1
4f Start with 3 as the first term, then triple it to find the next term:
1
, 1, 3, 9
3

4g Start with 18 as the first term, then halve it to find the next term:
9 9
18, 9, 2 , 4

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

4h Start with −100 as the first term, then divide by 5 to find the next term:
4
−100, −20, −4, − 5

5 Each term is 5 more than the previous term. The sequence is as follows:
7, 12, 17, 22, 27, 32, 37, 42, 47, 52, 57, 62

5a Counting the number of terms:

𝟕, 𝟏𝟐, 𝟏𝟕, 𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟕, 32, 37, 42, 47, 52, 57, 62
5 terms are less than 30.

5b Counting the number of terms:

𝟕, 𝟏𝟐, 𝟏𝟕, 𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟕, 𝟑𝟐, 𝟑𝟕, 𝟒𝟐, 𝟒𝟕, 𝟓𝟐, 𝟓𝟕, 62
11 terms are less than 60.

5c Counting the number of terms:

7, 12, 17, 𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟕, 𝟑𝟐, 𝟑𝟕, 42, 47, 52, 57, 62
4 terms lie between 20 and 40.

5d Counting the number of terms:

7, 𝟏𝟐, 𝟏𝟕, 𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟕, 𝟑𝟐, 𝟑𝟕, 𝟒𝟐, 𝟒𝟕, 52, 57, 62
8 terms lie between 10 and 50.

5e 7, 12, 17, 22, 27, 32, 37, 42, 47, 𝟓𝟐, 57, 62
The tenth term is 52.

5f 37 is the 7th term.

5g This sequence is in the form: 𝑇𝑛 = 5𝑛 + 2

Put 𝑇𝑛 = 87
Then 87 = 5𝑛 + 2
85 = 5𝑛
𝑛 = 17
Hence 87 is the 17th term.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

5h This sequence is in the form: 𝑇𝑛 = 5𝑛 + 2

Put 𝑇𝑛 = 201
Then 201 = 5𝑛 + 2
199 = 5𝑛
4
𝑛 = 39 5
Hence 201 is not a term of this sequence.

5i This sequence is in the form: 𝑇𝑛 = 5𝑛 + 2

Put 𝑇𝑛 > 45
Then 5𝑛 + 2 > 45
5𝑛 > 43
3
𝑛 > 85
Hence, the first term greater than 45 is the 9th term. 𝑇9 = 47

5j This sequence is in the form: 𝑇𝑛 = 5𝑛 + 2

Put 𝑇𝑛 < 43
Then 5𝑛 + 2 < 43
5𝑛 < 41
1
𝑛 < 85
Hence, the last term less than 43 is the 8th term. 𝑇8 = 42

6 Each term is double the previous term:

3 1
, 1 2 , 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 192, 384, 768, 1536
4

6a Counting the number of terms:

𝟑 𝟏
, 𝟏 𝟐 , 𝟑, 𝟔, 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟒, 48, 96, 192, 384, 768, 1536
𝟒
6 terms are less than 30.

6b Counting the number of terms:

𝟑 𝟏
, 𝟏 𝟐 , 𝟑, 𝟔, 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟒, 𝟒𝟖, 𝟗𝟔, 𝟏𝟗𝟐, 𝟑𝟖𝟒, 768, 1536
𝟒
7 terms are less than 400

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

6c Counting the number of terms:

3 1
, 1 2 , 3, 6, 12, 𝟐𝟒, 𝟒𝟖, 𝟗𝟔, 192, 384, 768, 1536
4
3 terms are between 20 and 100.

6d Counting the number of terms:

3 𝟏
, 𝟏 𝟐 , 𝟑, 𝟔, 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟒, 𝟒𝟖, 𝟗𝟔, 𝟏𝟗𝟐, 𝟑𝟖𝟒, 𝟕𝟔𝟖, 1536
4
10 terms are between 1 and 1000.

6e 384 is the 10th term.

6f 192 is the 9th term.

6g Looking at the sequence:

Yes, 𝑇8 = 96

6h Looking at the sequence:

No, 100 is not a term in the sequence.

6i Looking at the sequence:

𝑇9 = 192
𝑇10 = 384
Hence the tenth term, 𝑇10 = 384, is the first term greater than 200.

6j Looking at the sequence:

𝑇8 = 96
𝑇7 = 48
Hence the seventh term, 𝑇7 = 48, is the last term less than 50.

7a 𝑇𝑛 = 12 + 𝑛
𝑇1 = 12 + 1 = 13
𝑇2 = 12 + 2 = 14
𝑇3 = 12 + 3 = 15
𝑇4 = 12 + 4 = 16

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇5 = 12 + 5 = 17
The first term is 12, and every term after that is 1 more than the previous one.

7b 𝑇𝑛 = 4 + 5𝑛
𝑇1 = 4 + 5 = 9
𝑇2 = 4 + 10 = 14
𝑇3 = 4 + 15 = 19
𝑇4 = 4 + 20 = 24
𝑇5 = 4 + 25 = 29
The first term is 9, and every term after that is 5 more than the previous one.

7c 𝑇𝑛 = 15 − 5𝑛
𝑇1 = 15 − 5 = 10
𝑇2 = 15 − 10 = 5
𝑇3 = 15 − 15 = 0
𝑇4 = 15 − 20 = −5
𝑇5 = 15 − 25 = −10
The first term is 10, and every term after that is 5 less than the previous one.

7d 𝑇𝑛 = 3 × 2𝑛
𝑇1 = 3 × 2 = 6
𝑇2 = 3 × 4 = 12
𝑇3 = 3 × 8 = 24
𝑇4 = 3 × 16 = 48
𝑇5 = 3 × 32 = 96
The first term is 6, and every term after that is double the previous one.

7e 𝑇𝑛 = 7 × (−1)𝑛
𝑇1 = 7 × (−1)1 = −7
𝑇2 = 7 × (−1)2 = 7
𝑇3 = 7 × (−1)3 = −7
𝑇4 = 7 × (−1)4 = 7
𝑇5 = 7 × (−1)5 = −7
The first term is −7, and every term after that is the previous one multiplied by
−1.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1 𝑛
7f 𝑇𝑛 = 80 × (2)
1 1
𝑇1 = 80 × (2) = 40
1 2
𝑇2 = 80 × (2) = 20
1 3
𝑇3 = 80 × (2) = 10
1 4
𝑇4 = 80 × (2) = 5
1 5 1
𝑇𝑛 = 80 × (2) = 2 2
The first term is 40, and every term after that is half the previous term.

8a 𝑇𝑛 = 3𝑛 + 1
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 40
Then 40 = 3𝑛 + 1
39 = 3𝑛
𝑛 = 13
Hence this is a term in the sequence as 13 is an integer

8b 𝑇𝑛 = 3𝑛 + 1
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 30
Then 30 = 3𝑛 + 1
29 = 3𝑛
𝑛 = 9.666666 ….
Hence this is not a term in the sequence as 9.666666 …. is not an integer

8c 𝑇𝑛 = 3𝑛 + 1
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 100
Then 100 = 3𝑛 + 1
99 = 3𝑛
𝑛 = 33
Hence this is a term in the sequence as 33 is an integer
𝑇𝑛 = 3𝑛 + 1
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 200
Then 200 = 3𝑛 + 1
119 = 3𝑛
𝑛 = 39.666666 ….
Hence this is not a term in the sequence as 39.666666 …. is not an integer.
𝑇𝑛 = 3𝑛 + 1

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Put 𝑇𝑛 = 1000
Then 1000 = 3𝑛 + 1
999 = 3𝑛
𝑛 = 333
Hence this is a term in the sequence as 333 is an integer

9a 𝑇𝑛 = 2𝑛 − 5
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 16
Then 16 = 2𝑛 − 5
21 = 2𝑛
1
𝑛 = 10 2
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 35
Then 35 = 2𝑛 − 5
40 = 2𝑛
𝑛 = 20
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 111
Then 111 = 2𝑛 − 5
116 = 2𝑛
𝑛 = 58
Hence 16 is not a term in this sequence. 35 is the 20th term in the sequence, and
111 is the 58th term in the sequence.

9b 𝑇𝑛 = 10𝑛 − 6
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 44
Then 44 = 10𝑛 − 6
50 = 10𝑛
𝑛=5
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 200
Then 200 = 10𝑛 − 6
206 = 10𝑛
6
𝑛 = 20 10
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 306
Then 306 = 10𝑛 − 6
312 = 10𝑛
2
𝑛 = 31 10
Hence 200 and 306 are not terms in this sequence. 44 is the 5th term in the
sequence.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

9c 𝑇𝑛 = 2𝑛2
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 40
Then 40 = 2𝑛2
20 = 𝑛2
𝑛 = 4.47214 …
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 72
Then 72 = 2𝑛2
36 = 𝑛2
𝑛=6
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 200
Then 200 = 2𝑛2
100 = 𝑛2
𝑛 = 10
Hence 40 is not a term in this sequence. 72 is the 6th term in this sequence, and
200 is the 10th term in this sequence.

9d 𝑇𝑛 = 2𝑛
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 8
Then 8 = 2𝑛
𝑛 = log 2 8
𝑛=3
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 96
Then 96 = 2𝑛
𝑛 = log 2 96
𝑛 = 6.58496 …
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 128
Then 128 = 2𝑛
𝑛 = log 2 128
𝑛=7
Hence 96 is not a term in this sequence. 8 is the 3rd term in the sequence and
128 is the 7th term in the sequence.

10a 𝑇𝑛 = 10𝑛 + 4
Put 𝑇𝑛 < 100
Then 10𝑛 + 4 < 100
10𝑛 < 96
𝑛 < 9.6
Hence there are 9 terms, 𝑇1 to 𝑇9 less than 100.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

10b 𝑇𝑛 = 10𝑛 + 4
Put 𝑇𝑛 > 56
Then 10𝑛 + 4 > 56
10𝑛 > 52
𝑛 > 5.2
Hence 𝑇6 = 64 is the first term greater then 56.

10c 𝑇𝑛 = 10𝑛 + 4
Put 𝑇𝑛 < 500
Then 10𝑛 + 4 < 500
10𝑛 < 500
𝑛 < 50
Hence there are 49 terms less than 500.

10d 𝑇𝑛 = 10𝑛 + 4
Put 𝑇𝑛 > 203
Then 10𝑛 + 4 > 203
10𝑛 > 199
𝑛 > 19.9
Hence 𝑇20 = 204 is the first term greater than 203.

11a 𝑇𝑛 = 2𝑛 − 5
Put 𝑇𝑛 < 100
Then 2𝑛 − 5 < 100
2𝑛 < 105
𝑛 < 52.5
Hence there are 52 terms less than 100.

11b 𝑇𝑛 = 4𝑛 + 6
Put 𝑇𝑛 < 300
Then 4𝑛 + 6 < 300
4𝑛 < 294
𝑛 < 73.5
Hence there are 73 terms less than 300.

11c 𝑇𝑛 = 3𝑛 + 5
Put 𝑇𝑛 > 127
Then 3𝑛 + 5 > 127

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

3𝑛 > 122
𝑛 > 40.67
Hence the first term greater than 127 is 𝑇41 = 128.

11d 𝑇𝑛 = 7𝑛 − 44
Put 𝑇𝑛 > 100
Then 7𝑛 − 44 > 100
7𝑛 > 144
𝑛 > 20.57
Hence the first term greater than 100 is 𝑇21 = 103.

12a 𝑇1 = 3
𝑇2 = 𝑇1 + 2 = 3 + 2 = 5
𝑇3 = 𝑇2 + 2 = 5 + 2 = 7
𝑇4 = 𝑇3 + 2 = 7 + 2 = 9

12b 𝑇1 = 5
𝑇2 = 𝑇1 + 12 = 5 + 12 = 17
𝑇3 = 𝑇2 + 12 = 17 + 12 = 29
𝑇4 = 𝑇3 + 12 = 19 + 12 = 41

12c 𝑇1 = 6
𝑇2 = 𝑇1 − 3 = 6 − 3 = 3
𝑇3 = 𝑇2 − 3 = 3 − 3 = 0
𝑇4 = 𝑇3 − 3 = 0 − 3 = −3

12d 𝑇1 = 12
𝑇2 = 𝑇1 − 10 = 12 − 10 = 2
𝑇3 = 𝑇2 − 10 = 2 − 10 = −8
𝑇4 = 𝑇3 − 10 = −8 − 10 = −18

12e 𝑇1 = 5
𝑇2 = 2𝑇1 = 2 × 5 = 10
𝑇3 = 2𝑇2 = 2 × 10 = 20
𝑇4 = 2𝑇3 = 2 × 20 = 40

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

12f 𝑇1 = 4
𝑇2 = 5𝑇1 = 5 × 4 = 20
𝑇3 = 5𝑇2 = 5 × 20 = 100
𝑇4 = 5𝑇3 = 5 × 100 = 500

12g 𝑇1 = 20
1 1
𝑇2 = 𝑇1 = × 20 = 10
2 2
1 1
𝑇3 = 𝑇2 = × 10 = 5
2 2
1 1 1
𝑇4 = 𝑇3 = × 5 = 2
2 2 2

12h 𝑇1 = 1
𝑇2 = −𝑇1 = −1 × 1 = −1
𝑇3 = −𝑇2 = −1 × −1 = 1
𝑇4 = −𝑇3 = −1 × 1 = −1

13a 𝑇1 = sin 90° = 1

𝑇2 = sin 180° = 0
𝑇3 = sin 270° = −1
𝑇4 = sin 360° = 0
Terms are zero where 𝑛 is even.

13b 𝑇1 = cos 90° = 0

𝑇2 = cos 180° = −1
𝑇3 = cos 270° = 0
𝑇4 = cos 360° = 1
Terms are zero where 𝑛 is odd.

13c 𝑇1 = cos 180° = −1

𝑇2 = cos 360° = 1
𝑇3 = cos 540° = −1
𝑇4 = cos 720° = 1
No terms are zero.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

13d 𝑇1 = sin 180° = 0

𝑇2 = sin 360° = 0
𝑇3 = sin 540° = 0
𝑇4 = sin 720° = 0
All terms are zero.

14 𝐹1 = 1
𝐹2 = 1
𝐹3 = 𝐹1 + 𝐹2 = 1 + 1 = 2
𝐹4 = 𝐹3 + 𝐹2 = 2 + 1 = 3
𝐹5 = 𝐹4 + 𝐹3 = 3 + 2 = 5
𝐹6 = 8
𝐹7 = 13
𝐹8 = 21
𝐹9 = 34
𝐹10 = 55
𝐹11 = 89
𝐹12 = 144
The sum of two odd integers is even, and the sum of an even and an odd integer
is odd.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Solutions to Exercise 1B
1a Each term is 4 more than the previous term. The sequence is as follows:
2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22

1b Each term is 5 more than the previous term. The sequence is as follows:
3, 8, 13, 18, 23, 28

1c Each term is 10 less than the previous term. The sequence is as follows:
35, 25, 15, 5, −5, −15

1d Each term is 6 less than the previous term. The sequence is as follows:
11, 5, −1, −7, −13, −19

1
1e Each term is 1 2 more than the previous term. The sequence is as follows:
1 1 1
4 2 , 6, 7 2 , 9, 10 2 , 12

1
1f Each term is 2 less than the previous term. The sequence is as follows:
1 1 1
8, 7 2 , 7, 6 2 , 6, 5 2

2a Start at 3 and add 2. The sequence is as follows:

3, 5, 7, 9

2b Start at 7 and add 2. The sequence is as follows:

7, 9, 11, 13

2c Start at 7 and subtract 4. The sequence is as follows:

7, 3, −1, −5

2d Start at 17 and add 11. The sequence is as follows:

17, 28, 39, 50

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

2e Start at 30 and subtract 11. The sequence is as follows:

30, 19, 8, −3

2f Start at −9 and add 4. The sequence is as follows:

−9, −5, −1, 3

1 1
2g Start at 4 2 and subtract 2. The sequence is as follows:
1 1
4 2 , 4, 3 2 , 3

1
2h Start at 3 2 and subtract 2. The sequence is as follows:
1 1 1 1
3 2 , 1 2 , − 2 , −2 2

2i Start at 0.9 and add 0.7. The sequence is as follows:

0.9, 1.6, 2.3, 3.0

3a 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 7 − 3 = 4
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 11 − 7 = 4
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑑 = 4.

3b 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 7 − 11 = −4
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 3 − 7 = −4
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 11 and 𝑑 = −4.

3c 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 17 − 10 = 7
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 24 − 17 = 7
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 10 and 𝑑 = 7.

3d 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 20 − 10 = 10
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 40 − 20 = 20
Hence this sequence is not an AP, as the differences are not all the same.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

3e 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 35 − 50 = −15
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 20 − 35 = −15
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 50 and 𝑑 = −15.

3f 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 34 − 23 = 11
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 45 − 34 = 11
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 23 and 𝑑 = 11.

3g 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = (−7) − (−12) = 5
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = (−7) − (−2) = 5
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = −12 and 𝑑 = 5.

3h 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 20 − (−40) = 60
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = (−10) − 20 = −30
Hence this sequence is not an AP, as the differences are not all the same.

3i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 11 − 1 = 10
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 111 − 11 = 100
Hence this sequence is not an AP, as the differences are not all the same.

3j 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = (−2) − 8 = −10
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = (−12) − (−2) = −10
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 8 and 𝑑 = −10.

3k 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 0 − (−17) = 17
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 17 − 0 = 17
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = −17 and 𝑑 = 17.

1 1
3l 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 7 2 − 10 = −2 2
1 1
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 5 − 7 2 = −2 2
1
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 10 and 𝑑 = −2 2.

4a 𝑎 = 7 and 𝑑 = 6
𝑇𝑛 = 7 + 6(𝑛 − 1)

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

= 7 + 6𝑛 − 6
= 1 + 6𝑛
𝑇11 = 1 + 6 × 11 = 67

4b 𝑎 = 15 and 𝑑 = −7
𝑇𝑛 = 15 − 7(𝑛 − 1)
= 15 − 7𝑛 + 7
= 22 − 7𝑛
𝑇11 = 22 − 7 × 11 = −55

1
4c 𝑎 = 10 2 and 𝑑 = 4
1
𝑇𝑛 = 10 2 + 4(𝑛 − 1)
1
= 10 2 + 4𝑛 − 4
1
= 6 2 + 4𝑛
1 1
𝑇11 = 6 2 + 4 × 11 = 50 2

5a 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑑 = 4
𝑇𝑛 = 1 + 4(𝑛 − 1)
= 1 + 4𝑛 − 4
= −3 + 4𝑛
𝑇8 = −3 + 4 × 8 = 29

5b 𝑎 = 100 and 𝑑 = −7
𝑇𝑛 = 100 − 7(𝑛 − 1)
= 100 − 7𝑛 + 7
= 107 − 7𝑛
𝑇8 = 107 − 7 × 8 = 51

5c 𝑎 = −13 and 𝑑 = 6
𝑇𝑛 = −13 + 6(𝑛 − 1)
= −13 + 6𝑛 − 6
= −19 + 6𝑛
𝑇8 = −19 + 6 × 8 = 29

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

6a 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 16 − 6 = 10
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 26 − 16 = 10
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 6 and 𝑑 = 10.

6b 𝑇9 = 6 + 10(9 − 1)
𝑇9 = 86
𝑇21 = 6 + 10(21 − 1) = 206
𝑇100 = 6 + 10(100 − 1) = 996

6c 𝑇𝑛 = 6 + 10(𝑛 − 1)
= 6 + 10𝑛 − 10
= 10𝑛 − 4

7a 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = (−9) − (−20) = 11
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 2 − (−9) = 11
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = −20 and 𝑑 = 11.

7b 𝑇8 = −20 + 11(8 − 1) = 57
𝑇31 = −20 + 11(31 − 1) = 310
𝑇200 = −20 + 11(200 − 1) = 2169

7c 𝑇𝑛 = −20 + 11(𝑛 − 1)
= −20 + 11𝑛 − 11
= 11𝑛 − 31

8a 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 260 − 300 = −40

𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 220 − 260 = −40
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 300 and 𝑑 = −40.

8b 𝑇7 = 300 − 40(7 − 1) = 60
𝑇51 = 300 − 40(51 − 1) = −1700
𝑇1000 = 300 − 40(1000 − 1) = −39 660

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

8c 𝑇𝑛 = 300 − 40(𝑛 − 1)
= 300 − 40𝑛 + 40
= 340 − 40𝑛

9a 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 11 − 8 = 3
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 14 − 11 = 3
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 8 and 𝑑 = 3.
𝑇𝑛 = 8 + 3(𝑛 − 1)
= 8 + 3𝑛 − 3
= 5 + 3𝑛

9b 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 15 − 21 = −6
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 9 − 15 = −6
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 21 and 𝑑 = −6.
𝑇𝑛 = 21 − 6(𝑛 − 1)
= 21 − 6𝑛 + 6
= 27 − 6𝑛

9c 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 4 − 8 = −4
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 2 − 4 = −2
Hence this sequence is not an AP, as the differences are not all the same.

9d 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 1 − (−3) = 4
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 5 − 1 = 4
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = −3 and 𝑑 = 4.
𝑇𝑛 = −3 + 4(𝑛 − 1)
= −3 + 4𝑛 − 4
= 4𝑛 − 7

3 1
9e 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 3 − 1 4 = 1 4
1 1
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 4 4 − 3 = 1 4
3 1
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 1 4 and 𝑑 = 1 4.
3 1
𝑇𝑛 = 1 4 + 1 4 (𝑛 − 1)
3 1 1
= 14 + 14𝑛 − 14
1 1
= 14𝑛 + 2
1
= 4 (2 + 5𝑛)

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

9f 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = −5 − 12 = −17
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = −22 − (−5) = −17
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 12 and 𝑑 = −17.
𝑇𝑛 = 12 − 17(𝑛 − 1)
= 12 − 17𝑛 + 17
= 29 − 17𝑛

9g 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 2√2 − √2 = √2
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 3√2 − 2√2 = √2
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = √2 and 𝑑 = √2.
𝑇𝑛 = √2 + √2(𝑛 − 1)
= √2 + 𝑛√2 − √2
= 𝑛√2

9h 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 4 − 1 = 3
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 9 − 4 = 5
𝑇4 − 𝑇3 = 16 − 9 = 7
Hence this sequence is not an AP, as the differences are not all the same.

1 1
9i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 1— 2 2 = 3 2
1 1
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 4 2 − 1 = 3 2
1 1
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = −2 2 and 𝑑 = 3 2.
1 7
𝑇𝑛 = −2 2 + 2 (𝑛 − 1)
1 7 1
= −2 2 + 2 𝑛 − 3 2
7
= 2𝑛 − 6

10a 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 160 − 165 = −5

𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 160 − 165 = −5
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 165 and 𝑑 = −5.
𝑇𝑛 = 165 − 5(𝑛 − 1)
= 165 − 5𝑛 + 5
= 170 − 5𝑛

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

10b Put 𝑇𝑛 = 40
Then: 40 = 165 − 5(𝑛 − 1)
40 = 165 − 5𝑛 + 5
40 = 170 − 5𝑛
130 = 5𝑛
𝑛 = 26
There are 26 terms in the sequence.
10c Put 𝑇𝑛 < 0
Then: 0 > 165 − 5(𝑛 − 1)
0 > 165 − 5𝑛 + 5
0 > 170 − 5𝑛
5𝑛 > 170
𝑛 > 34
The first negative term is 𝑇35 = −5

11a 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 12 − 10 = 2
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 14 − 12 = 2
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 10 and 𝑑 = 2.
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 30
Then: 30 = 10 + 2(𝑛 − 1)
30 = 10 + 2𝑛 − 2
30 = 8 + 2𝑛
22 = 2𝑛
𝑛 = 11
There are 11 terms in the sequence.

11b 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 4 − 1 = 3
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 7 − 4 = 3
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑑 = 3.
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 100
Then: 100 = 1 + 3(𝑛 − 1)
100 = 1 + 3𝑛 − 3
100= 3𝑛 − 2
102 = 3𝑛
𝑛 = 34
There are 34 terms in the sequence.

11c 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 100 − 105 = −5

𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 95 − 100 = −5
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 105 and 𝑑 = −5.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Put 𝑇𝑛 = 30
Then: 30 = 105 − 5(𝑛 − 1)
30 = 105 − 5𝑛 + 5
30 = 110 − 5𝑛
−80 = −5
𝑛 = 16
There are 16 terms in the sequence.

11d 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 92 − 100 = −8
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 84 − 92 = −8
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 100 and 𝑑 = −8.
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 4
Then: 4 = 100 − 8(𝑛 − 1)
4= 100 − 8𝑛 + 8
4 = 108 − 8𝑛
−104 = −8𝑛
𝑛 = 13
There are 13 terms in the sequence.

1 1
11e 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = (−10 2) − (−12) = 1 2
1 1
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = (−9) − (−10 2) = 1 2
1
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = −12 and 𝑑 = 1 2.
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 0
3
Then: 0 = −12 + 2 (𝑛 − 1)
3 3
0 = −12 + 2 𝑛 − 2
3 27
0 = 2𝑛 − 2
3 27
𝑛=
2 2
𝑛=9
There are 9 terms in the sequence.

11f 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 5 − 2 = 3
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 8 − 5 = 3
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 2 and 𝑑 = 3.
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 2000
Then: 2000 = 2 + 3(𝑛 − 1)
2000 = 2 + 3𝑛 − 3
2000 = 3𝑛 − 1
2001 = 3𝑛
© Cambridge University Press 2019 24
Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑛 = 667
There are 667 terms in the sequence.

12a 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 17 − 20 = −3
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 14 − 17 = −3
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 20 and 𝑑 = −3.
Put 𝑇𝑛 < 0
Then: 0 > 20 − 3(𝑛 − 1)
0 > 20 − 3𝑛 + 3
0 > 23 − 3𝑛
3𝑛 > 23
𝑛 > 7.66 …
Hence the first negative term is 𝑇8 = −1

12b 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 45 − 50 = −5
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 40 − 45 = −5
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 50 and 𝑑 = −5.
Put 𝑇𝑛 < 0
Then: 0 > 50 − 5(𝑛 − 1)
0 > 50 − 5𝑛 + 5
0 > 55 − 5𝑛
5𝑛 > 55
𝑛 > 11
Hence the first negative term is 𝑇12 = −5

12c 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 60 − 67 = −7
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 53 − 60 = −7
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 67 and 𝑑 = −7.
Put 𝑇𝑛 < 0
Then: 0 > 67 − 7(𝑛 − 1)
0 > 67 − 7𝑛 + 7
0 > 74 − 7𝑛
7𝑛 > 74
𝑛 > 10.57
Hence the first negative term is 𝑇11 = −3

12d 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 79 − 82 = −3
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 76 − 79 = −3
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 82 and 𝑑 = −3.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Put 𝑇𝑛 < 0
Then: 0 > 82 − 3(𝑛 − 1)
0 > 82 − 3𝑛 + 3
0 > 85 − 3𝑛
3𝑛 > 85
𝑛 > 28.33 …
Hence the first negative term is 𝑇29 = −2

12e 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 337 − 345 = −8

𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 329 − 337 = −8
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 345 and 𝑑 = −8.
Put 𝑇𝑛 < 0
Then: 0 > 345 − 8(𝑛 − 1)
0 > 345 − 8𝑛 + 8
0 > 353 − 8𝑛
8𝑛 > 353
𝑛 > 44.125
Hence the first negative term is 𝑇45 = −7

1 1
12f 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 24 − 24 2 = − 2
1 1
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 23 2 − 24 = − 2
1 1
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 24 2 and 𝑑 = − 2.
Put 𝑇𝑛 < 0
1 1
Then: 0 > 24 2 − 2 (𝑛 − 1)
1 1 1
0 > 24 2 − 2 𝑛 + 2
1
0 > 25 − 2 𝑛
1
𝑛 > 25
2
𝑛 > 50
1
Hence the first negative term is 𝑇51 = − 2

13a 𝑇𝑛 = 7 + 4𝑛
𝑇1 = 7 + 4 = 11
𝑇2 = 7 + 8 = 15
𝑇3 = 7 + 12 = 19
𝑇4 = 7 + 16 = 23
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 11 and 𝑑 = 4.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

13b 𝑇25 + 𝑇50 = (7 + 4 × 25) + (7 + 4 × 50)

= 107 + 207
= 314
𝑇50 − 𝑇25 = (7 + 4 × 50) − (7 + 4 × 25)
= 207 − 107
= 100

13c 5𝑇1 + 4𝑇2 = 𝑇27

5(7 + 4 × 1) + 4(7 + 4 × 2) = 7 + 4 × 27
5(11) + 4(15) = 115
55 + 60 = 115
Hence, 5𝑇1 + 4𝑇2 = 𝑇27 .

13d Put 𝑇𝑛 = 815

Then 815 = 7 + 4𝑛
808 = 4𝑛
𝑛 = 202
Hence 815 is the 202nd term in this sequence.

13e Put 𝑇𝑛 = 1000

Then 1000 = 7 + 4𝑛
993 = 4𝑛
1
𝑛 = 248 4
Hence the last term less than 1000 is 𝑇248 = 999, and the first term greater than
1000 is 𝑇249 = 1003.

13f Put 𝑇𝑛 > 200

Then 200 < 7 + 4𝑛
193 < 4𝑛
1
𝑛 = 48 4
Put 𝑇𝑛 < 300
Then 300 > 7 + 4𝑛
293 > 4𝑛
1
𝑛 = 73 4
Hence, the terms 𝑇49 = 203, … , 𝑇73 = 299 are between 200 and 300. There are 25
terms between 200 and 300.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

14ai 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 16 − 8 = 8
𝑇3 − 𝑇 − 2 = 24 − 16 = 8
This is an AP with 𝑑 = 8 and 𝑎 = 8
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
= 8 + 8(𝑛 − 1)
= 8 + 8𝑛 − 8
= 8𝑛

14aii Put 𝑇𝑛 > 500

Then: 8𝑛 > 500
𝑛 > 62.5
Hence the first term greater than 500 is 𝑇63 = 504
Put 𝑇𝑛 < 850
Then: 8𝑛 < 850
𝑛 < 106.25
Hence the last term term less than 850 is 𝑇106 = 848

14aiii 106 − 63 + 1 = 44 gives 44 multiples of 8 between 500 and 850.

14b Considering the AP with 𝑎 = 11, 𝑑 = 11

𝑇𝑛 = 11 + 11(𝑛 − 1)
𝑇𝑛 = 11𝑛
Put 𝑇𝑛 > 1000
11𝑛 > 1000
𝑛 > 90.9
Hence the first term above 1000 is 𝑇91 = 1001
Put 𝑇𝑛 < 2000
11𝑛 < 2000
𝑛 < 181.81
Hence the first term below 2000 is 𝑇181 = 1991
181 − 91 + 1 = 91 gives 91 multiples of 11 between 1000 and 2000

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

14c Considering the AP with 𝑎 = 7, 𝑑 = 7

𝑇𝑛 = 7 + 7(𝑛 − 1)
𝑇𝑛 = 7𝑛
Put 𝑇𝑛 > 800
7𝑛 > 800
𝑛 > 114.28
Hence the first term above 800 is 𝑇115 = 805
Put 𝑇𝑛 < 2000
7𝑛 < 2000
𝑛 < 285.71
Hence the first term below 2000 is 𝑇285 = 1995
285 − 115 + 1 = 171 gives 171 multiples of 7 between 800 and 2000

15a 𝑇4 = 16 and 𝑎 = 7
Put 16 = 7 + (4 − 1)𝑑
16 = 7 + 3𝑑
9 = 3𝑑
𝑑=3
The first four terms in the sequence are 7, 10, 13, 16.

15b 𝑇6 = 10 and 𝑎 = 100

Put 10 = 100 + (6 − 1)𝑑
10 = 100 + 5𝑑
−90 = 5𝑑
𝑑 = −18
The first five terms in the sequence are 100, 82, 64, 46, 28.

15c 𝑇11 = 108 and 𝑎 = 28

Put 108 = 28 + (11 − 1)𝑑
108 = 28 + 10𝑑
80 = 10𝑑
𝑑=8
𝑇20 = 28 + 8(20 − 1)
= 180

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

15d 𝑇20 = −6 and 𝑎 = 32

Put −6 = 32 + (20 − 1)𝑑
−6 = 32 + 19𝑑
−38 = 19𝑑
𝑑 = −2
𝑇100 = 32 − 2(100 − 1)
= −166

16a 𝑇1 = 500
𝑇2 = 𝑇1 + 300 = 500 + 300 = $800
𝑇3 = 𝑇2 + 300 = 800 + 300 = $1100
𝑇4 = 𝑇3 + 300 = 1100 + 300 = $1400

16b 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 800 − 500 = 300

𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 1100 − 800 = 300
𝑇4 − 𝑇5 = 1400 − 1100 = 300
Hence, as all terms have the same common difference, this is an AP with 𝑎 = 800
and 𝑑 = 300.

16c 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
= 500 + (𝑛 − 1)(300)
= 500 + 300𝑛 − 300
= 200 + 300𝑛
𝑇12 = 200 + 300(12) = $4700

16d 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
= 500 + (𝑛 − 1)(300)
= 500 + 300𝑛 − 300
= 200 + 300𝑛

16e Put 𝑇𝑛 < 10 000

200 + 300𝑛 < 10 000
300𝑛 < 9800
𝑛 < 32.666 …
The largest integer to solve this equation is 𝑛 = 32.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

17a The track is 160 km before building resumes. It is 20 km longer one month later,
and each term is 20 km more than the previous term. The sequence is as follows:
180, 200, 220, …

17b 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 200 − 180 = 20

𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 220 − 200 = 20
Hence this sequence is an AP with 𝑎 = 180 and 𝑑 = 20.

17c 𝑇𝑛 = 180 + 20(𝑛 − 1)

𝑇12 = 180 + 20(12 − 1)
= 400
After 12 months, there is 400 km of track.

17d 𝑇𝑛 = 180 + 20(𝑛 − 1)

= 180 + 20𝑛 − 20
= 160 + 20𝑛

17e Put 𝑇𝑛 = 540

Then 540 = 160 + 20𝑛
380 = 20𝑛
𝑛 = 19
It took 19 months to complete the track.

18a 𝑓(1) = 9, 𝑓(2) = 6, 𝑓(3) = 3

𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 6 − 9 = −3
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 3 − 6 = −3
This is an AP with 𝑎 = 9, 𝑑 = −3. Thus
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
= 9 − 3(𝑛 − 1)
= 9 − 3𝑛 + 3
= 12 − 3𝑛

18bi 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = −1 − (−3) = 2
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 1 − (−1) = 2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

This is an AP with 𝑎 = −3, 𝑑 = 2. Thus:

𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
= −3 + 2(𝑛 − 1)
= −3 + 2𝑛 − 2
= 2𝑛 − 5
The linear function that generates this is 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 5.

18bii

19a This is an AP with 𝑎 = 5𝑥 − 9 and 𝑑 = (5𝑥 − 5) − (5𝑥 − 9) = 4. Hence,

𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
= 5𝑥 − 9 + (𝑛 − 1) × 4
= 5𝑥 − 9 + 4𝑛 − 4
= 5𝑥 + 4𝑛 − 13
Put 𝑇11 = 36
36 = 5𝑥 + 4(11) − 13
36 = 5𝑥 + 31
5 = 5𝑥
𝑥=1
19b This is an AP with 𝑎 = 16 and 𝑑 = (16 + 6𝑥) − 16 = 6𝑥. Hence,
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
= 16 + (𝑛 − 1) × 6𝑥
Put 𝑇11 = 36
36 = 16 + (11 − 1) × 6𝑥
36 = 16 + 60𝑥
20 = 60𝑥
1
𝑥=
3

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

20a This is an AP with 𝑎 = log 3 2 and

𝑑 = log 3 4 − log 3 2
𝑑 = log 3 ( 2 × 2) − log 3 2
𝑑 = log 3 2 + log 3 2 − log 3 2
𝑑 = log 3 2
Hence:
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
= log 3 2 + (𝑛 − 1) log 3 2
= log 3 2 + 𝑛 log 3 2 − log 3 2
= 𝑛 log 3 2

20b This is an AP with 𝑎 = log 𝑎 54 and

𝑑 = log 𝑎 18 − log 𝑎 54
𝑑 = log 𝑎 18 − log 𝑎 (3 × 18)
𝑑 = log 𝑎 18 − log 𝑎 3 − log 𝑎 18
𝑑 = − log 𝑎 3
Hence:
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
= log 𝑎 54 + (𝑛 − 1)(− log 𝑎 3)
= log 𝑎 (2 × 33 ) + (𝑛 − 1)(− log 𝑎 3)
= log 𝑎 2 + 3 log 𝑎 3 − 𝑛 log 𝑎 3 + log 𝑎 3
= log 𝑎 2 + (4 − 𝑛) log 𝑎 3

20c This is an AP with 𝑎 = 𝑥 − 3𝑦 and

𝑑 = (2𝑥 + 𝑦) − (𝑥 − 3𝑦)
𝑑 = 𝑥 + 4𝑦
Hence:
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
= 𝑥 − 3𝑦 + (𝑛 − 1)(𝑥 + 4𝑦)
= 𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 𝑛𝑥 + 4𝑛𝑦 − 𝑥 − 4𝑦
= 𝑛𝑥 + (4𝑛 − 7)𝑦

20d This is an AP with 𝑎 = 5 − 6√5 and

𝑑 = 1 + √5 − (5 − 6√5 )
𝑑 = −4 + 7√5
Hence:
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
= 5 − 6√5 + (𝑛 − 1)(−4 + 7√5)
= 5 − 6√5 − 4𝑛 + 7√5𝑛 + 4 − 7√5

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

= 9 − 4𝑛 + (7𝑛 − 13)√5

20e This is an AP with 𝑎 = 1.36 and

𝑑 = −0.52 − 1.36
𝑑 = −1.88
Hence:
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
= 1.36 + (𝑛 − 1)(−1.88)
= 3.24 − 1.88𝑛

20f This is an AP with 𝑎 = log 𝑎 3𝑥 2 = log 𝑎 3 + 2 log 𝑎 𝑥 and

𝑑 = log 𝑎 3𝑥 − log 𝑎 3𝑥 2
𝑑 = log 𝑎 3 + log 𝑎 𝑥 − log 𝑎 3 − 2 log 𝑎 𝑥
𝑑 = −log 𝑎 𝑥
Hence:
𝑇𝑛 = log 𝑎 3 + 2 log 𝑎 𝑥 + (𝑛 − 1)(−log 𝑎 𝑥)
𝑇𝑛 = log 𝑎 3 + (3 − 𝑛) log 𝑎 𝑥

21a 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏
When 𝑥 = 1, 𝑓(1) = 𝑚 + 𝑏; so 𝑇1 = 𝑚 + 𝑏
When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑓(2) = 2𝑚 + 𝑏; so 𝑇2 = 2𝑚 + 𝑏
First term: 𝑎 = 𝑚 + 𝑏
Difference: 𝑑 = 2𝑚 + 𝑏 − (𝑚 + 𝑏) = 𝑚

21b 𝑇1 = 𝑎 and 𝑇2 = 𝑎 + 𝑑
For a linear function, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏
When 𝑥 = 1, 𝑓(1) = 𝑚 + 𝑏; so 𝑇1 = 𝑎 = 𝑚 + 𝑏 or 𝑏 = 𝑎 − 𝑚
When 𝑥 = 2, 𝑓(2) = 2𝑚 + 𝑏; so 𝑇2 = 𝑎 + 𝑑 = 2𝑚 + 𝑏
𝑎 + 𝑑 = 2𝑚 + 𝑏 becomes:
𝑚 + 𝑏 + 𝑑 = 2𝑚 + 𝑏
𝑏 + 𝑑 − 𝑏 = 2𝑚 − 𝑚
𝑚=𝑑
So the gradient is 𝑑 and the 𝑦-intercept is 𝑎 − 𝑑.

© Cambridge University Press 2019 34

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Solutions to Exercise 1C
1a Each term is 2 times the previous term. The next three terms are:
8, 16, 32

1
1b Each term is 3 of the previous term. The next three terms are:
1
3, 1, 3

1c Each term is 2 times the previous term. The next three terms are:
−56, −112, −224

1
1d Each term is 5 of the previous term. The next three terms are:
4
−20, −4, − 5

1e Each term is −2 times the previous term. The next three terms are:
−24, 48, −96

1f Each term is −2 times the previous term. The next three terms are:
200, −400, 800

1g Each term is −1 times the previous term. The next three terms are:
−5, 5, −5

1
1h Each term is − of the previous term. The next three terms are:
10
1 1
1, − 10 , 100

1i Each term is 10 times the previous term. The next three terms are:
40, 400, 4000

2a Start with 1. Each term is 3 times the previous term. The sequence is:
1, 3, 9, 27

© Cambridge University Press 2019 35

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

2b Start with 12. Each term is 2 times the previous term. The sequence is:
12, 24, 48, 96

2c Start with 5. Each term is −2 times the previous term. The sequence is:
5, −10, 20, −40

1
2d Start with 18. Each term is of the previous term. The sequence is:
3
2
18, 6, 2, 3

1
2e Start with 18. Each term is − 3 of the previous term. The sequence is:
2
18, −6, 2, − 3

1
2f Start with 50. Each term is 5 of the previous term. The sequence is:
2
50, 10, 2,
5

1
2g Start with 6. Each term is − 2 of the previous term. The sequence is:
3 3
6, −3, 2 , − 4

2h Start with −13. Each term is 2 times the previous term. The sequence is:
−13, −26, −52, −104

2i Start with −7. Each term is −1 times the previous term. The sequence is:
−7, 7, −7, 7

𝑇3 16
3a = =2
𝑇2 8
𝑇2 8
=4=2
𝑇1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 4 and 𝑟 = 2.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇3 4 1
3b =8=2
𝑇2
𝑇2 8 1
= 16 = 2
𝑇1
1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 16 and 𝑟 = 2.

𝑇3 63
3c = 21 = 3
𝑇2
𝑇2 21
= =3
𝑇1 7
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 7 and 𝑟 = 3.

𝑇3 −100
3d = =5
𝑇2 −20
𝑇2 −20
= =5
𝑇1 −4
This is a GP with 𝑎 = −4 and 𝑟 = 5.

𝑇3 6 3
3e =4=2
𝑇2
𝑇2 4
=2=2
𝑇1
This is not a GP, as the ratios are not all the same.

𝑇3 −10 1
3f = −100 = 10
𝑇2
𝑇2 −100 1
= −1000 = 10
𝑇1
1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = −1000 and 𝑟 = 10.

𝑇3 −20 1
3g = = −2
𝑇2 40
𝑇2 40 1
= −80 = − 2
𝑇1
1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = −80 and 𝑟 = − 2.

𝑇3 29
3h = 29 = 1
𝑇2
𝑇2 29
𝑇1
= 29 = 1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 29 and 𝑟 = 1.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇3 9
3i =4
𝑇2
𝑇2 4
=1=4
𝑇1
This is not a GP, as the ratios are not all the same.

𝑇3 −14
3j = = −1
𝑇2 14
𝑇2 14
= −14 = −1
𝑇1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = −14 and 𝑟 = −1.

1
𝑇3 6 1
3k = =6
𝑇2 1
𝑇2 1
𝑇1
=6
1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 6 and 𝑟 = 6.

𝑇3 −3
3l = = −3
𝑇2 1
𝑇2 1
= 1 = −3
𝑇1 −
3
1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = − 3 and 𝑟 = −3.

4a 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇4 = 5 × 23
=5×8
= 40

4b 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1 3
𝑇4 = 300 × (10)
1
= 300 × 1000
3
= 10

4c 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇4 = −7 × 23
= −7 × 8
= −56

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

4d 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1 3
𝑇4 = −64 × (2)
1
= −64 × 8
= −8

4e 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇4 = 11 × (−2)3
= 11 × −8
= −88

4f 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇4 = −15 × (−2)3
𝑇4 = −15 × −8
𝑇4 = 120

5a 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇70 = 1 × 369 = 369

5b 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇70 = 5 × 769

5c 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇70 = 8 × (−3)69
= −8 × 369

𝑇3 28
6a = 14 = 2
𝑇2
𝑇2 14
= =2
𝑇1 7
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 7 and 𝑟 = 2.

6b 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇6 = 7 × 25
= 7 × 32

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

= 224
𝑇50 = 7 × 249

6c 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑎 = 7 and 𝑟 = 2
𝑇𝑛 = 7 × 2𝑛−1

𝑇3 90
7a = = −3
𝑇2 −30
𝑇2 −30
= = −3
𝑇1 10
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 10 and 𝑟 = −3.

7b 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇6 = 10 × (−3)5
= 10 × −243
= −2430
𝑇25 = 10 × (−3)24
= 10 × 324

7c 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑎 = 10 and 𝑟 = −3
𝑇𝑛 = 10 × (−3)𝑛−1

𝑇3 −20 1
8a = −40 = 2
𝑇2
𝑇2 −40 1
= −80 = 2
𝑇1
1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = −80 and 𝑟 = 2.

8b 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1 9
𝑇10 = −80 × (2)
1
= −80 × 512
80
= − 512
5
= − 32
1 99
𝑇100 = −80 × (2)

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

8c 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1
𝑎 = −80 and 𝑟 = 2
1 𝑛−1
𝑇𝑛 = −80 × (2)

𝑇3 40
9a = 20 = 2
𝑇2
𝑇2 20
= =2
𝑇1 10
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 10 and 𝑟 = 2.
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
= 10 × 2𝑛−1
𝑇6 = 10 × 25
= 10 × 32
= 320

𝑇3 20 1
9b = 60 = 3
𝑇2
𝑇2 60 1
= 180 = 3
𝑇1
1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 180 and 𝑟 = 3.
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1 𝑛−1
= 180 × (3)
1 5
𝑇6 = 180 × (3)
1
= 180 × 243
20
= 27

𝑇3 100
9c =
𝑇2 81
𝑇2 81
= 64
𝑇1
This is not a GP, as the ratios are not the same.

𝑇3 65 13
9d = 50 = 10
𝑇2
𝑇2 50 10
= 35 =
𝑇1 7
This is not a GP, as the ratios are not the same.

© Cambridge University Press 2019 41

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇3 12
9e = =4
𝑇2 3
𝑇2 3
= 3 =4
𝑇1
4
3
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 4 and 𝑟 = 4.
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
3
= 4 × 4𝑛−1
3
𝑇6 = 4 × 45
3
= 4 × 1024
= 768

𝑇3 −12 1
9f = −24 = 2
𝑇2
𝑇2 −24 1
= −48 = 2
𝑇1
1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = −48 and 𝑟 = 2.
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1 𝑛−1
= −48 × (2)
1 5
𝑇6 = −48 × (2)
1
= −48 × 32
3
= −2

𝑇2 −1
10a = = −1
𝑇1 1

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = −1

𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
= 1 × (−1)𝑛−1
𝑇6 = 1 × (−1)5
= −1

𝑇2 4
10b = −2 = −2
𝑇1

This is a GP with 𝑎 = −2 and 𝑟 = −2

𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
= −2 × (−2)𝑛−1
= (−2)𝑛
𝑇6 = (−2)6
= 64

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇2 24
10c = −8 = −3
𝑇1

This is a GP with 𝑎 = −8 and 𝑟 = −3

𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
= −8 × (−3)𝑛−1
𝑇6 = −8 × (−3)5
= 1944

𝑇2 −30 1
10d = = −2
𝑇1 60

1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 60 and 𝑟 = − 2
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1 𝑛−1
= 60 × (− 2)
1 5
𝑇6 = 60 × (− 2)
15
=− 8

𝑇2 512 1
10e = −1024 = − 2
𝑇1

1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = −1024 and 𝑟 = − 2
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1 𝑛−1
= −1024 × (− 2)
1 5
𝑇6 = −1024 × (− 2)
= 32

3
𝑇2 −
8
10f = 1 = −6
𝑇1
16

1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 16 and 𝑟 = −6
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1
= 16 × (−6)𝑛−1
1
𝑇6 = 16 × (−6)5
= −486

© Cambridge University Press 2019 43

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

11a 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 2
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇𝑛 = 2𝑛−1
64 = 2𝑛−1
26 = 2𝑛−1
𝑛−1=6
𝑛=7
Hence there are 7 terms in this finite sequence.

11b 𝑎 = −1 and 𝑟 = 3
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇𝑛 = −3𝑛−1
−81 = −3𝑛−1
81 = 3𝑛−1
34 = 3𝑛−1
𝑛−1=4
𝑛=5
Hence there are 5 terms in this finite sequence.

11c 𝑎 = 8 and 𝑟 = 5
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇𝑛 = 8 × 5𝑛−1
125 000 = 8 × 5𝑛−1
15 625 = 5𝑛−1
56 = 5𝑛−1
𝑛−1=6
𝑛=7
Hence there are 7 terms in this finite sequence.

11d 𝑎 = 7 and 𝑟 = 2
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇𝑛 = 7 × 2𝑛−1
224 = 7 × 2𝑛−1
32 = 2𝑛−1
25 = 2𝑛−1
𝑛−1=5
𝑛=6
Hence there are 6 terms in this finite sequence.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

11e 𝑎 = 2 and 𝑟 = 7
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇𝑛 = 2 × 7𝑛−1
4802 = 2 × 7𝑛−1
2401 = 7𝑛−1
74 = 7𝑛−1
𝑛−1=4
𝑛=5
Hence there are 5 terms in this finite sequence.

1
11f 𝑎 = 25 and 𝑟 = 5
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1
𝑇𝑛 = 25 × 5𝑛−1
𝑇𝑛 = 5−2 × 5𝑛−1
𝑇𝑛 = 5𝑛−3
625 = 5𝑛−3
54 = 5𝑛−3
𝑛−3=4
𝑛=7
Hence there are 7 terms in this finite sequence.

12a 𝑇𝑛 = 25𝑟 𝑛−1

Put 𝑇4 = 200
25𝑟 4−1 = 200
𝑟3 = 8
𝑟=2
𝑇1 = 25
𝑇2 = 50
𝑇3 = 100
𝑇4 = 200
𝑇5 = 400

12b 𝑇𝑛 = 3𝑟 𝑛−1
Put 𝑇6 = 96
3𝑟 6−1 = 96
𝑟 5 = 32
𝑟=2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇1 = 3
𝑇2 = 6
𝑇3 = 12
𝑇4 = 24
𝑇5 = 48
𝑇6 = 96

12c 𝑇𝑛 = 1𝑟 𝑛−1
Put 𝑇5 = 81
𝑟 5−1 = 81
𝑟 4 = 81
𝑟 = ±3
For 𝑟 = 3
𝑇1 = 1
𝑇2 = 3
𝑇3 = 9
𝑇4 = 27
𝑇5 = 81
For 𝑟 = −3
𝑇1 = 1
𝑇2 = −3
𝑇3 = 9
𝑇4 = −27
𝑇5 = 81

2
13a 𝑎 = 486 and 𝑇5 = 27
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
2
= 486 × 𝑟 4
27
2
= 𝑟4
13 122
4 2 1 1
𝑟 = √13 122 = 9 or − 9

13b 𝑎 = 1000 and 𝑇7 = 0.001

𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
1
1000
= 1000 × 𝑟 6

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1
= 𝑟6
1 000 000
6 1 1 1
𝑟 = √1 000 000 = 10 or − 10

13c 𝑎 = 32 and 𝑇6 = −243

𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
−243 = 32 × 𝑟 5
243
− 32 = 𝑟 5
5 243 3
𝑟 = √− = −2
32

13d 𝑎 = 5 and 𝑇7 = 40
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
40 = 5 × 𝑟 6
8 = 𝑟6
23 = 𝑟 6
𝑟 = √2 or − √2

14a 𝑇1 = 50
𝑇2 = 100
𝑇3 = 200
𝑇4 = 400
𝑇5 = 800
𝑇6 = 1600
𝑇 100
𝑎 = 50, 𝑟 = 𝑇2 = =2
1 50

14b Put 𝑇𝑛 = 6400

25 × 2𝑛 = 6400
2𝑛 = 256
𝑛=8
Hence 𝑇8 = 6400

14c 𝑇50 × 𝑇25 = 25(2)50 × 25(2)25 = 252 × 275 = 54 × 275

𝑇50 ÷ 𝑇25 = 25(2)50 ÷ 25(2)25 = 225

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

14d 𝑇9 × 𝑇11 = 25(2)9 × 25(2)11 = 25 × 25 × (2)20 = 25 × 𝑇20

14e There are 6 terms, they are:

𝑇6 = 1600
𝑇7 = 3200
𝑇8 = 6400
𝑇9 = 12 800
𝑇10 = 25 600
𝑇11 = 51 200

14f 𝑇12 = 25 × 212 = 102 400 whereas

𝑇11 = 25 × 211 = 51 200. Hence 𝑇11 is the last term less than 100 000 and
𝑇12 = 102400 is the first term greater than 100 000.

15 Start with 0.1. Each term is 2 times the previous term. The sequence is:
0.1, 0.2, 0.4, …
Hence, this is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.1 and 𝑟 = 2.
𝑇101 is equivalent to the thickness from 100 successive folds.
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇101 = 0.1 × 2100
2100
𝑇101 = mm ≑ 1.27 × 1023 km ≑ 1.34 × 1010 light years
10
This is close to the present estimate of the distance to the Big Bang.

4 4
16a , 4, 20, 100, 500 and 𝑇𝑛 = 25 × 5𝑛
5

𝑇 10 5
16bi This is a GP with 𝑟 = 𝑇2 = = 2 and 𝑎 = 5. Hence 𝑇𝑛 = 5(2)𝑛−1 = 2 (2)𝑛 .
1 5
5
𝑓(𝑥) = (2)𝑥
2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

16bii

𝑇 2√3 2 2√2
17a This is a GP with 𝑟 = 𝑇2 = = = = √2 and 𝑎 = √6.
1 √6 √2 2
𝑛−1 √6 𝑛 𝑛
Hence 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 = √6(√2) = (√2) = √3(√2)
√2

𝑇 𝑎2 𝑥 3
17b This is a GP with 𝑟 = 𝑇2 = = 𝑎𝑥 2 and 𝑎 = 𝑎𝑥.
1 𝑎𝑥
Hence 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 = 𝑎𝑥(𝑎𝑥 2 )𝑛−1
= 𝑎𝑥𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 2𝑛−2 = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 2𝑛−1

𝑇 1 𝑦 𝑥
17c This is a GP with 𝑟 = 𝑇2 = − 𝑥 = 𝑥 and 𝑎 = − 𝑦.
1 −
𝑦
𝑥 𝑦 𝑛−1 𝑦 −1 𝑦 𝑛−1 𝑦 𝑛−2
Hence 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 = (− 𝑦) (𝑥 ) = − (𝑥 ) (𝑥 ) = − (𝑥 ) = −𝑥 2−𝑛 𝑦 𝑛−2

𝑇 2𝑥 2
18a This is a GP with 𝑟 = 𝑇2 = = 𝑥 and 𝑎 = 2𝑥.
1 2𝑥
Hence 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 = 2𝑥(𝑥) 𝑛−1
= 2𝑥 𝑛
Put 𝑇6 = 2
2𝑥 6 = 2
𝑥6 = 1
𝑥 = ±1

𝑇 𝑥2
18b This is a GP with 𝑟 = 𝑇2 = 𝑥 4 = 𝑥 −2 and 𝑎 = 𝑥 4 .
1
Hence 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 = 𝑥 4 (𝑥 −2 )𝑛−1 = 𝑥 4 𝑥 2−2𝑛 = 𝑥 6−2𝑛
Put 𝑇6 = 36
𝑥 6−12 = 36
𝑥 −6 = 36
𝑥 6 = 3−6

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

6
1 6
𝑥 =( )
3
1
𝑥=±
3

𝑇 2−12 𝑥
18c This is a GP with 𝑟 = 𝑇2 = 2−16 𝑥 = 2−12+16 = 24 and 𝑎 = 2−16 𝑥.
1
Hence 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 = 2−16 𝑥(24 )𝑛−1 = 2−16 𝑥24𝑛−4 = 24𝑛−20 𝑥
Put 𝑇6 = 96
24(6)−20 𝑥 = 96
24 𝑥 = 96
16𝑥 = 96
𝑥=6

𝑓(2) 𝑐𝑏 2
19a 𝑎 = 𝑓(1) = 𝑐𝑏, 𝑟 = 𝑓(1) = =𝑏
𝑐𝑏

First term is 𝑐𝑏 and common ratio is 𝑏.

19b We know for a sequence with first term 𝑎 and ratio 𝑟 that
𝑛−1
𝑟𝑛 𝑎
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎(𝑟) =𝑎× = × 𝑟𝑛
𝑟 𝑟
𝑎
Hence a generating function for this sequence would be 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑟 × 𝑟 𝑥

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Solutions to Exercise 1D
1a 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − 5 = 17 − 𝑥
2𝑥 = 22
𝑥 = 11

1b 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − 32 = 14 − 𝑥
2𝑥 = 46
𝑥 = 23

1c 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − (−12) = (−50) − 𝑥
2𝑥 = −62
𝑥 = −31

1d 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − (−23) = 7 − 𝑥
2𝑥 = −16
𝑥 = −8

1e 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
22 − 𝑥 = 32 − 22
22 − 𝑥 = 10
𝑥 = 12

1f 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
−5 − (−20) = 𝑥 − (−5)
15 = 𝑥 + 5
𝑥 = 10

𝑇2 𝑇
2a = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥 18
=
2 𝑥
2
𝑥 = 36
𝑥 = 6 or − 6

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇2 𝑇
2b = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥 3
=𝑥
48
2
𝑥 = 144
𝑥 = 12 or − 12

𝑇2 𝑇
2c = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥 −90
=
−10 𝑥
𝑥 2 = 900
𝑥 = 30 or − 30

𝑇2 𝑇
2d = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥 −2
=
−98 𝑥
2
𝑥 = 196
𝑥 = 14 or − 14

𝑇2 𝑇
2e = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
20 80
= 20
𝑥
20
=4
𝑥
4𝑥 = 20
𝑥=5

𝑇2 𝑇
2f = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
4 𝑥
=4
−1
𝑥 = −16

3a i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − 4 = 16 − 𝑥
2𝑥 = 20
𝑥 = 10

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇2 𝑇
3a ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥 16
=
4 𝑥
2
𝑥 = 64
𝑥 = 8 or − 8

3b i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − 1 = 49 − 𝑥
2𝑥 = 50
𝑥 = 25

𝑇2 𝑇
3b ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥 49
=
1 𝑥
𝑥 2 = 49
𝑥 = 7 or − 7

3c i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − 16 = 25 − 𝑥
2𝑥 = 41
1
𝑥 = 20 2

𝑇2 𝑇
3c ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥 25
=
16 𝑥
𝑥 2 = 400
𝑥 = 20 or − 20

3d i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − (−5) = −20 − 𝑥
2𝑥 = −25
1
𝑥 = −12 2

𝑇2 𝑇
3d ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥 −20
=
−5 𝑥

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑥 2 = 100
𝑥 = 10 or − 10

3e i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
10 − 𝑥 = 50 − 10
10 − 𝑥 = 40
𝑥 = −30

𝑇2 𝑇
3e ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
10 50
= 10
𝑥
10
=5
𝑥
5𝑥 = 10
𝑥=2

3f i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
12 − 𝑥 = 24 − 12
12 − 𝑥 = 12
𝑥=0

𝑇2 𝑇
3f ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
12 24
= 12
𝑥
12
=2
𝑥
2𝑥 = 12
𝑥=6

3g i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
−1 − 𝑥 = 1 − (−1)
−1 − 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 = −3

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇2 𝑇
3g ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
−1 1
= −1
𝑥
1
− 𝑥 = −1
𝑥=1

3h i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
6 − 𝑥 = −12 − 6
6 − 𝑥 = −18
𝑥 = 24

𝑇2 𝑇
3h ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
6 −12
=
𝑥 6
6
= −2
𝑥
−2𝑥 = 6
𝑥 = −3

3i i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
30 − 20 = 𝑥 − 30
10 = 𝑥 − 30
𝑥 = 40

𝑇2 𝑇
3i ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
30 𝑥
= 30
20
900
𝑥= 20
𝑥 = 45

3j i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
24 − (−36) = 𝑥 − 24
60 = 𝑥 − 24
𝑥 = 84

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇2 𝑇
3j ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
24 𝑥
− 36 = 24
576
𝑥=− 36
𝑥 = −16

3k i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
1
−3 − (− 4) = 𝑥 − (−3)
3
−2 4 = 𝑥 + 3
3
𝑥 = −5 4

𝑇2 𝑇
3k ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
−3 𝑥
1 = −3
−
4
𝑥
− 3 = 12
𝑥 = −36

3l i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
−7 − 7 = 𝑥 − (−7)
−14 = 𝑥 + 7
𝑥 = −21

𝑇2 𝑇
3l ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
−7 𝑥
= −7
7
𝑥
− 7 = −1
𝑥=7

4a 𝑇𝑛 = 7 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
Put 𝑇6 = 42
7 + (6 − 1)𝑑 = 42
7 + 5𝑑 = 42
5𝑑 = 42 − 7
5𝑑 = 35
𝑑=7

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇𝑛 = 7 + 7(𝑛 − 1)
𝑇𝑛 = 7𝑛
𝑇1 = 7
𝑇2 = 14
𝑇3 = 21
𝑇4 = 28
𝑇5 = 35
𝑇6 = 42

4b 𝑇𝑛 = 27𝑟 𝑛−1
Put 𝑇4 = 8
8 = 27𝑟 4−1
8 = 27𝑟 3
8
𝑟3 =
27
2
𝑟=
3
𝑇1 = 27
𝑇2 = 18
𝑇3 = 12
𝑇4 = 8

4c 𝑇𝑛 = 40 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
Put 𝑇11 = 5
5 = 40 + (11 − 1)𝑑
−35 = 10𝑑
7
𝑑=−
2
7
𝑇𝑛 = 40 − (𝑛 − 1)
2
𝑇1 = 40
1
𝑇2 = 36
2
𝑇3 = 33
1
𝑇4 = 29
2
𝑇5 = 26
1
𝑇6 = 22
2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇7 = 19
1
𝑇8 = 15
2
𝑇9 = 12
1
𝑇10 = 8
2
𝑇11 = 5

4d 𝑇𝑛 = 1𝑟 𝑛−1
Put 𝑇7 = 1 000 000
1 000 000 = 𝑟 7−1
1 000 000 = 𝑟 6
𝑟 = ±10

For 𝑟 = 10, 𝑇𝑛 = 10𝑛−1

𝑇1 = 1
𝑇2 = 10
𝑇3 = 100
𝑇4 = 1000
𝑇5 = 10 000
𝑇6 = 100 000
𝑇7 = 1 000 000
For 𝑟 = −10, 𝑇𝑛 = (−10)𝑛−1
𝑇1 = 1
𝑇2 = −10
𝑇3 = 100
𝑇4 = −1000
𝑇5 = 10 000
𝑇6 = −100 000
𝑇7 = 1 000 000

4e 𝑇𝑛 = 3 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
Put 𝑇5 = 48
48 = 3 + (5 − 1)𝑑
45 = 4𝑑
1
𝑑 = 11
4

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1
𝑇𝑛 = 3 + 11 (𝑛 − 1)
4
𝑇1 = 3
1
𝑇2 = 14
4
1
𝑇3 = 25
2
3
𝑇4 = 36
4
𝑇5 = 48

4f 𝑇𝑛 = 3𝑟 𝑛−1
Put 𝑇5 = 48
48 = 3𝑟 5−1
16 = 𝑟 4
𝑟 = ±2
When 𝑟 = 2
𝑇𝑛 = 3(2)𝑛−1
𝑇1 = 3
𝑇2 = 6
𝑇3 = 12
𝑇4 = 24
𝑇5 = 48
When 𝑟 = −2
𝑇𝑛 = 3(−2)𝑛−1
𝑇1 = 3
𝑇2 = −6
𝑇3 = 12
𝑇4 = −24
𝑇5 = 48

5a 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
𝑇10 = 18 gives 18 = 𝑎 + 9𝑑 (1)
𝑇20 = 48 gives 48 = 𝑎 + 19𝑑 (2)
Subtract (1) from (2):
30 = 10𝑑
𝑑=3
Substitute 𝑑 = 3 into (1):

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

18 = 𝑎 + 9 × 3
𝑎 = −9

5b 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
𝑇2 = 3 gives 3 = 𝑎 + 𝑑 (1)
𝑇10 = 35 gives 35 = 𝑎 + 9𝑑 (2)
Subtract (1) from (2):
32 = 8𝑑
𝑑=4
Substitute 𝑑 = 4 into (1):
3=𝑎+4
𝑎 = −1

5c 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
𝑇5 = 24 gives 24 = 𝑎 + 4𝑑 (1)
𝑇9 = −12 gives −12 = 𝑎 + 8𝑑 (2)
Subtract (1) from (2):
−36 = 4𝑑
𝑑 = −9
Substitute 𝑑 = −9 into (1):
24 = 𝑎 + 4 × −9
𝑎 = 60

5d 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
𝑇4 = 6 gives 6 = 𝑎 + 3𝑑 (1)
𝑇12 = 34 gives 34 = 𝑎 + 11𝑑 (2)
Subtract (1) from (2):
28 = 8𝑑
1
𝑑 = 32
1
Substitute 𝑑 = 3 2 into (1):
1
6 = 𝑎 + 3 × 32
1
𝑎 = −4 2

𝑇6 𝑎𝑟 6−1 𝑎𝑟 5
6a = 𝑎𝑟 3−1 = 𝑎𝑟 2 = 𝑟 3
𝑇3

𝑇6 128
= =8
𝑇3 16

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑟3 = 8
𝑟=2
𝑇3 = 𝑎𝑟 3−1 = 𝑎𝑟 2 = 𝑎(2)2 = 4𝑎 and 𝑇3 = 16
4𝑎 = 16
𝑎=4

𝑇6 𝑎𝑟 6−1 𝑎𝑟 5
6b = 𝑎𝑟 3−1 = 𝑎𝑟 2 = 𝑟 3
𝑇3

𝑇6 64
= = 64
𝑇3 1
𝑟 3 = 64
𝑟=4
𝑇3 = 𝑎𝑟 3−1 = 𝑎𝑟 2 = 𝑎(4)2 = 16𝑎 and 𝑇3 = 1
16𝑎 = 1
1
𝑎 = 16

𝑇6 𝑎𝑟 6−1 𝑎𝑟 5
6c = 𝑎𝑟 2−1 = = 𝑟4
𝑇2 𝑎𝑟

𝑇6 27
= = 81
𝑇2 1
3
𝑟 4 = 81
𝑟 = 3 or − 3
When 𝑟 = 3,
𝑇6 = 𝑎𝑟 6−1 = 𝑎𝑟 5 = 𝑎(3)5 = 243𝑎 and 𝑇6 = 27
243𝑎 = 27
1
𝑎=9

When 𝑟 = −3,
𝑇6 = 𝑎𝑟 6−1 = 𝑎𝑟 5 = 𝑎(−3)5 = −243𝑎 and 𝑇6 = 27
−243𝑎 = 27
1
𝑎 = −9

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇9 𝑎𝑟 9−1 𝑎𝑟 8
6d = 𝑎𝑟 5−1 = 𝑎𝑟 4 = 𝑟 4
𝑇5

𝑇9 24
= =4
𝑇5 6
𝑟4 = 4
𝑟 = √2 or − √2

When 𝑟 = √2,
4
𝑇5 = 𝑎𝑟 5−1 = 𝑎𝑟 4 = 𝑎(√2) = 4𝑎 and 𝑇5 = 6

4𝑎 = 6
3
𝑎=2

When 𝑟 = −√2,
4
𝑇5 = 𝑎𝑟 5−1 = 𝑎𝑟 4 = 𝑎(−√2) = 4𝑎 and 𝑇5 = 6

4𝑎 = 6
3
𝑎=2

7a 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
𝑇3 = 7 gives 7 = 𝑎 + 2𝑑 (1)
𝑇7 = 31 gives 31 = 𝑎 + 6𝑑 (2)
Subtract (1) from (2):
24 = 4𝑑
𝑑=6
Substitute 𝑑 = 6 into (1):
7=𝑎+2×6
𝑎 = −5
𝑇8 = −5 + 7 × 6 = 37

7b 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
𝑑 = −7
𝑇10 = 3 gives 3 = 𝑎 + 9 × −7
3 = 𝑎 − 63
𝑎 = 66
𝑇2 = 66 − 7 = 59

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

7c 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑟=2
𝑇6 = 6 gives 6 = 𝑎 × 25
6 3
𝑎 = 32 = 16
3 3
𝑇2 = 16 × 21 = 8

8a 3𝑛 > 1 000 000

ln 3𝑛 > ln 1 000 000
𝑛 ln 3 > ln 1 000 000
ln 1 000 000
𝑛>
ln 3
𝑛 > 12.575 …
The smallest integer solution is 𝑛 = 13.

8b 5𝑛 < 1 000 000

ln 5𝑛 < ln 1 000 000
𝑛 ln 5 < ln 1 000 000
ln 1 000 000
𝑛<
ln 5
𝑛 < 8.584 …
The largest integer solution is 𝑛 = 8.

8c 7𝑛 > 1 000 000 000

ln 7𝑛 > ln 1 000 000 000
𝑛 ln 7 > ln 1 000 000 000
ln 1 000 000 000
𝑛>
ln 7
𝑛 > 10.64 …
The smallest integer solution is 𝑛 = 11.

8d 12𝑛 < 1 000 000 000

ln 12𝑛 < ln 1 000 000 000
𝑛 ln 12 < ln 1 000 000 000
ln 1 000 000 000
𝑛<
ln 12

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑛 < 8.339 …
The largest integer solution is 𝑛 = 8.

𝑇2 4 𝑇3 8
9a = 2 = 2 and =4=2
𝑇1 𝑇2
Hence the sequence is a GP with 𝑟 = 2 and 𝑎 = 2.
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇𝑛 = 2 × 2𝑛−1
= 21 × 2𝑛−1
= 2𝑛

9b 𝑇𝑛 < 1 000 000

2𝑛 < 1 000 000
log10 2𝑛 < log10 1 000 000
𝑛 log10 2 < log10 1 000 000
log10 1 000 000
𝑛< log10 2
𝑛 < 19.93 …
Hence there are 19 terms less than 1 000 000.

9c 𝑇𝑛 < 1 000 000 000

2𝑛 < 1 000 000 000
log10 2𝑛 < log10 1 000 000 000
𝑛 log10 2 < log10 1 000 000 000
log10 1 000 000 000
𝑛< log10 2
𝑛 < 29.8973 …
Hence there are 29 terms less than 1 000 000 000.

9d 𝑇𝑛 < 1020
2𝑛 < 1020
log10 2𝑛 < log10 1020
𝑛 log10 2 < 20
20
𝑛 < log 2
10
𝑛 < 66.43 …
Hence there are 66 terms less than 1020 .

9e Using the answers to parts b and c, there are 10 terms between 1 000 000 and
1 000 000 000.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

9f Using the answers to parts c and d, there are 37 terms between 1 000 000 000
and 1020 .

𝑇2 14 1
10a = 98 = 7
𝑇1

1 1 𝑛−1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 98, 𝑟 = 7 so 𝑇𝑛 = 98 (7) .

𝑇𝑛 > 10−6

1 𝑛−1
98 ( ) > 10−6
7
1 𝑛−1 10−6
( ) >
7 98
1 𝑛−1 10−6
ln ( ) > ln
7 98
1 10−6
(𝑛 − 1) ln > ln
7 98
10−6
ln 1
98
𝑛−1< 1 (Note that ln 7 < 0, hence we must reverse the sign)
ln
7

𝑛 − 1 < 9.46 …
𝑛 < 10.46 …
Hence there are 10 terms greater than 10−6.

𝑇2 5 1
10b = 25 = 5
𝑇1

1 1 𝑛−1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 25, 𝑟 = 5 so 𝑇𝑛 = 25 (5) .

𝑇𝑛 > 10−6

1 𝑛−1
25 ( ) > 10−6
5
1 𝑛−1 10−6
( ) >
5 25
1 𝑛−1 10−6
ln ( ) > ln
5 25

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1 10−6
(𝑛 − 1) ln > ln
5 25
10−6
ln
𝑛−1< 25
1
ln
5
𝑛 − 1 < 10.58 …
𝑛 < 11.58 …
Hence there are 11 terms greater than 10−6.

𝑇2 0.9
10c = = 0.9
𝑇1 1

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 1, 𝑟 = 0.9 so 𝑇𝑛 = (0.9)𝑛−1 .

𝑇𝑛 > 10−6
(0.9)𝑛−1 > 10−6
(𝑛 − 1) ln 0.9 > ln 10−6
ln 10−6
𝑛−1<
ln 0.9
𝑛 − 1 < 131.13 …
𝑛 < 132.13 …
Hence there are 132 terms greater than 10−6 .

11a This is a GP with 𝑇𝑛 = 0.97𝑛 , where 𝑇𝑛 is the intensity of the light, and 𝑛
represents the number of sheets of glass.
For 50 sheets of glass:
𝑇50 = 0.9750 = 0.22 or 22%
Hence the light’s intensity is reduced by 1 − 22% = 78% after passing through
50 sheets of glass.

11b 𝑇𝑛 < 0.01

0.97𝑛 < 0.01
ln(0.97𝑛 ) < ln(0.01)
𝑛 ln(0.97) < ln(0.01)
ln(0.01)
𝑛 > ln(0.97)
𝑛 > 151.19 …

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇152 = 0.97152 = 0.975 … %

Hence a minimum of 152 sheets of glass are required to reduce the light’s
intensity to below 1%.

12a 𝑇6 + 𝑇8 = 44
𝑎 + (6 − 1)𝑑 + 𝑎 + (8 − 1)𝑑 = 44
2𝑎 + 12𝑑 = 44 (1)
𝑇10 + 𝑇13 = 35
𝑎 + (10 − 1)𝑑 + 𝑎 + (13 − 1)𝑑 = 35
𝑎 + 9𝑑 + 𝑎 + 12𝑑 = 35
2𝑎 + 21𝑑 = 35 (2)
9𝑑 = −9 (2)−(1)
𝑑 = −1 (3)
2𝑎 + 12(−1) = 44 (3) in (1)
2𝑎 = 56
𝑎 = 28
So 𝑎 = 28 and 𝑑 = −1.

12b 𝑇2 + 𝑇3 = 4
𝑎𝑟 2−1 + 𝑎𝑟 3−1 = 4
𝑎𝑟 1 + 𝑎𝑟 2 = 4
𝑎𝑟(1 + 𝑟) = 4 (1)
𝑇4 + 𝑇5 = 36
𝑎𝑟 3 + 𝑎𝑟 4 = 36
𝑎𝑟 3 (1 + 𝑟) = 36 (2)
𝑟2 = 9 (2) ÷ (1)
𝑟 = ±3
When 𝑟 = −3, (3)
𝑎(−3)(1 − 3) = 4 (3) in (1)
6𝑎 = 4
2
𝑎=
3
When 𝑟 = 3 (4)
𝑎(3)(1 + 3) = 4 (4) in (1)
12𝑎 = 4
1
𝑎=
3
2 1
So 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑟 = −3, or 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑟 = 3.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

12c 𝑇4 + 𝑇6 + 𝑇8 = −6
As this is an AP, 𝑇8 = 𝑇6 + 2𝑑 and 𝑇4 = 𝑇6 − 2𝑑, hence
𝑇6 + 2𝑑 + 𝑇6 + 𝑇6 − 2𝑑 = −6
3𝑇6 = −6
𝑇6 = −2

13a 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
17 − (𝑥 − 1) = (𝑥 + 15) − 17
18 − 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 2
2𝑥 = 20
𝑥 = 10
The numbers are: 9, 17, 25.

13b 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
(𝑥 − 4) − (2𝑥 + 2) = 5𝑥 − (𝑥 − 4)
−𝑥 − 6 = 4𝑥 + 4
5𝑥 = −10
𝑥 = −2
The numbers are: −2, −6, −10.

13c 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
5 − (𝑥 − 3) = (2𝑥 + 7) − 5
8 − 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 2
3𝑥 = 6
𝑥=2
The numbers are is: −1, 5, 11.

13d 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − (3𝑥 − 2) = (𝑥 + 10) − 𝑥
−2𝑥 + 2 = 10
−2𝑥 = 8
𝑥 = −4
The numbers are: −14, −4, 6.

𝑇3 𝑇
14a = 𝑇2
𝑇2 1
𝑥 𝑥+1
=
𝑥+1 𝑥
𝑥 2 = (𝑥 + 1)2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑥 2 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1
2𝑥 = −1
1
𝑥=−
2
1 1 1
The numbers are: − 2 , 2 , − 2.

𝑇3 𝑇
14b = 𝑇2
𝑇2 1
5−𝑥 2
=
2 2−𝑥
(5 − 𝑥)(2 − 𝑥) = 4
10 − 7𝑥 + 𝑥 2 = 4
𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 6 = 0
(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 6) = 0
𝑥 = 1 or 𝑥 = 6
When 𝑥 = 1, the numbers are: 1, 2, 4.
When 𝑥 = 6, the numbers are: −4, 2, −1.

15a i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
24 − 𝑥 = 96 − 24
24 − 𝑥 = 72
𝑥 = −48
The numbers are: −48, 24, 96.

𝑇2 𝑇
15a ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
24 96
= 24
𝑥
24
=4
𝑥
4𝑥 = 24
𝑥=6
The numbers are: 6, 24, 96.

15b i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − 0.2 = 0.000 02 − 𝑥
2𝑥 = 0.200 02
𝑥 = 0.100 01
The numbers are: 0.2, 0.100 01, 0.000 02.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇2 𝑇
15b ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥 0.000 02
=
0.2 𝑥
2
𝑥 = 0.000 004
𝑥 = 0.002 or − 0.002
The numbers are: 0.2, 0.002, 0.000 02 or 0.2, −0.002, 0.000 02.

15c i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
0.2 − 𝑥 = 0.002 − 0.2
−𝑥 = −0.398
𝑥 = 0.398
The numbers are: 0.398, 0.2, 0.002.

𝑇2 𝑇
15c ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
0.2 0.002
=
𝑥 0.2
0.2
= 0.01
𝑥
0.01𝑥 = 0.2
𝑥 = 20
The numbers are: 20, 0.2, 0.002.

15d i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
(𝑥 + 1) − (𝑥 − 4) = (𝑥 + 11) − (𝑥 + 1)
5 = 10 FALSE
Hence, these numbers cannot form an AP.

𝑇2 𝑇3
15d ii =
𝑇1 𝑇2
𝑥+1 𝑥+11
=
𝑥−4 𝑥+1
(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 1) = (𝑥 + 11)(𝑥 − 4)
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1 = 𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 44
2𝑥 + 1 = 7𝑥 − 44
5𝑥 = 45
𝑥=9
The numbers are: 5, 10, 20.

15e i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
(𝑥 + 2) − (𝑥 − 2) = (5𝑥 − 2) − (𝑥 + 2)

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

4 = 4𝑥 − 4
4𝑥 = 8
𝑥=2
The numbers are: 0, 4, 8.

𝑇2 𝑇
15e ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥+2 5𝑥−2
=
𝑥−2 𝑥+2
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 2) = (5𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 2)
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4 = 5𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 4
0 = 4𝑥 2 − 16𝑥
0 = 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥
0 = 𝑥(𝑥 − 4)
𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 4
The numbers are: −2, 2, −2 or 2, 6, 18.

15f i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − (√5 + 1) = (√5 − 1) − 𝑥
2𝑥 = 2√5
𝑥 = √5
The numbers are: √5 + 1, √5, √5 − 1.

𝑇2 𝑇
15f ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥 √5−1
=
√5+1 𝑥
2
𝑥 = (√5 + 1)(√5 − 1)
𝑥2 = 5 − 1 = 4
𝑥 = −2 or 2
The numbers are: √5 + 1, −2, √5 − 1 or √5 + 1, 2, √5 − 1.

15g i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − √2 = √8 − 𝑥
𝑥 − √2 = 2√2 − 𝑥
2𝑥 = 3√2
3
𝑥 = 2 √2
3
The numbers are: √2, 2 √2, √8.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇2 𝑇
15g ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥 √8
=
√2 𝑥
2
𝑥 = √2 × 8
𝑥 2 = √16
𝑥2 = 4
𝑥 = −2 or 2
The numbers are: √2, −2, √8 or √2, 2, √8.

15h i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − 24 = 26 − 𝑥
2𝑥 = 24 + 26
2𝑥 = 80
𝑥 = 40
The numbers are: 24 , 40, 26 .

𝑇2 𝑇
15h ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥 26
=
24 𝑥
𝑥 2 = 210
𝑥 = 25 or −25
The numbers are: 24 , 25 , 26 or 24 , −25 , 26 .

15i i 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 𝑇3 − 𝑇2
𝑥 − 7 = −7 − 𝑥
𝑥=0
The numbers are: 7, 0, −7.

𝑇2 𝑇
15i ii = 𝑇3
𝑇1 2
𝑥 −7
=
7 𝑥
2
𝑥 = −49 This is a false statement.
These numbers cannot form a GP.

𝑇2 23
16a = 21 = 4
𝑇1
𝑇3 25
= =4
𝑇2 23

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇4 27
= =4
𝑇3 25
𝑇5 29
= =4
𝑇4 27
All terms have a common ratio so this is a GP with 𝑎 = 21 = 2 and 𝑟 = 4.

16b 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = log 2 6 − log 2 3

= log 2 (2 × 3) − log 2 3
= log 2 2 + log 2 3 − log 2 3
= log 2 2
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = log 2 12 − log 2 6
= log 2 (2 × 6) − log 2 6
= log 2 2 + log 2 6 − log 2 6
= log 2 2
𝑇4 − 𝑇3 = log 2 24 − log 2 12
= log 2 (2 × 12) − log 2 12
= log 2 2 + log 2 12 − log 2 12
= log 2 2
𝑇5 − 𝑇4 = log 2 48 − log 2 24
= log 2 (2 × 24) − log 2 24
= log 2 2 + log 2 24 − log 2 24
= log 2 2
All terms have the same common difference so this is an AP with 𝑑 = log 2 2 = 1
and 𝑎 = log 2 3.

17a For a GP:

𝑇3 𝑇2
=
𝑇2 𝑇1
1 𝑏
=
𝑏 𝑎
𝑎 = 𝑏2 (1)
For an AP:
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 𝑇2 − 𝑇1
10 − 𝑎 = 𝑎 − 𝑏
2𝑎 − 𝑏 − 10 = 0 (2)
2
2𝑏 − 𝑏 − 10 = 0 (1) in (2)
(2𝑏 − 5)(𝑏 + 2) = 0
5 1 5 2 1
Hence 𝑏 = 2 = 2 2 and 𝑎 = (2) = 6 4 or 𝑏 = −2 and 𝑎 = (−2)2 = 4.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

17b For a GP:

𝑇3 𝑇2
=
𝑇2 𝑇1
𝑎+𝑏 1
=
1 𝑎
𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑏 = 1 (1)
For an AP:
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 𝑇2 − 𝑇1
1 1
𝑎−𝑏− = −𝑏
2 2
𝑎=1 (2)
1+𝑏 =1 (2) in (1)
𝑏=0
Hence 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = 0

17c 𝑇1 = 𝑎
𝑇2 = 𝑎 + 𝑑
𝑇4 = 𝑎 + 3𝑑
For a GP
𝑎 + 𝑑 𝑎 + 3𝑑
=
𝑎 𝑎+𝑑
(𝑎 + 𝑑)2 = 𝑎(𝑎 + 3𝑑)
𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑑 + 𝑑 2 = 𝑎2 + 3𝑎𝑑
𝑑 2 − 𝑎𝑑 = 0
𝑑(𝑑 − 𝑎) = 0
Hence 𝑑 = 0 or 𝑎

17d 𝑇1 = 𝑎
𝑇2 = 𝑎 + 𝑑
𝑇4 = 𝑎 + 4𝑑
For a GP
𝑎 + 𝑑 𝑎 + 4𝑑
=
𝑎 𝑎+𝑑
(𝑎 + 𝑑)2 = 𝑎(𝑎 + 4𝑑)
𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑑 + 𝑑 2 = 𝑎2 + 4𝑎𝑑
𝑑 2 − 2𝑎𝑑 = 0
𝑑(𝑑 − 2𝑎) = 0
Hence 𝑑 = 0 or 2𝑎

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑇
18a All terms have ratio 𝑟 = 𝑇 𝑛 = 2−3 and 𝑎 = 25 . Hence,
𝑛−1
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 = 25 (2−3 )𝑛−1 = 25−3𝑛+3 = 28−3𝑛

18b 𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = log 2 24 − log 2 96

= log 2 (23 × 3) − log 2 (25 × 3)
= 3 + log 2 3 − 5 − log 2 3
= −2
𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = log 2 6 − log 2 24
= log 2 (21 × 3) − log 2 (23 × 3)
= log 2 2 + log 2 3 − 3 log 2 2 − log 2 3
= 1 + log 2 3 − 3 − log 2 3
= −2
This is an AP with 𝑑 = −2 and 𝑎 = log 2 96
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
𝑇𝑛 = log 2 96 + (𝑛 − 1)(−2)
= 5 + log 2 3 − 2𝑛 + 2
= 7 − 2𝑛 + log 2 3

18c 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑, hence the ratio of any two terms of the proposed GP
𝑏 𝑇𝑛 𝑏 𝑎+(𝑛−1)𝑑 𝑏 𝑎+(𝑛−1)𝑑
= = = 𝑏 𝑎+(𝑛−1)𝑑−(𝑎+(𝑛−2)𝑑) = 𝑏 𝑑
𝑏 𝑇𝑛−1 𝑏 𝑎+(𝑛−1−1)𝑑 𝑏 𝑎+(𝑛−2)𝑑
which does not depend on 𝑛, hence there is a common ratio of 𝑏 𝑑 and this is a GP
with first term 𝑏 𝑎 .

18d 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1, hence the difference of any two terms of the proposed AP
log 𝑏 𝑇𝑛 − log 𝑏 𝑇𝑛−1 = log 𝑏 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 − log 𝑏 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1−1
= log 𝑏 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 − log 𝑏 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−2
= log 𝑏 𝑎 + log 𝑏 𝑟 𝑛−1 − (log 𝑏 𝑎 + log 𝑏 𝑟 𝑛−2 )
= log 𝑏 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1) log 𝑏 𝑟 − (log 𝑏 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 2) log 𝑏 𝑟)
= log 𝑏 𝑎 + 𝑛 log 𝑏 𝑟 − log 𝑏 𝑟 − log 𝑏 𝑎 − 𝑛 log 𝑏 𝑟 + 2 log 𝑏 𝑟
= log 𝑏 𝑟
which does not depend on 𝑛, hence there is a common difference of log 𝑏 𝑟 and
this is an AP with first term log 𝑏 𝑎.

1
19a Put 𝑇13 = 2 𝑇1
1
𝑎𝑟 12 = 𝑎
2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1
𝑟 12 =
2
1
1 12
𝑟= (2) (taking 𝑟 > 0 as pipes do not have negative lengths)

1 7 7
7 1 12 1 12 2
19b 𝑇8 = 𝑎𝑟 = 𝑇1 ((2) ) = 𝑇1 (2) ≑ 0.667𝑇1 ≑ 3 𝑇1

4
4 1 12 4
19c 𝑇5 = 𝑎𝑟 = 𝑇1 (2) ≑ 0.7937𝑇1 ≑ 5 𝑇1

3
19d Put 𝑇𝑛 = 4 𝑇1
3
𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 = 𝑎
4
1 𝑛−1
1 12 3
(( ) ) =
2 4
1−𝑛 3
2 12 =
4
By trial and error, the closest integer solution is 𝑛 = 6 so the sixth pipe is about
three-quarters of the length of the first pipe.

5
Put 𝑇𝑛 = 6 𝑇1
5
𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 = 𝑎
6
1 𝑛−1
1 12 5
(( ) ) =
2 6
1−𝑛 5
2 12 =
6

By trial and error, the closest integer solution is 𝑛 = 4 so the fourth pipe is about
five-sixths of the length of the first pipe.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

2
2 1 12 8
19e 𝑇3 = 𝑎𝑟 = 𝑇1 (2) ≑ 0.8908𝑇1 ≑ 9 𝑇1
1
1
1 12 17
𝑇2 = 𝑎𝑟 = 𝑇1 ( ) ≑ 0.9439𝑇1 ≑ 𝑇
2 18 1

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Solutions to Exercise 1E
1a 𝑆4 = 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 = 24

1b 𝑆4 = 2 + 6 + 18 + 54 = 80

1c 𝑆4 = 6 + 2 + (−2) + (−6) = 0

1 1 3
1d 𝑆4 = 2 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 3 4

2a 𝑆3 = 200 + 150 + 100 = 450

2b 𝑆3 = 32 − 16 + 8 = 24

2c 𝑆3 = −24 − 18 − 12 = −54

2d 𝑆3 = 5.1 + 5.2 + 5.3 = 15.6

3a
𝑛 1 2 3 4 5
𝑇𝑛 10 20 30 40 50
𝑆𝑛 10 30 60 100 150

3b
𝑛 1 2 3 4 5
𝑇𝑛 1 −3 9 −27 81
𝑆𝑛 1 −2 7 −20 61

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

3c
𝑛 1 2 3 4 5
𝑇𝑛 1 4 9 16 25
𝑆𝑛 1 5 14 30 55

3d
𝑛 1 2 3 4 5
𝑇𝑛 3 1 6 1 9
4 7
2 2
𝑆𝑛 3 1 1 21 30
7 13
2 2

4a 1 − 2 + 3 − 4 + 5 − 6 : by alternating positive and negative numbers

The sums are:
𝑛 4 5 6
𝑇𝑛 −4 5 −6
𝑆𝑛 −2 3 −3

1
4b 81 + 27 + 9 + 3 + 1, 3 : dividing by 3

The sums are:

𝑛 4 5 6
𝑇𝑛 3 1 1
3
𝑆𝑛 120 121 1
121
3

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

4c 30 + 20 + 10 + 0 − 10 − 20 : subtract 10
The sums are:
𝑛 4 5 6
𝑇𝑛 0 −10 −20
𝑆𝑛 60 50 30

4d 0.1 + 0.01 + 0.001 + 0.0001 + 0.00001 + 0.0000001 : dividing by 3

The sums are:
𝑛 4 5 6
𝑇𝑛 0.0001 0.00001 0.000001
𝑆𝑛 0.1111 0.111 11 0.111 111

5
𝑛 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
𝑇𝑛 2 5 8 11 14 17 20
𝑆𝑛 2 7 15 26 40 57 77

𝑛 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
𝑇𝑛 40 38 36 34 32 30 28
𝑆𝑛 40 78 114 148 180 210 238

𝑛 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
𝑇𝑛 2 −4 6 −8 10 −12 14
𝑆𝑛 2 −2 4 −4 6 −6 8

𝑛 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
𝑇𝑛 7 −7 7 −7 7 −7 7
𝑆𝑛 7 0 7 0 7 0 7

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

6
𝑇𝑛 1 3 5 7 9 11 13
𝑆𝑛 1 4 9 16 25 36 49

𝑇𝑛 −3 −5 −7 −9 −11 −13 −15

𝑆𝑛 −3 −8 −15 −24 −35 −48 −63

𝑇𝑛 2 4 8 16 32 64 128
𝑆𝑛 2 6 14 30 62 126 254

𝑇𝑛 8 −8 8 −8 8 −8 8
𝑆𝑛 8 0 8 0 8 0 8

7
𝑛 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
𝑇𝑛 1 1 1 2 3 5 8 13
𝑆𝑛 1 2 3 5 8 13 21 34

𝑛 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
𝑇𝑛 3 1 3 4 7 11 18 29
𝑆𝑛 3 4 7 11 18 29 47 76

8a ∑6𝑛=1 2𝑛 = 2(1) + 2(2) + 2(3) + 2(4) + 2(5) + 2(6) = 42

8b ∑6𝑛=1(3𝑛 + 2) = 5 + 8 + 11 + 14 + 17 + 20 = 75

8c ∑7𝑘=3(18 − 3𝑛) = 9 + 6 + 3 + 0 + (−3) = 15

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

8d ∑8𝑛=5 𝑛2 = 52 + 62 + 72 + 82 = 174

8e ∑4𝑛=1 𝑛3 = 13 + 23 + 33 + 43 = 100

8f ∑5𝑛=0 2𝑛 = 20 + 21 + 22 + 23 + 24 + 25 = 63

8g ∑4𝑛=2 3𝑛 = 32 + 33 + 34 = 117

8h ∑31 𝑙 1 2
𝑙=1(−1) = (−1) + (−1) + ⋯ + (−1)
31
= (−1) + 1 + (−1) + ⋯ + (−1) = −1

8i ∑40
𝑙=1(−1)
𝑙−1
= (−1)0 + (−1)1 + ⋯ + (−1)39 = (1) + (−1) + ⋯ + (−1) = 0

8j ∑105
𝑛=5 4 = 4 + 4 … 4 = 101 × 4 = 404

8k ∑4𝑛=0(−1)𝑛 (𝑛 + 5) = 5 − 6 + 7 − 8 + 9 = 7

8l ∑4𝑛=0(−1)𝑛+1 (𝑛 + 5) = −5 + 6 − 7 + 8 − 9 = −7

9a By looking at the diagram, it forms the shape of a square. The area of a square,
with side length 𝑛, is 𝑛2 . Consequently, applying this logic, as the formation of the
first 𝑛 odd positive integers forms a square, the sum of them, which is equivalent
to the area of the square, is 𝑛2 .

9b The way to calculate the sum is using the equation below:

Sum = total elements in main diagonal + half of remaining elements
By looking at the picture,
Total elements in matrix: 𝑛2
Total elements in main diagonal: 𝑛

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑛2 − 𝑛
Sum = 𝑛 +
2
2𝑛 + 𝑛2 − 𝑛
=
2
𝑛2 + 𝑛
=
2
1
= 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
2

10a 13 + 23 + 33 + ⋯ + 403
40

= ∑ 𝑛3
𝑛=1

1 1 1
10b 1 + 2 + 3 + ⋯ + 40
40
1
=∑
𝑛
𝑛=1

10c 3 + 4 + 5 + ⋯ + 22
= (1 + 2) + (2 + 2) + (3 + 2) + ⋯ + (20 + 2)
20

= ∑(𝑛 + 2)
𝑛=1

10d 2 + 22 + 23 + ⋯ + 212
= 21 + 22 + 23 + ⋯ + 212
12

= ∑ 2𝑛
𝑛=1

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

10e −1 + 2 − 3 + ⋯ + 10
= (−1) + (−1)2 (2) + (−1)3 (3)
10

= ∑(−1)𝑛 𝑛
𝑛=1

10f 1 − 2 + 3 + ⋯ − 10
= (−1)0 + (−1)1 (2) + (−1)2 (3)
10

= ∑(−1)𝑛−1 𝑛
𝑛=1

11a 𝑇1 = 𝑆1 = 21 = 2
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑆𝑛 − 𝑆𝑛−1
= 2𝑛 − 2𝑛−1
= 2𝑛−1 (2 − 1)
= 2𝑛−1 (for 𝑛 ≥ 2)

11b
𝑇𝑛 2 2 4 8 16 32 64
𝑆𝑛 2 4 8 16 32 64 128

11c The derivative of 𝑒 𝑥 is the original function 𝑒 𝑥 . Remove the initial term 2 from
the sequence in part b, and the successive differences are the original sequence.
𝑇𝑛 2 4 8 16 32 64
𝑆𝑛 4 8 16 32 64 128
𝑆𝑛 − 𝑇𝑛 2 4 8 16 32 64

12a 𝑛3 − (𝑛 − 1)3 = 𝑛3 − (𝑛3 − 3𝑛2 + 3𝑛 + 1) = 3𝑛2 − 3𝑛 + 1

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

12b 𝑇1 = 𝑆1 = 13 = 1
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑆𝑛 − 𝑆𝑛−1
= 𝑛3 − (𝑛 − 1)3
= 3𝑛2 − 3𝑛 + 1 for 𝑛 ≥ 2

12c 𝑈1 = 𝑇1 = 1,
𝑈𝑛 = 𝑇𝑛+1 − 𝑇𝑛
= (3(𝑛 + 1)2 − 3(𝑛 + 1) + 1) − (3𝑛2 − 3𝑛 + 1)
= (3𝑛2 + 6𝑛 + 3 − 3𝑛 − 3 + 1) − (3𝑛2 − 3𝑛 + 1)
= 6𝑛 for 𝑛 ≥ 2

12d
𝑇𝑛 1 7 19 37 61 91
𝑆𝑛 1 6 12 18 24 30

12e The derivative of 𝑥 3 is the quadratic 3𝑥 2 , and its derivative is the linear function
6𝑥. Taking successive differences once gives a quadratic, and taking them twice
gives a linear function.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Solutions to Exercise 1F
1 𝑆7 = 2 + 5 + 8 + 11 + 14 + 17 + 20
𝑆7 = 20 + 17 + 14 + 11 + 8 + 5 + 2
2𝑆7 = 7 × 22 = 154
154
𝑆7 = = 77
2

2a 𝑛 = 100
1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(𝑎 + 𝑙)
2
𝑎 = 1, 𝑙 = 100
1
𝑆100 = × 100(100 + 1) = 5050
2

2b 𝑛 = 50
1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(𝑎 + 𝑙)
2
𝑎 = 1, 𝑙 = 99
1
𝑆50 = × 50(99 + 1) = 2500
2

2c 𝑛 = 50
1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(𝑎 + 𝑙)
2
𝑎 = 2, 𝑙 = 100
1
𝑆50 = × 50(100 + 2) = 2550
2

2d 𝑛 = 100
1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(𝑎 + 𝑙)
2
𝑎 = 3, 𝑙 = 300

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1
𝑆100 = × 100(300 + 3) = 15 150
2

2e 𝑛 = 50
1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(𝑎 + 𝑙)
2
𝑎 = 101, 𝑙 = 199
1
𝑆50 = × 50(101 + 199) = 7500
2

2f 𝑛 = 9000
1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(𝑎 + 𝑙)
2
𝑎 = 1001, 𝑙 = 10000
1
𝑆100 = × 100(100 + 1) = 49 504 500
2

1
3a 𝑆6 = 2 × 6(10 + 5 × 10) = 3(60) = 180

1
3b 𝑆6 = 2 × 6(16 + 5 × 2) = 3(26) = 78

1
3c 𝑆6 = 2 × 6(−6 + 5 × −9) = 3(51) = −153

1
3d 𝑆6 = 2 × 6(−14 + 5 × −12) = 3(−74) = −222

4a 𝑎 = 2, 𝑎 = 4
1
𝑆21 = × 21(4 + 20 × 4) = 10.5 × (84) = 882
2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

4b 𝑎 = 3, 𝑑 = 7
1
𝑆21 = × 21(6 + 20 × 7) = 10.5(146) = 1533
2

4c 𝑎 = −6, 𝑑 = 5
1
𝑆21 = × 21(−12 + 20 × 5) = 10.5(88) = 924
2

4d 𝑎 = 10, 𝑑 = −5
1
𝑆21 = × 21(20 + 20 × −5) = 10.5(−80) = −840
2

4e 𝑎 = −7, 𝑠 = −3
1
𝑆21 = × 21(−14 + 20 × −3) = 10.5(−74) = −777
2

1
4f 𝑎 = 12,𝑑 = 2

1 1
𝑆21 = × 21(3 + 20 × 2) = 10.5(63) = 451
2 2

5a 𝑎 = 2, 𝑑 = 3
1
𝑆12 = × 12(4 + 11 × 3) = 6(37) = 222
2

5b 𝑎 = 40, 𝑑 = −7
1
𝑆21 = × 21(80 + 20 × −7) = 10.5(−60) = −630
2

5c 𝑎 = −6, 𝑑 = 4
1
𝑆200 = × 200(−12 + 199 × 4) = 100(784) = 78 400
2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

5d 𝑎 = 33, 𝑑 = −3
1
𝑆23 = × 23(66 + 22 × −3) = 11.5(0) = 0
2

5e 𝑎 = −10, 𝑑 = 2.5
1
𝑆13 = × 13(−20 + 12 × 2.5) = 6.5(−10) = 65
2

5f 𝑎 = 10.5, 𝑑 = −0.5
1
𝑆40 = × 40(21 + 39 × −0.5) = 20(1.5) = 30
2

6a 150 = 50 + (𝑛 − 1)1
100 = 𝑛 − 1
𝑛 = 101
𝑆101 = 50.5(50 + 150) = 50.5(200) = 10 100

6b 92 = 8 + (𝑛 − 1)7
84
=𝑛−1
7
𝑛 = 13
𝑆13 = 6.5(8 + 92) = 6.5(100) = 650

6c 60 = −10 + (𝑛 − 1)7
70
=𝑛−1
7
𝑛 = 11
𝑆11 = 5.5(−10 + 60) = 5.5(50) = 275

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

6d 301 = 4 + (𝑛 − 1)3
297
=𝑛−1
3
𝑛 = 100
𝑆100 = 50(4 + 301) = 50(305) = 15 250

6e 51.5 = 6.5 + (𝑛 − 1)4.5

45
=𝑛−1
4.5
𝑛 = 11
𝑆11 = 5.5(6.5 + 51.5) = 5.5(58) = 319

2 1 2
6f 13 3 = −1 3 + (𝑛 − 1)1 3

15
=𝑛−1
5
3
𝑛 = 10
1 2 1 2
𝑆10 = 5 (−1 + 13 ) = 5 (12 ) = 61
3 3 3 3

7a 1000 = 2 + (𝑛 − 1)2
998
=𝑛−1
2
𝑛 = 500
𝑆500 = 250(2 + 1000) = 250(1002) = 250 500

7b 3000 = 1000 + (𝑛 − 1)1

2000 = 𝑛 − 1
𝑛 = 2001
𝑆2001 = 1000.5(1000 + 3000) = 1000.5(4000) = 4002000

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1
7c 𝑆40 = 2 × 40(2 + 39 × 4) = 20(158) = 3160

1
7d 𝑆12 = 2 × 12(20 + 11 × 20) = 6(240) = 1440

8a This is an AP with 𝑎 = 5 and 𝑑 = 10 − 5 = 5. Hence:

𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
𝑛
= (2(5) + 5(𝑛 − 1))
2
𝑛
= (10 + 5𝑛 − 5)
2
𝑛
= (5 + 5𝑛)
2

8b This is an AP with 𝑎 = 10 and 𝑑 = 13 − 10 = 3. Hence:

𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
𝑛
= (2(10) + 3(𝑛 − 1))
2
𝑛
= (20 + 3𝑛 − 3)
2
𝑛
= (17 + 3𝑛)
2

8c This is an AP with 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑑 = 7 − 3 = 4. Hence:

𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
𝑛
= (2(3) + 4(𝑛 − 1))
2
𝑛
= (6 + 4𝑛 − 4)
2
𝑛
= (2 + 4𝑛)
2
= 𝑛(1 + 2𝑛)

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

8d This is an AP with 𝑎 = −9 and 𝑑 = −4 − (−9) = 5. Hence:

𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
𝑛
= (2(−9) + 5(𝑛 − 1))
2
𝑛
= (−18 + 5𝑛 − 5)
2
𝑛
= (5𝑛 − 23)
2

1 1
8e This is an AP with 𝑎 = 5 and 𝑑 = 4 2 − 5 = − 2. Hence
𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
𝑛 1
= (2(5) + (− ) (𝑛 − 1))
2 2
𝑛 𝑛 1
= (10 − + )
2 2 2
𝑛
= (21 − 𝑛)
4

8f This is an AP with 𝑎 = (1 − √2) and 𝑑 = 1 − (1 − √2) = √2. Hence:

𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
𝑛
= (2(1 − √2) + √2(𝑛 − 1))
2
𝑛
= (2 − 2√2 + 𝑛√2 − √2)
2
𝑛
= (2 + 𝑛√2 − 3√2)
2

9a 𝑛 positive integers are: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 ….

𝑎 = 1, 𝑑 = 1
𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
𝑛
= (2 + (𝑛 − 1))
2
1
= 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

9b Odd positive integers are: 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + ⋯

𝑎 = 1, 𝑑 = 2
𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
𝑛
= (2 + (𝑛 − 1)2)
2
1
= 𝑛(2 + 2𝑛 − 2)
2
1
= 𝑛(2𝑛)
2
= 𝑛2

9c Positive integers divisible by 3 are: 3 + 6 + 9 + 12 + 15 + ⋯

𝑎 = 3, 𝑑 = 3
𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
𝑛
= (6 + (𝑛 − 1)3)
2
1
= 𝑛(3𝑛 + 3)
2
3
= 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
2

9d Odd positive multiples of 100 are: 100 + 300 + 500 + 700 + ⋯

𝑎 = 100, 𝑑 = 200
𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
𝑛
= (200 + (𝑛 − 1)200)
2
1
= 𝑛(200 + 200𝑛 − 200)
2
1
= 𝑛(200𝑛)
2
= 100𝑛2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

10a 15 × 0 + 15 × 2 + 15 × 4 + 15 × 6 + 15 × 8 + 15 × 10 = 450
450
The mean number of legs is = 5. No creature has this number of legs.
90

6+17
10b 1200 × ( ) + 100 × 30 + 60 = 16 860 years
2

10c His earnings are a GP with 𝑎 = 28 000, 𝑟 = 1600 and 𝑛 = 10. Hence:
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆10 =
𝑟−1
28 000(160010 − 1)
=
1600 − 1
= $352 000

11a When 𝑘 = 1: 𝑎 = 598

When 𝑘 = 200: 𝑙 = 200
200 = 598 + (𝑛 − 1)(−2)
398
− =𝑛−1
−2
𝑛 = 200
𝑆200 = 100(598 + 200) = 100(798) = 79 800

11b When 𝑘 = 1: 𝑎 = 90
When 𝑘 = 61: 𝑙 = −90
−90 = 90 + (𝑛 − 1)(−3)
0
=𝑛−1
3
𝑛=1
𝑆1 = 0.5(90 − 90) = 0.5(0) = 0

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

11c When 𝑘 = 1: 𝑎 = −47

When 𝑘 = 40: 𝑙 = 70
70 = −47 + (𝑛 − 1)3
117
=𝑛−1
3
𝑛 = 40
𝑆40 = 20(−47 + 70) = 20(23) = 460

11d When 𝑘 = 10: 𝑎 = 53

When 𝑘 = 30: 𝑙 = 153
153 = 53 + (𝑛 − 1)5
100
=𝑛−1
5
𝑛 = 21
𝑆21 = 10.5(53 + 153) = 10.5(206) = 2163

𝑛
12a 𝑆𝑛 = 2 (𝑎 + 𝑙)
10
−5 = (−23 + 𝑙)
2
−1 = −23 + 𝑙
𝑙 = 22

𝑛
12b 𝑆𝑛 = 2 (𝑎 + 𝑙)
40 1
28 = (𝑎 + 8 )
2 2
28 1
=𝑎+8
20 2
28 1
𝑎= − 8 = −7.1
20 2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑛
12c 𝑆𝑛 = 2 (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
8
348 = (2(5) + (8 − 1)𝑑)
2
87 = 10 + (8 − 1)𝑑
87 = 10 + 7𝑑
7𝑑 = 77
𝑑 = 11

𝑛
12d 𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
15 2
−15 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1) )
2 7
2
−2 = (2𝑎 + (15 − 1) )
7
2
−2 = (2𝑎 + (14) )
7
−2 = 2𝑎 + 4
2𝑎 + 4 = −2
2𝑎 = −6
𝑎 = −3

13a 𝑎 = 60, 𝑑 = −8, 𝑛 = 𝑛

𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = (2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
𝑛
= (120 + (𝑛 − 1)(−8))
2
𝑛
= (120 − 8𝑛 + 8)
2
𝑛
= (128 − 8𝑛)
2
= 4𝑛(16 − 𝑛)

13b i 0 = 4𝑛(16 − 𝑛)
Either 4𝑛 = 0 and therefore 𝑛 = 0
or 16 − 𝑛 = 0 and 𝑛 = 16
Therefore, 16 terms.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

13b ii To make it negative, it would be more than 16 terms

13c 220 = 4𝑛(16 − 𝑛)

220 = 64𝑛 − 4𝑛2
0 = −4𝑛2 + 64𝑛 − 220
0 = −4(𝑛2 − 16𝑛 + 55)
0 = −4(𝑛 − 11)(𝑛 − 5)
Therefore, either 5 terms or 11 terms.

13d −144 = 4𝑛(16 − 𝑛)

−144 = 64𝑛 − 4𝑛2
0 = −4𝑛2 + 64𝑛 + 144
0 = −4(𝑛2 − 16𝑛 − 36)
0 = −4(𝑛 − 18)(𝑛 + 2)
Therefore, 𝑛 = 18 or 𝑛 = −2, but 𝑛 must be a positive integer

13e 156 < 4𝑛(16 − 𝑛)

0 < −4𝑛2 + 64𝑛 − 156
0 < −4(𝑛2 − 16𝑛 + 39)
0 < −4(𝑛 − 13)(𝑛 − 3)
0 > (𝑛 − 13)(𝑛 − 3)
3 < 𝑛 < 13
Therefore, 𝑛 = 4, 5, 6, … , 12.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

13f 4𝑛(16 − 𝑛) > 256

−4𝑛2 + 64𝑛 − 256 > 0
−4(𝑛2 + 16𝑛 − 64) > 0
(𝑛 − 8)2 < 0
𝑆𝑛 > 256 gives (𝑛 − 8)2 < 0, which has no solutions. Therefore, the sum cannot
exceed 256.

14a 𝑎 = 42, 𝑑 = 40 − 42 = −2. Hence:

1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
1
= 𝑛(2(42) + (𝑛 − 1)(−2))
2
1
= 𝑛(84 − 2𝑛 + 2)
2
1
= 𝑛(86 − 2𝑛)
2
= 𝑛(43 − 𝑛)
Put 𝑆𝑛 = 0
𝑛(43 − 𝑛) = 0
𝑛 = 0 or 43
Hence 43 terms.

14b 𝑎 = 60, 𝑑 = 57 − 60 = −3. Hence:

1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
1
= 𝑛(2(60) + (𝑛 − 1)(−3))
2
1
= 𝑛(120 − 3𝑛 + 3)
2
1
= 𝑛(123 − 3𝑛)
2
3
= 𝑛(41 − 𝑛)
2
Put 𝑆𝑛 = 0
3
𝑛(41 − 𝑛) = 0
2
𝑛(41 − 𝑛) = 0
𝑛 = 0 or 41
Hence 41 terms.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

14c 𝑎 = 45, 𝑑 = 51 − 45 = 6. Hence:

1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
1
= 𝑛(2(45) + (𝑛 − 1)(6))
2
1
= 𝑛(90 + 6𝑛 − 6)
2
1
= 𝑛(84 + 6𝑛)
2
= 𝑛(42 + 3𝑛)
= 3𝑛(𝑛 + 14)
Put 𝑆𝑛 = 153
3𝑛(𝑛 + 14) = 153
3𝑛2 + 42𝑛 = 153
3𝑛2 + 42𝑛 − 153 = 0
𝑛2 + 14𝑛 − 51 = 0
(𝑛 + 17)(𝑛 − 3) = 0
𝑛 = −17 or 3
Hence 3 terms.

1 1 1
14d 𝑎 = 2 2, 𝑑 = 3 − 2 2 = 2. Hence:
1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
1 1 1
= 𝑛 (2 (2 ) + (𝑛 − 1) ( ))
2 2 2
1 1 1
= 𝑛 (5 + 𝑛 − )
2 2 2
1 1 1
= 𝑛 (4 + 𝑛)
2 2 2
1
= 𝑛(9 + 𝑛)
4
1
Put 𝑆𝑛 = 22 2
1 1
𝑛(9 + 𝑛) = 22
4 2
𝑛(9 + 𝑛) = 90
𝑛2 + 9𝑛 − 90 = 0
(𝑛 + 15)(𝑛 − 6) = 0
𝑛 = 6 or −15
Hence 6 terms.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

15a The number of logs in a row is an AP with 𝑎 = 10 and 𝑑 = 1

1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
1
= 𝑛(20 + (𝑛 − 1) × 1)
2
1
= 𝑛(𝑛 + 19)
2
Put 𝑆𝑛 = 390
1
390 = 𝑛(𝑛 + 19)
2
780 = 𝑛2 + 19𝑛
𝑛2 + 19𝑛 − 780 = 0
(𝑛 − 20)(𝑛 + 39) = 0
𝑛 = 20 is the only positive solution, hence there are 20 rows, the bottom row will
have 𝑇20 = 10 + (20 − 1) × 1 = 29 logs.

15b Distance per second is an AP with 𝑎 = 5 and 𝑑 = 10.

Hence the total distance travelled after 𝑛 seconds is:
1
𝑆𝑛 = 2 𝑛(2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)

1
= 𝑛(2 × 5 + (𝑛 − 1) × 10)
2
= 5𝑛2
For a total distance of 245 m, set 𝑆𝑛 = 245, hence:
245 = 5𝑛2
𝑛2 = 49
𝑛 = ±7
As time is positive, it will be 7 seconds until the stone hits the ground.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

15c The distance with each trip and back forms an AP with 𝑎 = 20 × 2 = 40 and
𝑙 = 30 × 2 = 60.
Now, 𝑆𝑛 = 550 and hence:
1
550 = 2 𝑛(𝑎 + 𝑙)

1100 = 𝑛(40 + 60)

𝑛 = 11
So there are 11 trips.
Now considering one way trips:
𝑇11 = 30
30 = 20 + (11 − 1)𝑑
10 = 10𝑑
𝑑=1
So the deposits are 1 km apart.

16a 𝑇4 + 𝑇1 = 16
𝑎 + 3𝑑 + 𝑎 = 16
2𝑎 + 3𝑑 = 16 (1)
𝑇3 + 𝑇8 = 4
𝑎 + 2𝑑 + 𝑎 + 7𝑑 = 4
2𝑎 + 9𝑑 = 4 (2)
6𝑑 = −12 (2) − (1)
𝑑 = −2 (3)
2𝑎 − 6 = 16 (3) in (1)
𝑎 = 11
1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
𝑆10 = 5(2(11) + 9(−2))
= 5(22 − 18)
= 20

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

16b 𝑆10 = 0
1
(10)(2𝑎 + (10 − 1)𝑑) = 0
2
5(2𝑎 + 9𝑑) = 0
2𝑎 + 9𝑑 = 0 (1)
𝑇10 = −9
𝑎 + (10 − 1)𝑑 = −9
𝑎 + 9𝑑 = −9 (2)
𝑎=9 (1) − (2)
Substituting 𝑎 = 9 into (2) gives:
9 + 9𝑑 = −9
9𝑑 = −18
𝑑 = −2
𝑇1 = 𝑎 = 9
𝑇2 = 𝑎 + (2 − 1)𝑑 = 9 − 2 = 7

16c 𝑆16 = 96
1
(16)(2𝑎 + (16 − 1)𝑑) = 96
2
8(2𝑎 + 15𝑑) = 96
2𝑎 + 15𝑑 = 12 (1)
𝑇2 + 𝑇4 = 45
𝑎 + 𝑑 + 𝑎 + 3𝑑 = 45
2𝑎 + 4𝑑 = 45 (2)
11𝑑 = −33 (1) − (2)
𝑑 = −3
Substituting 𝑑 = −3 into (1) gives:
2𝑎 + 15(−3) = 12
2𝑎 = 57

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1
𝑎 = 28
2
1 1
𝑇4 = 𝑎 + 3𝑑 = 28 + 3(−3) = 19
2 2
1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
1
𝑆4 = 2 (2(28 ) + 3(−3))
2
= 2(57 − 9)
= 96

17a For the AP:

𝑎 = log 𝑎 2
𝑑 = log 𝑎 4 − log 𝑎 2
= log 𝑎 22 − log 𝑎 2
= 2 log 𝑎 2 − log 𝑎 2
= log 𝑎 2
For the last term:
𝑇𝑛 = log 𝑎 1024
𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑 = log 𝑎 1024
log 𝑎 2 + (𝑛 − 1) log 𝑎 2 = log 𝑎 1024
𝑛 log 𝑎 2 = log 𝑎 1024
𝑛 log 𝑎 2 = log 𝑎 210
𝑛 log 𝑎 2 = 10 log 𝑎 2
𝑛 = 10
1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(𝑎 + 𝑙)
2
1
𝑆10 = × 10 × (log 𝑎 2 + log 𝑎 1024)
2
= 5(log 𝑎 2 + 10 log 𝑎 2)
= 5 × 11 log 𝑎 2
= 55 log 𝑎 2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

17b For the AP:

𝑎 = log 5 243
𝑑 = log 5 81 − log 5 243
= log 5 34 − log 5 35
= 4 log 5 3 − 5 log 5 3
= − log 5 3
For the last term:
1
𝑇𝑛 = log 5
243
1
𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑 = log 5
243
log 5 243 + (𝑛 − 1)(− log 5 3) = log 5 3−5
log 5 35 + (𝑛 − 1)(− log 5 3) = log 5 3−5
5 log 5 3 + (𝑛 − 1)(− log 5 3) = −5 log 5 3
(𝑛 − 1)(− log 5 3) = −10 log 5 3
𝑛 − 1 = 10
𝑛 = 11
1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(𝑎 + 𝑙)
2
1 1
𝑆11 = × 11 × (log 5 243 + log 5 )
2 243
11
= (log 5 243 − log 5 243)
2
=0

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

17c For the AP:

𝑎 = log 𝑏 36
𝑑 = log 𝑏 18 − log 𝑏 36
18
= log 𝑏
36
1
= log 𝑏
2
= − log 𝑏 2
For the last term:
9
𝑇𝑛 = log 𝑏
8
9
𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑 = log 𝑏
8
9
log 𝑏 36 + (𝑛 − 1)(− log 𝑏 2) = log 𝑏
8
9
(𝑛 − 1)(− log 𝑏 2) = log 𝑏 − log 𝑏 36
8
9
(𝑛 − 1)(− log 𝑏 2) = log 𝑏 ( ÷ 36)
8
1
(𝑛 − 1)(− log 𝑏 2) = log 𝑏
32
(𝑛 − 1)(− log 𝑏 2) = log 𝑏 2−5
(𝑛 − 1)(− log 𝑏 2) = −5 log 𝑏 2
𝑛−1=5
𝑛=6
1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(𝑎 + 𝑙)
2
1
𝑆6 = (𝑛)(𝑎 + 𝑙)
2
1 9
= × 6 × (log 𝑏 36 + log 𝑏 )
2 8
9
= 3 log 𝑏 (36 × )
8
81
= 3 log 𝑏 ( )
2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

= 3 (log 𝑏 81 − log 𝑏 2)
= 3 (log 𝑏 34 − log 𝑏 2)
= 3 (4log 𝑏 3 − log 𝑏 2)

17d For the AP:

27
𝑎 = log 𝑥
8
9 27
𝑑 = log 𝑥 − log 𝑥
4 8
9 27
𝑑 = log 𝑥 ( ÷ )
4 8
9 8
𝑑 = log 𝑥 ( × )
4 27
2
𝑑 = log 𝑥
3
1
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛(2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
1 27 2
𝑆10 = × 10 × (2 log 𝑥 + (10 − 1) log 𝑥 )
2 8 3
27 2
= 5 (2 log 𝑥 + 9 log 𝑥 )
8 3
27 2 2 9
= 5 (log 𝑥 ( ) + log 𝑥 ( ) )
8 3

36 29
= 5 (log 𝑥 + log 𝑥 9)
26 3

36 × 29
= 5 log 𝑥 ( )
26 × 39

23
= 5 log 𝑥 ( 3 )
3

= 5 (log 𝑥 23 − log 𝑥 33 )
= 5 (3log 𝑥 2 − 3log 𝑥 3)
= 15 (log 𝑥 2 − log 𝑥 3)

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Solutions to Exercise 1G
1 3𝑆6 = (2 × 3) + (6 × 3) + (18 × 3) + (54 × 3) + (162 × 3) + (486 × 3)
= 6 + 18 + 54 + 162 + 486 + 1458
𝑆6 = 2 + 6 + 18 + 54 + 162 + 486
3𝑆6 − 𝑆6 = (6 − 2) + (18 − 6) + (54 − 18) + (162 − 54) + (486 − 163)
+ (1458 − 486)
2𝑆6 = 1456
𝑆6 = 728

2 If one speaker was going to St Ives, the rest are going the other way:
Number going other way = 70 + 71 + 72 + 73 + 74
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 7
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
1 × (75 − 1)
𝑆5 =
7−1
= 2801

3a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 3
𝑎(𝑟 7 − 1)
𝑆7 =
𝑟−1
1 × (37 − 1)
𝑆7 =
3−1
= 1093

3b GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = −3
𝑎(1 − 𝑟 7 )
𝑆7 =
1−𝑟
1 × (1 − (−3)7 )
𝑆7 =
1 − (−3)
= 547

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

4a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 2
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
1 × (210 − 1)
𝑆10 =
2−1
= 1023
1(2𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
2−1
= 2𝑛 − 1

4b GP with 𝑎 = 2 and 𝑟 = 3
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
2 × (35 − 1)
𝑆5 =
3−1
= 242
2(3𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
3−1
= 3𝑛 − 1

4c GP with 𝑎 = −1 and 𝑟 = 10
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
−1 × (105 − 1)
𝑆5 =
10 − 1
= −11 111
−1(10𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
10 − 1
1
=− 9 (10𝑛 − 1)

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

4d GP with 𝑎 = −1 and 𝑟 = 5
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
−1 × (55 − 1)
𝑆5 =
5−1
= −781
−1(5𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
5−1
1
= − 4 (5𝑛 − 1)

4e GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = −2
𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
1 × (1 − (−2)10 )
𝑆10 =
1 − (−2)
= −341
1(1 − (−2𝑛 ))
𝑆𝑛 =
1 − (−2)
1
= 3 (1 − (−2)𝑛 )

4f GP with 𝑎 = 2 and 𝑟 = −3
𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
2 × (1 − (−3)5 )
𝑆5 =
1 − (−3)
= 122
2(1 − (−3𝑛 ))
𝑆𝑛 =
1 − (−3)
1
= 2 (1 − (−3)𝑛 )

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

4g GP with 𝑎 = −1 and 𝑟 = −10

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
−1 × (1 − (−10)5 )
𝑆5 =
1 − (−10)
= −9091
−1(1 − (−10)𝑛 ))
𝑆𝑛 =
1 − (−10)
1
= − 11 (1 − (−10)𝑛 )

4h GP with 𝑎 = −1 and 𝑟 = −5
𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
−1 × (1 − (−5)5 )
𝑆5 =
1 − (−5)
= −521
−1(1 − (−5)𝑛 ))
𝑆𝑛 =
1 − (−5)
1
= − 6 (1 − (−5)𝑛 )

1
5a GP with 𝑎 = 8 and 𝑟 = 2

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
1 10
8 × ((2) − 1)
𝑆10 =
1
2−1
1
8 × (1024 − 1)
=
1
−2

1
= −16 ( − 1)
1024

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1023
= 16 ( )
1024
1023
=
64
1 𝑛
8 ((2) − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
1
2−1
1 𝑛
= −16 (( ) − 1)
2

1 𝑛
= 16 (1 − ( ) )
2

1
5b GP with 𝑎 = 9 and 𝑟 = 3

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
1 6
9 × (( ) − 1)
3
𝑆6 =
1
3−1
1
9 × (729 − 1)
=
2
−3

27 1
=− ( − 1)
2 729
27 −728
=− ( )
2 729
364
=
27
1 𝑛
9 ((3) − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
1
3−1
27 1 𝑛
= − (( ) − 1)
2 3

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

27 1 𝑛
= (1 − ( ) )
2 3

1
5c GP with 𝑎 = 45 and 𝑟 = 3

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
1 5
45 × ((3) − 1)
𝑆5 =
1
3−1
1
45 × (243 − 1)
=
2
−3

135 1
=− ( − 1)
2 243
135 −242
=− ( )
2 243
605
=
9
1 𝑛
45 ((3) − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
1
3−1
135 1 𝑛
= − (( ) − 1)
2 3

135 1 𝑛
= (1 − ( ) )
2 3

2 3
5d GP with 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑟 = 2

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
2 3 5
× ((
3 2) − 1)
𝑆5 =
3
2−1

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

2 243
× ( 32 − 1)
= 3
1
2
4 1
= ( − 1)
3 1024
4 211
= ( )
3 32
211
=
24
2 3 𝑛
× ((
3 2) − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
3
2−1
4 3 𝑛
= (( ) − 1)
3 2

1
5e GP with 𝑎 = 8 and 𝑟 = − 2

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
1 10
8 × (1 − (− 2) )
𝑆10 =
1
1 − (− 2)

1
8 × (1 − 1024)
=
3
2
16 1023
= ( )
3 1024
341
=
64
1 𝑛
8 × (1 − (− 2) )
𝑆𝑛 =
1
1 − (− 2)

16 1 𝑛
= (1 − (− ) )
3 2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1
5f GP with 𝑎 = 9 and 𝑟 = − 3

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
1 6
9 × (1 − (− 3) )
𝑆6 =
1
1 − (− 3)

1
9 × (1 − 729)
=
4
3
27 728
= ( )
4 729
182
=
27
1 𝑛
9 × (1 − (− 3) )
𝑆𝑛 =
1
1 − (− 3)

27 1 𝑛
= (1 − (− ) )
4 3

1
5g GP with 𝑎 = −45 and 𝑟 = − 3

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
1 5
−45 × (1 − (− 3) )
𝑆5 =
1
1 − (− 3)

1
−45 × (1 − 243)
=
4
3
135 242
=− ( )
4 243

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

305
=−
9
1 𝑛
−45 × (1 − (− 3) )
𝑆𝑛 =
1
1 − (− 3)

1
−45 × (1 − (− 3)𝑛 )
=
4
3
135 1 𝑛
=− (1 − (− ) )
4 3

2 3
5h GP with 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑟 = − 2

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
2 3 5
× (1 − (−
3 2) )
𝑆5 =
3
1 − (− 2)

2 243
× (1 + 32 )
= 3
5
2
4 275
= ( )
15 32
55
=
24
2 3 𝑛
× (1 − (− ) )
3 2
𝑆𝑛 =
3
1 − (− 2)

2 3 𝑛
× (1 − (−
3 2) )
=
5
2
4 3 𝑛
= (1 − (− ) )
15 2

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

6a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 1.2

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
1(1.2𝑛 − 1)
=
1.2 − 1
1.2𝑛 − 1
=
0.2
= 5(1.2𝑛 − 1)
𝑆10 = 5(1.210 − 1) ≑ 25.96

6b GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 0.95

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
1(1 − 0.95𝑛 )
=
1 − 0.95
1 − 0.95𝑛
=
0.05
= 20(1 − 0.95𝑛 )
𝑆10 = 20(1 − 0.95𝑛 ) ≑ 8.025

6c GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 1.01

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
1(1.01𝑛 − 1)
=
1.01 − 1
1.01𝑛 − 1
=
0.01
= 100(1.01𝑛 − 1)
𝑆10 = 100(1.0110 − 1) ≑ 10.46

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

6d GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 0.99

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
1(1 − 0.99𝑛 )
=
1 − 0.99
1 − 0.99𝑛
=
0.01
= 100(1 − 0.99𝑛 )
𝑆10 = 100(1 − 0.9910 ) ≑ 9.562

7a i Number of grains in last square = 263

7a ii GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 2
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
1 × (264 − 1)
𝑆64 =
2−1
𝑆64 = 264 − 1
Number of grains in whole chessboard = 264 − 1

7b 1 L = 1−12 km3 = 3 × 104 grains

Volume of wheat
264 −1
= 3×104 litres

= 6.148 × 1014 litres

= 1−12 × 6. 148 × 1014 km3
= 615 km3

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

8a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = √2
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
1 × ((√2)𝑛 − 1)
=
√2 − 1
((√2)𝑛 − 1) √2 + 1
= ×
√2 − 1 √2 + 1
𝑛
((√2) − 1) (√2 + 1)
=
2−1
𝑛
= ((√2) − 1) (√2 + 1)
10
𝑆10 = ((√2) − 1) (√2 + 1)

= (32 − 1)(√2 + 1)

= 31(√2 + 1)

8b GP with 𝑎 = 2 and 𝑟 = −√5

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
2 × (1 − (−√5)𝑛 )
=
1 − (−√5)

2(1 − (−√5)𝑛 ) 1 − √5
= ×
1 + √5 1 − √5
𝑛
2 (1 − (−√5) ) (1 − √5)
=
1−5
1 𝑛
= − (1 − (−√5) ) (1 − √5)
2
1 𝑛
= (1 − (−√5) ) (√5 − 1)
2
1 10
𝑆10 = (1 − (−√5) ) (√5 − 1)
2
= −1562(√5 − 1)

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

9a 𝑇1 = 3 × 21 = 6
𝑇2 = 3 × 22 = 12
𝑇3 = 3 × 23 = 24
GP with 𝑎 = 6 and 𝑟 = 2
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
6 × (27 − 1)
𝑆7 =
2−1
= 6 × 127
= 762

9b 𝑇1 = 32 = 9
𝑇2 = 33 = 27
𝑇3 = 34 = 81
GP with 𝑎 = 9 and 𝑟 = 3
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
9 × (36 − 1)
𝑆6 =
3−1
9
= 2 × 728

= 3276

9c 𝑇1 = 3 × 22 = 12
𝑇2 = 3 × 21 = 6
𝑇3 = 3 × 20 = 3
1
GP with 𝑎 = 12 and 𝑟 = 2

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1 8
12 × (1 − (2) )
𝑆8 =
1
1−2

1 8
= 2 × 12 × (1 − ( ) )
2
255
= 24 ( )
256
6120
=
256
765
=
32

1
10a 𝑇1 = 𝑎 = 8

𝑇5 = 𝑎𝑟 4 = 162
1 4
𝑟 = 162
8
𝑟 4 = 1296
𝑟 = ±6
1 3 9
When 𝑟 = 6, first five terms are: 8 , 4 , 2 , 27, 162

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
1 5
(6 − 1)
𝑆6 = 8
6−1
1
= (7776 − 1)
40
3
= 194 8
1 3 9
When 𝑟 = −6, first five terms are: 8 , − 4 , 2 , −27, 162

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
1
8 ((−6)5 − 1)
𝑆6 =
(−6) − 1

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1
=− (−7776 − 1)
56
7
= 138 8

3
10b 𝑇1 = 𝑎 = − 4
𝑇4 = 𝑎𝑟 3 = 6
3
− 𝑟3 = 6
4
𝑟 3 = −8
𝑟 = −2
3
− 4 ((−2)𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
−2 − 1
3
− 4 ((−2)6 − 1)
𝑆6 =
−2 − 1
3
− 4 ((−2)6 − 1)
=
−2 − 1
63
=
4
3
= 15
4

10c 𝑇2 = 𝑎𝑟 = 0.08, 𝑇3 = 𝑎𝑟 2 = 0.4

0.08𝑟 = 0.4
𝑟=5
𝑎𝑟 = 0.08
5𝑎 = 0.08
𝑎 = 0.016
0.016(5𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
5−1
0.016(58 − 1)
𝑆8 =
4
= 1562.496

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

10d 𝑟=2
𝑆8 = 1785
𝑎(28 − 1)
1785 =
2−1
1785 = 255𝑎
𝑎=7

1
10e 𝑟 = − 2, 𝑆8 = 425

1 8
𝑎 (1 − (− 2) )
425 =
1
1 − (− )
2
85
425 = 𝑎
128
𝑎 = 640

1 9
11a i Amount = 6 × (2) ≑ 0.011 72 tonnes

1
11a ii GP with 𝑎 = 6 and 𝑟 = 2

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
1 10
6 × ((2) − 1)
𝑆10 =
1
−1
2
1 10
6 ((2) − 1)
=
1
−2

1
= −12 ( − 1)
1024
3069
=
256
≑ 11.99 tonnes

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1 12
11b Amount = 20 × (2) = 4.9 × 10−3 g

11c i GP with 𝑎 = 𝑃 and 𝑟 = 1.1

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1
𝑃 × (1.110 − 1)
𝑆10 =
1.1 − 1
𝑃 × (1.110 − 1)
=
0.1
= 10𝑃(1.110 − 1)

11c ii 𝑆10 = 10𝑃(1.110 − 1)

900 = 10𝑃(1.110 − 1)
90 = 𝑃(1.110 − 1)
𝑃 = $56.47

12a This is a GP with 𝑎 = 5, 𝑟 = 2

5(2𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
2−1
5(2𝑛 − 1)
315 =
2−1
2𝑛 − 1 = 63
2𝑛 = 64
𝑛=6

12b This is a GP with 𝑎 = 5, 𝑟 = −2

5((−2)𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 =
(−2) − 1
5((−2)𝑛 − 1)
−425 =
−3
(−2)𝑛 − 1 = 255

© Cambridge University Press 2019 123

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

(−2)𝑛 = 256
𝑛=8

1
12c This is a GP with 𝑎 = 18, 𝑟 = 3

1 𝑛
18 (1 − (3) )
𝑆𝑛 =
1
1−3

1 𝑛
8 18 (1 − (3) )
26 =
9 1
1−3

1 𝑛 242
1−( ) =
3 243
1 𝑛 1
( ) =
3 243
𝑛=5

1
12d This is a GP with 𝑎 = 48, 𝑟 = − 2

1 𝑛
48 (1 − (− 2) )
𝑆𝑛 =
1
1 − (− 2)

1 𝑛
1 48 (1 − (− 2) )
32 =
4 3
2
1 𝑛 129
1 − (− ) =
2 128
1 𝑛 1
(− ) = −
2 128
𝑛=7

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

14
13a This is a GP with 𝑎 = 7, 𝑟 = = 2, hence:
2

7(2𝑛 − 1)
𝑆𝑛 = = 7(2𝑛 − 1)
2−1

13b Put 𝑆𝑛 = 1785

7(2𝑛 − 1) = 1785
2𝑛 − 1 = 255
2𝑛 = 256
2𝑛 = 28
𝑛=8

13c 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 = 7 × 2𝑛−1

Put 𝑇𝑛 < 70 000
7 × 2𝑛−1 < 70 000
2𝑛−1 < 10 000
(𝑛 − 1) ln 2 < ln 10 000
ln 10 000
𝑛−1<
ln 2
𝑛 < 14.28 …
Hence there are 14 terms less than 70 000.

13d Put 𝑆𝑛 > 70 000

7(2𝑛 − 1) > 70 000
2𝑛 − 1 > 10 000
2𝑛 > 10 001
By trial and error the lowest integer solution is 14, hence, the first 𝑆𝑛 greater
than 70 000 is 𝑆14 = 114 681.
Alternatively:
𝑛 ln 2 > ln 10 001

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

ln 10 001
𝑛>
ln 2
𝑛 > 13.28 …

13e Need to prove that: 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑇𝑛+1 − 7

𝑆𝑛 = 7(2𝑛 − 1)
𝑇𝑛+1 − 7 = 7 × 2𝑛+1−1 − 7 = 7 × 2𝑛 − 7 = 7(2𝑛 − 1) = 𝑆𝑛
As required

14a For the GP of powers of 3, 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑟 = 3.

𝑇1 = 3 is the first term greater than 2.
For the last term less than 1020 :
𝑇𝑛 < 1020
3 × 3𝑛−1 < 1020
3𝑛 < 1020
𝑛 < log 3 1020
𝑛 < 41.91 …
Hence there are 41 powers of 3.

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 −1)
14b 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑟−1

3(3𝑛 − 1)
=
3−1
3 𝑛
= (3 − 1)
2
Hence the smallest value of 𝑛 for which 𝑆𝑛 > 1020 is:
3 𝑛
(3 − 1) > 1020
2
2
3𝑛 − 1 > × 1020
3
2
3𝑛 > × 1020 + 1
3

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

2
𝑛 > log 3 ( × 1020 + 1)
3
𝑛 > 41.5 …
Hence the smallest value for which 𝑆𝑛 > 1020 is 42.

© Cambridge University Press 2019 127

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Solutions to Exercise 1H
1a
𝑛 1 2 3 4 5 6
𝑇𝑛 18 6 2 2 2 2
3 9 27
𝑆𝑛 18 24 26 2 8 26
26 26 26
3 9 27

𝑎 18 18 3
1b 𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟 = 1 = 2 = 2 (18) = 27
1− ( )
3 3

26 1
1c 𝑆∞ − 𝑆6 = 27 − 26 27 = 27

2a
𝑛 1 2 3 4 5 6
𝑇𝑛 24 −12 6 −3 1 3
1 −
2 4
𝑆𝑛 24 12 18 15 1 3
16 15
2 4

𝑎 24 24 2
2b 𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟 = 1 = 3 = 3 (24) = 16
1−(− )
2 2

3 1
2c 𝑆∞ − 𝑆6 = 16 − 15 =
4 4

© Cambridge University Press 2019 128

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

3a 𝑎 = 1, hence:
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
1
=
1
1−2

1
=
1
2
=2

3b 𝑎 = 8, hence:
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
8
=
1
1−2

8
=
1
2
= 16

3c 𝑎 = −4, hence:
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
−4
=
1
1−2

−4
=
1
2
= −8

4a 𝑎 = 1, hence:
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟

© Cambridge University Press 2019 129

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1
=
1
1 − (− 3)

1
=
4
3
3
=
4

4b 𝑎 = 36, hence:
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
36
=
1
1 − (− 3)

36
=
4
3
= 27

4c 𝑎 = −60, hence:
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
−60
=
1
1 − (− 3)

−60
=
4
3
= −45

3
5a 60 + 15 + 3 4 + ⋯
15 1
𝑟 = 60 = 4, hence:
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

60
=
1
1−4

60
=
3
4
= 80

5b 60 − 30 + 15 − ⋯
−30 1
𝑟= = − 2, hence:
60
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
60
=
1
1 − (− 2)

60
=
3
2
= 40

2
5c 60 − 12 + 2 5 − ⋯
−12 1
𝑟= = − 5, hence:
60
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
60
=
1
1 − (− )
5
60
=
6
5
= 50

© Cambridge University Press 2019 131

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1
(− ) 1
2
6a 𝑟= = − 2, hence there is a limiting sum as |𝑟| < 1. Now 𝑎 = 1 so
1
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
1
=
1
1 − (− 2)

1
=
3
2
2
=
3

1
( ) 1
3
6b 𝑟= = 3, hence there is a limiting sum as |𝑟| < 1. Now 𝑎 = 1 so
1
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
1
=
1
1−( )
3
1
=
2
3
3
=
2

2
(− ) 2
3
6c 𝑟= = − 3, hence there is a limiting sum as |𝑟| < 1. Now 𝑎 = 1 so
1
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
1
=
2
1 − (− 3)

1
=
5
3
3
=
5

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

3
( ) 3
5
6d 𝑟= = 5, hence there is a limiting sum as |𝑟| < 1. Now 𝑎 = 1 so
1
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
1
=
3
1−
5
1
=
2
5
5
=
2
1
=2
2

6
6e 𝑟 = − 4 = −1.5, hence there is no limiting sum as |𝑟| > 1.

4 1
6f 𝑟= = , hence there is a limiting sum as |𝑟| < 1. Now 𝑎 = 12 so
12 3
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
12
=
1
1−3

12
=
2
3
3
= (12)
2
= 18

© Cambridge University Press 2019 133

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

100 1
6g 𝑟 = 1000 = 10, hence there is a limiting sum as |𝑟| < 1. Now 𝑎 = 1000 so

1000
𝑆∞ =
1
1 − 10

1000
=
9
10
10000
=
9
1
= 1111
9

−100 1
6h 𝑟= = − 10, hence there is a limiting sum as |𝑟| < 1. Now 𝑎 = 1000 so
1000

1000
𝑆∞ =
1
1 − (− 10)

1000
=
11
10
10000
=
11
1
= 909
11

−1
6i 𝑟= = −1, hence there is no limiting sum as |𝑟| > 1.
1

90 9
6j 𝑟 = 100 = 10, hence there is a limiting sum as |𝑟| < 1. Now 𝑎 = 100 so

100
𝑆∞ =
9
1 − 10

100
=
1
10
= 1000

© Cambridge University Press 2019 134

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

2
5 1
6k 𝑟= = − 5, hence there is a limiting sum as |𝑟| < 1. Now 𝑎 = −2 so
−2

−2
𝑆∞ =
1
1 − (− )
5
−2
=
6
5
−10
=
6
5
=−
3

2
− 3 1 2
15
6l 𝑟= 2 = 15 = 5, hence there is a limiting sum as |𝑟| < 1. Now 𝑎 = − 3 so
−
3

2
−3
𝑆∞ =
1
1−( )
5
2
−3
=
4
( )
5
5
=−
6

7a The ball must travel 8 metres downwards to the ground, then it bounces back up
1
to half the height which is 8 × 2 = 4 metres. This means a total of 8 + 4 = 12
metres is travelled down-and-up.
Successive down-and-up distances are formed by taking the previous down-and-
up distance and then halving the distance to go down and halving the distance to
go back up. This means that each successive down and up sequence is half that of
1
the previous. Hence it forms a GP with 𝑟 = 2.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

7b The distance travelled in each up-and-down sequence is given by a GP with

1
𝑎 = 12 and 𝑟 = 2. Thus the total distance travelled is given by:
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
12
=
1
1−2

12
=
1
2
= 24
Ball ‘eventually’ travelled 24 metres.

8a
𝑛 1 2 3 4 5 6
𝑇𝑛 10 10 10 10 10 10
𝑆𝑛 10 20 30 40 50 60
𝑆𝑛 → ∞ as 𝑛 → ∞

8b
𝑛 1 2 3 4 5 6
𝑇𝑛 10 −10 10 −10 10 −10
𝑆𝑛 10 0 10 0 10 0
𝑆𝑛 oscillates between 0 and 10 as 𝑛 → ∞

8c
𝑛 1 2 3 4 5 6
𝑇𝑛 10 20 40 80 160 320
𝑆𝑛 10 30 70 150 310 630
𝑆𝑛 → ∞ as 𝑛 → ∞

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

8d
𝑛 1 2 3 4 5 6
𝑇𝑛 10 −20 40 −80 160 −320
𝑆𝑛 10 −10 30 −50 110 −210
𝑆𝑛 oscillates between larger and larger positive and negative numbers as 𝑛 → ∞

40 1
9a For the series 𝑎 = 80 and 𝑟 = =
80 2

1 4
𝑎(1−𝑟 𝑛 ) 80(1−( ) ) 𝑎 80 80
2
Thus 𝑆4 = = 1 = 150 and 𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟 = 1 = 1 = 160
1−𝑟 1− 1−
2 2 2

So 𝑆∞ − 𝑆4 = 160 − 150 = 10

10 1
9b For the series 𝑎 = 100 and 𝑟 = 100 = 10.
1 4
𝑎(1−𝑟 𝑛 ) 100(1−( ) ) 1 𝑎 100 100 1000
10
Thus 𝑆4 = = 1 = 111 10 and 𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟 = 1 = 9 =
1−𝑟 1− 1− ( ) 9
10 10 10

1000 1 1
So 𝑆∞ − 𝑆4 = − 111 10 = 90
9

−80 4
9c For the series 𝑎 = 100 and 𝑟 = = − 5.
100

4 4
𝑎(1−𝑟 𝑛 ) 100(1−(− ) ) 164 𝑎 100 100 500
5
Thus 𝑆4 = = 4 = and 𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟 = 4 = 9 =
1−𝑟 1−(− ) 5 1−(− ) ( ) 9
5 5 5

500 164 34
So 𝑆∞ − 𝑆4 = − = 22 45
9 5

10a The numbers installing reflective house numbers in each subsequent month is
20% of that in the previous month. This is equivalent to multiplying the number
in the previous month by 20% = 0.2. Hence, this gives us a GP as all terms have a
common ratio of 0.2.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

10b This is a GP with 𝑎 = 10 000 × 0.2 = 2000 and 𝑟 = 0.2

𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
2000
=
1 − 0.2
= 2500

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 −1)
10c 𝑆𝑛 =
𝑟−1

2000(0.24 − 1)
𝑆4 =
0.3 − 1
= 2496
𝑆∞ − 𝑆4 = 2500 − 2496 = 4

11a This is a GP with 𝑎 = 1000 and 𝑟 = 0.9.

𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
1000
=
1 − 0.9
1000
=
0.1
= 10 000
Thus the advertisements will eventually bring in 10 000 sales.

𝑎(1−𝑟 𝑛 ) 1000(1−0.910 )
11b The first 10 advertisements 𝑆10 = = = 6513.2…
1−𝑟 1−0.9

Thus 𝑆∞ − 𝑆10 = 10 000 − 6513.2 … ≑ 3487

12a The left-hand side forms a GP with 𝑎 = 5 and 𝑟 = 𝑥.

𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
5
=
1−𝑥
Hence solving the equation gives:

© Cambridge University Press 2019 138

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑆∞ = 10
5
= 10
1−𝑥
5 = 10 − 10𝑥
10𝑥 = 5
1
𝑥=
2

12b The left-hand side forms a GP with 𝑎 = 5 and 𝑟 = 𝑥.

𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
5
=
1−𝑥
Hence solving the equation gives:
𝑆∞ = 3
5
=3
1−𝑥
5 = 3 − 3𝑥
3𝑥 = −2
2
𝑥=−
3

12c The left-hand side forms a GP with 𝑎 = 5 and 𝑟 = −𝑥.

𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
5
=
1 − (−𝑥)
5
=
1+𝑥
Hence solving the equation gives:
𝑆∞ = 15
5
= 15
1+𝑥

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

5 = 15 + 15𝑥
15𝑥 = −10
2
𝑥=−
3

1
12d The left-hand side forms a GP with 𝑎 = 𝑥 and 𝑟 = 3.
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
𝑥
=
1
1−3
𝑥
=
2
3
3𝑥
=
2
Hence solving the equation gives:
𝑆∞ = 2
3
𝑥=2
2
4
𝑥=
3

1
12e The left-hand side forms a GP with 𝑎 = 𝑥 and 𝑟 = − 3.
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
𝑥
=
1
1 − (− 3)
𝑥
=
4
3
3𝑥
=
4
Hence solving the equation gives:
𝑆∞ = 2

© Cambridge University Press 2019 140

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

3
𝑥=2
4
8
𝑥=
3

2
12f The left-hand side forms a GP with 𝑎 = 𝑥 and 𝑟 = 3.
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
𝑥
=
2
1−3
𝑥
=
1
3
= 3𝑥
Hence solving the equation gives:
𝑆∞ = 2
3𝑥 = 2
2
𝑥=
3

13a This is a GP with 𝑎 = 7 and 𝑟 = 𝑥.

For a limiting sum, |𝑟| < 1 so |𝑥| < 1 or −1 < 𝑥 < 1
𝑎 7
So 𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟 = 1−𝑥.

6𝑥 2
13b This is a GP with 𝑎 = 2𝑥 and 𝑟 = = 3𝑥.
2𝑥
1 1
For a limiting sum, |𝑟| < 1 so |3𝑥| < 1 or − 3 < 𝑥 < 3
𝑎 2𝑥
So 𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟 = 1−3𝑥.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

13c This is a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 𝑥 − 1.

For a limiting sum, |𝑟| < 1 so |𝑥 − 1| < 1 or −1 < 𝑥 − 1 < 1 or 0 < 𝑥 < 2
1 1
So 𝑆∞ = 1−(𝑥−1) = 2−𝑥.

13d This is a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 1 + 𝑥.

For a limiting sum, |𝑟| < 1 so |1 + 𝑥| < 1 or −1 < 1 + 𝑥 < 1 or −2 < 𝑥 < 0
𝑎 1 1
So 𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟 = 1−(1+𝑥) = − 𝑥.

14a This is a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 1.01.

As |𝑟| = 1.01 > 1, no limiting sum exists.

14b This is a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = −0.99.

As |𝑟| = 0.99 < 1, there is a limiting sum which is:
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
1
=
1 − (−0.99)
1
=
1 + 0.99
1
=
1.99
100
=
199

14c This is a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 1.01−1 .

As |𝑟| = 1.01−1 < 1, there is a limiting sum which is:
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
1
=
1 − 1.01−1

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1
=
1
1 − 1.01

1
=
1.01 1
1.01 − 1.01
1
=
0.01
(1.01)

1.01
=
0.01
= 101

0.12 1
14d This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.72 and 𝑟 = − 0.72 = − 6.
1
As |𝑟| = 6 < 1, there is a limiting sum which is:
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
0.72
=
1
1 − (− 6)

0.72
=
1
1+6

0.72
=
7
6
6
= (0.72)
7
108
=
175

© Cambridge University Press 2019 143

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

4√5 1
15a This is a GP with 𝑎 = 16√5 and 𝑟 = 16√5 = 4.
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
16√5
=
1
1−4
16√5
=
3
4
4
= (16√5)
3
64√5
=
3

36√7 1
15b This is a GP with 𝑎 = 108√7 and 𝑟 = − 108√7 = − 3.
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
108√7
=
1
1 − (− )
3
108√7
=
4
3
3
= (108√7)
4
= 81√7

√7
15c This is a GP with 𝑎 = 7 and 𝑟 = .
7
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
7
=
√7
1− 7
7
=
7 − √7
7
49
=
7 − √7

© Cambridge University Press 2019 144

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

49 7 + √7
= ×
7 − √7 7 + √7
49(7 + √7)
=
49 − 7
49(7 + √7)
=
42
7(7 + √7)
=
6

2√2 √2
15d This is a GP with 𝑎 = 4 and 𝑟 = − =− .
4 2
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
4
=
√2
1 − (− 2 )
4
=
√2
1+
2
8
=
2 + √2
8 2 − √2
= ×
2 + √2 2 − √2
8(2 − √2)
=
4−2
8(2 − √2)
=
2
= 4(2 − √2)

2√5 2
15e This is a GP with 𝑎 = 5 and 𝑟 = − =− .
5 √5
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
5
=
2
1 − (− )
√5
5
=
2
1+
√5

© Cambridge University Press 2019 145

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

5√5
=
√5 + 2
5√5 √5 − 2
= ×
√5 + 2 √5 − 2
5√5(√5 − 2)
=
5−4
= 5√5(√5 − 2)

= 25 − 10√5

= 5(5 − 2√5)

3√10 √10 √10

15f This is a GP with 𝑎 = 9 and 𝑟 = = . But 𝑟 = > 1 and hence there is no
9 3 3
limiting sum.

15g This is a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 1 − √3.

𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
1
=
1 − (1 − √3)
1
=
√3
√3
=
3

15h This is a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 2 − √3.

𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
1
=
1 − (2 − √3)
1
=
√3 − 1
1 √3 + 1
= ×
√3 − 1 √3 + 1

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

√3 + 1
=
3−1
1
= (√3 + 1)
2

16a
∞
1 𝑛 1 1 1
∑( ) = + 2+ 3+⋯
3 3 3 3
𝑛=1
1 1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑟 = 3, hence the sum is given by:
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
1
= 3
1
1−3

1
=3
2
3
=2

16b
∞
1 𝑛 7 7 7
∑7×( ) = + 2+ 3+⋯
2 2 2 2
𝑛=1
7 1
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 2 and 𝑟 = 2, hence the sum is given by:
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
7
= 2
1
1−2

7
=2
1
2
=7

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

16c
∞
3 𝑛 3 3 2 3 3
∑ 40 × (− ) = −40 ( ) + 40 ( ) − 40 ( ) + ⋯
5 5 5 5
𝑛=1
120 3
This is a GP with 𝑎 = − = −24 and 𝑟 = − 5, hence the sum is given by:
5
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
−24
=
3
1 − (− )
5
−24
=
8
5
= −15

17a 𝑆∞ = 5𝑇1
𝑎
= 5𝑎
1−𝑟
1
=5
1−𝑟
1
1−𝑟 =
5
4
𝑟=
5

17b 𝑇2 = 𝑎𝑟 = 6
6
𝑟=
𝑎

𝑆∞ = 27
𝑎
= 27
1−𝑟
𝑎
= 27
6
1−𝑎

𝑎2
= 27
𝑎−6
𝑎2 = 27𝑎 − 162

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑎2 − 27𝑎 + 162 = 0
(𝑎 − 9)(𝑎 − 18) = 0
𝑎 = 9 or 𝑎 = 18

17c 𝑆∞ − 𝑆1 = 5𝑇1
𝑆∞ − 𝑇1 = 5𝑇1
𝑆∞ = 6𝑇1
𝑎
= 6𝑎
1−𝑟
1
=6
1−𝑟
1
=1−𝑟
6
1
𝑟 =1−
6
5
𝑟=
6
5
Hence the ratio of the sum of the terms is 𝑟 = 6.

17d The sum of all terms from the third term on is equal to the sum of all terms with
the sum of the first two terms subtracted from it. That is:
𝑆 = 𝑆∞ − 𝑆2
𝑎 𝑎(1 − 𝑟 2 )
= −
1−𝑟 1−𝑟
𝑎 𝑎 − 𝑎𝑟 2
= −
1−𝑟 1−𝑟
𝑎 − 𝑎 + 𝑎𝑟 2
=
1−𝑟
𝑎𝑟 2
=
1−𝑟

17d i 𝑆 = 𝑇1
𝑎𝑟 2
=𝑎
1−𝑟

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑟2
=1
1−𝑟
𝑟2 = 1 − 𝑟
𝑟2 + 𝑟 − 1 = 0
Using the quadratic formula:

−1 ± √12 − 4(1)(−1)
𝑟=
2(1)
−1 ± √1 + 4
=
2
−1 ± √5
=
2
1
But 𝑟 = − 2 − √5 < −1, so it is not a possible solution, hence the solution is

1 1
𝑟 = − + √5
2 2

17d ii 𝑆 = 𝑇2
𝑎𝑟 2
= 𝑎𝑟
1−𝑟
𝑟2
=𝑟
1−𝑟
𝑟2 = 𝑟 − 𝑟2
2𝑟 2 − 𝑟 = 0
𝑟(2𝑟 − 1) = 0
1
𝑟 = 0 or 2 but 𝑟 ≠ 0
1
Hence, 𝑟 = 2.

17d iii 𝑆 = 𝑇1 + 𝑇2
𝑎𝑟 2
= 𝑎 + 𝑎𝑟
1−𝑟
𝑟2
= 1+𝑟
1−𝑟
𝑟 2 = (1 + 𝑟)(1 − 𝑟)

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑟2 = 1 − 𝑟2
2𝑟 2 = 1
1
𝑟2 =
2
1
𝑟=±
√2
1 √2 1 √2
𝑟= × or 𝑟 = − ×
√2 √2 √2 √2
√2 √2
𝑟= or 𝑟 = −
2 2

18a This is a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 𝑥 2 − 1

To have a limiting sum, |𝑟| < 1, so:
|𝑥 2 − 1| < 1
−1 < 𝑥 2 − 1 < 1
0 < 𝑥2 < 2
Hence:

−√2 < 𝑥 < √2 and 𝑥 ≠ 0 (since 𝑥 2 ≠ 0)

𝑎 1 1
𝑆∞ = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − (𝑥 − 1) 2 − 𝑥 2
2

1
18b This is a GP with 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑟 = 1+𝑥 2.

To have a limiting sum, |𝑟| < 1, so:

1
| |<1
1 + 𝑥2
1 < |1 + 𝑥 2 |
𝑥 2 + 1 > 1 or 𝑥 2 + 1 < −1
Hence:
𝑥 2 > 0 or 𝑥 2 < −2 (not possible)
Thus there is a limiting sum for 𝑥 ≠ 0.

© Cambridge University Press 2019 151

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑎 1 1 + 𝑥2 1 + 𝑥2
𝑆∞ = = = =
1−𝑟 1− 1 1 + 𝑥2 − 1 𝑥2
1+𝑥 2

19a This is a GP with 𝑎 = 𝑣 and 𝑟 = 𝑣

𝑎 𝑣
𝑤 = 𝑆∞ = =
1−𝑟 1−𝑣

𝑣
19b 𝑤 = 1−𝑣

𝑤 − 𝑤𝑣 = 𝑣
𝑤 = 𝑣 + 𝑤𝑣
𝑤 = 𝑣(1 + 𝑤)
𝑤
𝑣=
1+𝑤

𝑤2
19c This is a GP with 𝑎 = 𝑤 and 𝑟 = − = −𝑤
𝑤
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
𝑤
=
1 − (−𝑤)
𝑤
=
1+𝑤
=𝑣 (from part b)

1 1
1 3 3 1
19d If 𝑣 = 3 then 𝑤 = 1 = 2 = 2.
1−
3 3

Hence the limiting sum is:

𝑤
𝑆∞ =
1+𝑤
1
= 2
1
1+2

© Cambridge University Press 2019 152

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

1
=2
3
2
1
=
3
=𝑣

© Cambridge University Press 2019 153

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Solutions to Exercise 1I
1a 0. 3̇ = 0.333 … = 0.3 + 0.03 + 0.003 + ⋯
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.3 and 𝑟 = 0.1. Hence:
𝑎 0.3 0.3 3 1
0. 3̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.1 0.9 9 3

1b 0. 1̇ = 0.111 … = 0.1 + 0.01 + 0.001 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.1 and 𝑟 = 0.1. Hence:
𝑎 0.1 0.1 1
0. 1̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.1 0.9 9

1c 0. 7̇ = 0.777 … = 0.7 + 0.07 + 0.007 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.7 and 𝑟 = 0.1. Hence:
𝑎 0.7 0.7 7
0. 7̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.1 0.9 9

1d 0. 6̇ = 0.666 … = 0.6 + 0.06 + 0.006 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.6 and 𝑟 = 0.1. Hence:
𝑎 0.6 0.6 6 2
0. 6̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.1 0.9 9 3

2a 0. 2̇7̇ = 0.2727 … = 0.27 + 0.0027 + 0.000027 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.27 and 𝑟 = 0.01. Hence:
𝑎 0.27 0.27 27 3
0. 2̇7̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.01 0.99 99 11

2b 0. 8̇1̇ = 0.8181 … = 0.81 + 0.0081 + 0.000081 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.81 and 𝑟 = 0.01. Hence:
𝑎 0.81 0.81 81 9
0. 8̇1̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.01 0.99 99 11

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

2c 0. 0̇9̇ = 0.0909 … = 0.09 + 0.0009 + 0.000009 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.09 and 𝑟 = 0.01. Hence:
𝑎 0.09 0.09 9 1
0. 0̇9̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.01 0.99 99 11

2d 0. 1̇2̇ = 0.1212 … = 0.12 + 0.0012 + 0.000012 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.12 and 𝑟 = 0.01. Hence:
𝑎 0.12 0.12 12 4
0. 1̇2̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.01 0.99 99 33

2e 0. 7̇8̇ = 0.7878 … = 0.78 + 0.0078 + 0.000078 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.78 and 𝑟 = 0.01. Hence:
𝑎 0.78 0.78 78 26
0. 7̇8̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.01 0.99 99 33

2f 0. 0̇27̇ = 0.027027 … = 0.027 + 0.000027 + 0.000000027 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.027 and 𝑟 = 0.001. Hence:
𝑎 0.027 0.027 27 1
0. 0̇27̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.001 0.999 999 37

2g 0. 1̇35̇ = 0.135135 … = 0.135 + 0.000135 + 0.000000135 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.135 and 𝑟 = 0.001. Hence:
𝑎 0.135 0.135 135 5
0. 1̇35̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.001 0.999 999 37

2h 0. 1̇85̇ = 0.185185 … = 0.185 + 0.000185 + 0.000000185 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.185 and 𝑟 = 0.001. Hence:
𝑎 0.185 0.185 185 5
0. 1̇85̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.001 0.999 999 27

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

3a 12. 4̇ = 12.444 … = 12 + 0.4 + 0.04 + 0.004 + ⋯

All terms after 12 form a GP with 𝑎 = 0.4 and 𝑟 = 0.1. Hence:
𝑎 0.4 0.4 4
12. 4̇ = 12 + 𝑆∞ = 12 + = 12 + = 12 + = 12
1−𝑟 1 − 0.1 0.9 9

3b 7. 8̇1̇ = 7.8181 … = 0.81 + 0.0081 + 0.000081 + ⋯

All terms after 7 form a GP with 𝑎 = 0.81 and 𝑟 = 0.01. Hence
𝑎 0.81 0.81 9
7. 8̇1̇ = 7 + 𝑆∞ = 7 + =7+ = 7+ =7
1−𝑟 1 − 0.01 0.99 11

3c 8.46̇ = 8.466 … = 8.4 + 0.06 + 0.006 + ⋯

All terms after 8.4 form a GP with 𝑎 = 0.06 and 𝑟 = 0.1. Hence:
𝑎 0.06 0.06 6 7
8.46̇ = 8.4 + 𝑆∞ = 8.4 + = 8.4 + = 8.4 + = 8.4 + =8
1−𝑟 1 − 0.1 0.9 90 15

3d 0.23̇6̇ = 0.23636 … = 0.2 + 0.036 + 0.00036 + ⋯

All terms after 0.2 form a GP with 𝑎 = 0.036 and 𝑟 = 0.01. Hence:

0.23̇6̇ = 0.2 + 𝑆∞
𝑎
= 0.2 +
1−𝑟
0.036
= 0.2 +
1 − 0.01
0.036
= 0.2 +
0.99
2
= 0.2 +
55
11 2
= +
55 55
13
=
55

4a 0. 9̇ = 0.99999 … = 0.9 + 0.09 + 0.009 + 0.0009 + ⋯

0.09
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.9 and 𝑟 = = 0.1, so the sum will be:
0.9
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟

© Cambridge University Press 2019 156

Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

0.9
=
1 − 0.1
0.9
=
0.9
=1

Thus 0. 9̇ = 1

4b 2.79̇ = 2.799999 … = 2.7 + 0.09 + 0.009 + 0.0009 + ⋯

0.009
All terms after 2.7 form a GP with 𝑎 = 0.09 and 𝑟 = = 0.1, so the sum will be
0.09

𝑎 0.09 0.09
𝑆∞ = = = = 0.1
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.1 0.9
Hence 2.79̇ = 2.7 + 𝑆∞ = 2.7 + 0.1 = 2.8

5a 0. 9̇57̇ = 0.957 957 957 … = 0.957 + 0.000 957 + 0.000 000 957 + ⋯
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.957 and 𝑟 = 0.001. Hence:
𝑎 0.957 0.957 957 29
0. 9̇57̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.001 0.999 999 303

5b 0. 2̇475̇ = 0.247 524 75 … = 0.2475 + 0.000 0247 5 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.2475 and 𝑟 = 0.0001. Hence:
𝑎 0.2475 0.2475 2475 25
0. 2̇475̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.0001 0.9999 9999 101

5c 0. 2̇30 769̇ = 0.230 769 230 769 … = 0.2307 69 + 0.000 002 307 69 + ⋯
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.230 769 and 𝑟 = 0.000 01. Hence:
𝑎 0.230 769 0.230 769 230 769 3
0. 2̇30 769̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.000 01 0.999 99 99 999 13

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

5d 0. 4̇28 571̇ = 0.428 571 … = 0.428 571 + 0.000 004 285 71 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.230 769 and 𝑟 = 0.000 01. Hence:
𝑎 0.428 571 0.428 571 428 571 3
0. 4̇28571̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.000 01 0.999 99 999 990 7

5e 0.255̇7̇ = 0.255 757 575 7 … = 0.25 + (0.0057 + 0.000 057 + ⋯ )

The bracketed terms form a GP with 𝑎 = 0.0057 and 𝑟 = 0.01. Hence:

0.255̇7̇ = 0.25 + 𝑆∞
𝑎
= 0.25 +
1−𝑟
1 0.0057
= +
4 1 − 0.01
1 0.0057
= +
4 0.99
1 57
= +
4 9900
211
=
825

5f 1.10̇37̇ = 1.103 703 703 7 … = 1.1 + (0.0037 + 0.000 003 7 + ⋯ )

The bracketed terms form a GP with 𝑎 = 0.0037 and 𝑟 = 0.001. Hence:

1.10̇37̇ = 1.1 + 𝑆∞
𝑎
= 1.1 +
1−𝑟
0.0037
= 1.1 +
1 − 0.001
0.0037
= 1.1 +
0.999
10989 37
= +
9990 9990
14
=1
135

5g 0.00̇0 271̇ = 0.000 271 002 710 027 1 …

= 0.000 271 + 0.000 000 002 71 + 0.000 000 000 000 027 1 + ⋯
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.000 271 and 𝑟 = 0.0001. Hence:

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

0.00̇0 271̇ = 𝑆∞
𝑎
=
1−𝑟
0.000 271
=
1 − 0.0001
0.000 271
=
0.9999
1
=
3690

5h 7.77̇1 428 5̇ = 7.771 428 571 428 571 428 5 …

= 7.7 + (0.071 428 5 + 0.000 007 142 85 + ⋯ )
The bracketed terms form a GP with 𝑎 = 0.071 428 5 and 𝑟 = 0.000 01. Hence:

0.00̇0 271̇ = 7.7 + 𝑆∞

𝑎
= 7.7 +
1−𝑟
0.071 428 5
= 7.7 +
1 − 0.000 01
0.071 428 5
= 7.7 +
0.999 99
27
=7
35

6a √2 = 1.414 213 562 … which has no obvious repeating pattern.

If √2 were a recurring decimal, then we could use the methods of this section to
write it as a fraction.

7-8 Answers are contained in the question.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Chapter 1 Review
1 The first 12 terms of the sequence are:
50, 41, 32, 23, 14, 5, −4, −13, −22, −31, −40, −49

1a The positive terms are 50, 41, 32, 23, 14, 5

Counting, there are a total of 6.

1b The terms between 0 and 40 are 32, 23, 14, 5

Counting, there are a total of 4.

1c 𝑇10 = −31

1d 𝑇8 = −13

1e No, extending the sequence gives:

50, 41, 32, 23, 14, 5, −4, −13, −22, −31, −40, −49, −58, −67, −76, −85, −95, −104 …
which does not contain −100.

1f 𝑇11 = −40

2a 𝑇1 = 58 − 6(1) = 52
𝑇20 = 58 − 6(20) = −62
𝑇100 = 58 − 6(100) = −542
𝑇1 000 000 = 58 − 6(1 000 000) = −5 999 942

2b Solving 𝑇𝑛 = 20
58 − 6𝑛 = 20
6𝑛 = 38
𝑛 = 6.33 …

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

As 𝑛 is not an integer, 20 is not a term in the sequence.

Solving 𝑇𝑛 = 10
58 − 6𝑛 = 10
6𝑛 = 48
𝑛=8
Thus 𝑇8 = 10 is a term.

Solving 𝑇𝑛 = −56
58 − 6𝑛 = −56
6𝑛 = 114
𝑛 = 19
Thus 𝑇19 = −56 is a term.

Solving 𝑇𝑛 = −100
58 − 6𝑛 = −100
6𝑛 = 158
𝑛 = 26.33 …
As 𝑛 is not an integer, −100 is not a term in the sequence.

2c 𝑇𝑛 < −200
58 − 6𝑛 < −200
6𝑛 > 258
𝑛 > 43
Hence the first term less than −200 is 𝑇44 = −206.

2d 𝑇𝑛 > −600
58 − 6𝑛 > −600
6𝑛 < 658

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑛 < 109.666
Hence the last term greater than −600 is 𝑇109 = −596

3a 𝑆1 = 𝑇1 = 4
𝑆2 = 𝑇1 + 𝑆1
Hence:
𝑇2 = 𝑆2 − 𝑆1 = 11 − 4 = 7
Similarly:
𝑇3 = 𝑆3 − 𝑆2 = 18 − 11 = 7
𝑇4 = 𝑆4 − 𝑆3 = 25 − 18 = 7
𝑇5 = 𝑆5 − 𝑆4 = 32 − 25 = 7
𝑇6 = 𝑆6 − 𝑆5 = 39 − 32 = 7
Hence giving the sequence:
4, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, …

3b 𝑆1 = 𝑇1 = 0
𝑆2 = 𝑇1 + 𝑆1
Hence:
𝑇2 = 𝑆2 − 𝑆1 = 1 − 0 = 1
Similarly:
𝑇3 = 𝑆3 − 𝑆2 = 3 − 1 = 2
𝑇4 = 𝑆4 − 𝑆3 = 6 − 3 = 3
𝑇5 = 𝑆5 − 𝑆4 = 10 − 6 = 4
𝑇6 = 𝑆6 − 𝑆5 = 15 − 10 = 5
𝑇7 = 𝑆7 − 𝑆6 = 21 − 15 = 6
Hence giving the sequence:
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, …

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

3c 𝑇1 = 𝑆1 = 12 + 5 = 6
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑆𝑛 − 𝑆𝑛−1
= 𝑛2 + 5 − ((𝑛 − 1)2 + 5)
= 𝑛2 + 5 − (𝑛2 − 2𝑛 + 1 + 5)
= 2𝑛 − 1 for 𝑛 > 1

3d 𝑇1 = 𝑆1 = 31 = 3
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑆𝑛 − 𝑆𝑛−1
= 3𝑛 − 3𝑛−1
= 3𝑛−1 (3 − 1)
= 2 × 3𝑛−1 for 𝑛 > 1

4a
6

∑(𝑛2 − 1) = 8 + 15 + 24 + 35 = 82
𝑛=3

4b
2

∑ (5𝑛 − 3) = −13 + (−8) + (−3) + 2 + 8 = −15

𝑛=−2

4c
6

∑(−1)𝑛 = 1 + (−1) + 1 + (−1) + 1 + (−1) + 1 = 1

𝑛=0

4d
6
1 𝑛 1 1 1 1 1 63
∑( ) = + + + + =
2 2 4 16 32 64 64
𝑛=1

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

5a The first eight terms are:

𝑇1 = 5 × (−1)1 = −5
𝑇2 = 5 × (−1)2 = 5
𝑇3 = 5 × (−1)3 = −5
𝑇4 = 5 × (−1)4 = 5
𝑇5 = 5 × (−1)5 = −5
𝑇6 = 5 × (−1)6 = 5
𝑇7 = 5 × (−1)7 = −5
𝑇8 = 5 × (−1)8 = 5
Thus the sequence is:
−5, 5, −5, 5, −5, 5, −5, 5

5b The sum of first seven terms is:

𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 ) −5(1 − (−1)7 ) 5(2)
𝑆7 = = =− = −5
1−𝑟 1 − (−1) 2
𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 ) −5(1 − (−1)8 ) 5(0)
𝑆8 = = =− =0
1−𝑟 1 − (−1) 2

5c For this particular sequence, one simply adds −5 if the previous term is 0 and
adds 5 if the previous term was −5. This means that 𝑇𝑛 = −5 if 𝑛 is odd and
𝑇𝑛 = 0 of 𝑛 is even.

5d Noting that that 𝑇𝑛 = −5 if 𝑛 is odd and 𝑇𝑛 = 0 if 𝑛 is even.

𝑇20 = 0
𝑇75 = −5
𝑇111 = −5

6a 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 83 − 76 = 7
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 90 − 83 = 7
Hence there is a common difference between the terms so it is an AP with
common difference of 7.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

6b 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 100 − (−21) = −121

𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = (−21) − (−142) = −121
Hence there is a common difference between the terms so it is an AP with
common difference of −121.

6c 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 9 − 4 = 5
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 4 − 1 = 3
𝑇3 9
= = 2.25
𝑇2 4
𝑇2 4
= =4
𝑇1 1
There is no common ratio nor common difference. Hence it is neither an AP nor a
GP.

6d
𝑇3 54
= =3
𝑇2 18
𝑇2 18
= =3
𝑇1 6
Hence as there is a common ratio, this is a GP with 𝑟 = 3.

6e 𝑇2 − 𝑇1 = 10 − 6 = 4
𝑇3 − 𝑇2 = 15 − 10 = 5
𝑇3 15 3
= =
𝑇2 10 2
𝑇2 10 5
= =
𝑇1 6 3
There is no common ratio nor common difference. Hence it is neither an AP nor a
GP.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

6f
𝑇3 12 1
= =−
𝑇2 −24 2
𝑇2 −24 1
= =−
𝑇1 48 2
1
Hence as there is a common ratio, this is a GP with 𝑟 = − 2.

7a 𝑎 = 23, 𝑑 = 35 − 23 = 12

7b Since 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑 = 23 + 12(𝑛 − 1)

𝑇20 = 23 + 20(20 − 1) = 251
𝑇600 = 23 + 20(600 − 1) = 7211

7c 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑 = 23 + 12(𝑛 − 1) = 23 + 12𝑛 − 12 = 11 + 12𝑛

7d If 143 is a term, then:

143 = 11 + 12𝑛
12𝑛 = 132
𝑛 = 11
As 𝑛 is a positive integer, 143 is a term.
If 173 is a term, then:
173 = 11 + 12𝑛
12𝑛 = 162
𝑛 = 13.5
As 𝑛 is not a positive integer, 173 is not a term.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

7e In order for the term to be greater than 1000, we must have:

𝑇𝑛 > 1000
11 + 12𝑛 > 1000
12𝑛 > 989
𝑛 > 82.4
So the smallest integer that satisfies this inequality is 𝑛 = 83.
Hence the first term greater than 1000 is 𝑇83 = 1007.

In order for the term to be less than 2000 we must have:

11 + 12𝑛 < 2000
12𝑛 < 1989
𝑛 < 165.75
The largest integer that satisfies this inequality is 𝑛 = 165.
Hence the last term less than 2000 is 𝑇165 = 1991.

7f 165 − 83 + 1 = 83 (count both 𝑇83 and 𝑇165 )

8a The amount charged forms an AP with 𝑎 = 20, 𝑑 = 16

8b 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑 = 20 + 16(𝑛 − 1) = 20 + 16𝑛 − 16 = 4 + 16𝑛

8c Note that as at most $200 can be spent:

𝑇𝑛 ≤ 200
4 + 16𝑛 ≤ 200
16𝑛 ≤ 196
𝑛 ≤ 12.25
Hence the largest number of cases that can be bought is 12. Furthermore, as
𝑇12 = 196, the twelve cases will cost a total of $196, hence, there will be $4 left in
change.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

8d 𝑇𝑛 = 292
4 + 16𝑛 = 292
16𝑛 = 288
𝑛 = 18
Hence the neighbour purchased 18 cases.

100
9a 𝑎 = 50, 𝑟 = =2
50

9b 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 = 50 × 2𝑛−1 (or 25 × 2𝑛 )

9c 𝑇8 = 50(2)8−1 = 6400, 𝑇12 = 50(2)12−1 = 102 400

9d If 1600 is a term, then:

1600 = 50(2)𝑛−1 ,
32 = 2𝑛−1
𝑛−1=5
𝑛=6
As 𝑛 is a positive integer, 1600 is a term.

If 4800 is a term, then:

4800 = 50(2)𝑛−1
96 = 2𝑛−1
As 96 is not a power of 2, 𝑛 cannot be a positive integer. This means that 4800 is
not a term.

9e 𝑇4 × 𝑇5 = 50 × 24−1 × 50 × 25−1 = 320 000

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

9f 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 < 10 000 000

50 × 2𝑛−1 < 10 000 000
2𝑛−1 < 200 000
𝑛 − 1 < log 2 200 000
𝑛 < log 2 200 000 + 1
𝑛 < 18.6
Hence, rounding down, we can conclude that there are 18 terms.

10a The number of visitors on each subsequent day, is given by multiplying the
1
number on the previous day by 3, hence, by definition we are describing a GP
1
with 𝑎 = 486, 𝑟 = 3.

10b 486, 162, 54, 18, 6, 2 (we do not go further as fractions here are nonsensical)

10c 4 days (there are 4 terms greater than 10 in the above sequence)

10d
𝑎(1 − 𝑟 𝑛 )
𝑆6 =
1−𝑟
1 6
486 (1 − (3) )
=
1
1−3

1 6
486 (1 − (3) )
=
2
3
= 728
Total number of visitors was 728.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

10e
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
486
=
1
1−3

= 729
The ‘eventual’ number of visitors is 729.

11a Since terms 1 and 2 and terms 2 and 3 must have the same difference we have:
𝑥 − 15 = 135 − 𝑥
2𝑥 = 150
𝑥 = 75

11b Since terms 1 and 2 and terms 2 and 3 must have the same ratio we have:
𝑥 135
=
15 𝑥
𝑥 2 = 135 × 15
𝑥 2 = 2025
𝑥 = ±45

12a For this AP, 𝑎 = 51, 𝑑 = 11 so:

1
𝑆41 = 𝑛(2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
1
= × 41 × (2 × 51 + (41 − 1) × 11)
2
= 11 111

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

12b For this AP, 𝑎 = 100, 𝑑 = −25 so:

1
𝑆41 = 𝑛(2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
1
= × 41 × (2 × 100 + (41 − 1) × −25)
2
= −16 400

12c For this AP, 𝑎 = −35, 𝑑 = 3 so:

1
𝑆41 = 𝑛(2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑)
2
1
= × 41 × (2 × −35 + (41 − 1) × 3)
2
= 1025

13a 𝑎 = 23 and 𝑑 = 27 − 23 = 4
Thus, we find the number of terms by solving the equation:
199 = 23 + (𝑛 − 1) × 4
176 = 4(𝑛 − 1)
𝑛 − 1 = 44
𝑛 = 45
Hence:
1 1
𝑆45 = 𝑛(𝑎 + 𝑙) = × 45 × (23 + 4) = 4995
2 2

13b 𝑎 = 200 and 𝑑 = 197 − 200 = 3

Thus, we find the number of terms by solving the equation:
−100 = 200 + (𝑛 − 1) × −3
−300 = −3(𝑛 − 1)
𝑛 − 1 = 100
𝑛 = 101

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Hence:
1 1
𝑆101 = 𝑛(𝑎 + 𝑙) = × 101 × (200 − 100) = 5050
2 2

1 1
13c 𝑎 = 12 and 𝑑 = 12 2 − 12 = 2

Thus, we find the number of terms by solving the equation:

1
50 = 12 + (𝑛 − 1) ×
2
1
38 = (𝑛 − 1)
2
𝑛 − 1 = 76
𝑛 = 77
Hence:
1 1
𝑆77 = 𝑛(𝑎 + 𝑙) = × 77 × (12 + 50) = 2387
2 2

14a For this GP, 𝑎 = 3 and 𝑟 = 2, hence:

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1) 3(26 − 1)
𝑆6 = = = 189
𝑟−1 2−1

14b For this GP, 𝑎 = 6 and 𝑟 = −2, hence:

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1) 6((−2)6 − 1)
𝑆6 = = = −1092
𝑟−1 −2 − 1

1
14c For this GP, 𝑎 = −80 and 𝑟 = 2, hence:

1 6
−80 ((2) − 1)
𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1) 1
𝑆6 = = = −157
𝑟−1 1 2
2−1

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

48 1
15a This is a GP with 𝑎 = 240 and 𝑟 = 240 = 5.
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
240
=
1
1−
5
240
=
4
5
5
= × 240
4
= 300

9 3
15b 𝑟 = −6 = − 2 < −1, so there is no limiting sum.

−135 1
15c This is a GP with 𝑎 = −405 and 𝑟 = = − 3.
405
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
−135
=
1
1 − (− 3)
−130
=
4
3
3
= × (−130)
4
3
= −303
4

(2+𝑥)2
16a This is a GP with common ratio 𝑟 = = 2 + 𝑥.
2+𝑥

In order to have a limiting sum we must have |𝑟| < 1 and hence |2 + 𝑥| < 1, this
implies that −1 < 2 + 𝑥 < 1 and so there will be a limiting sum if −3 < 𝑥 < −1.

16b
𝑎 2+𝑥 2+𝑥 2+𝑥
𝑆∞ = = = =−
1 − 𝑟 1 − (2 + 𝑥) −𝑥 − 1 1+𝑥

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

17a 0. 3̇9̇ = 0.393 939 … = 0.39 + 0.0039 + 0.000 039 + ⋯

This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.39 and 𝑟 = 0.01. Hence:
𝑎 0.39 0.39 39 13
0. 3̇9̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.01 0.99 99 33

17b 0. 4̇68̇ = 0.468 468 … = 0.468 + 0.000 468 + 0.000 000 468 + ⋯
This is a GP with 𝑎 = 0.468 and 𝑟 = 0.001. Hence:
𝑎 0.468 0.468 468 52
0. 0̇27̇ = 𝑆∞ = = = = =
1 − 𝑟 1 − 0.001 0.999 999 111

17c 12.304̇5̇ = 12.304 545 454 5 …

= 12.30 + 0.0045 + 0.000045 + 0.00000045 + ⋯
All terms after 12.30 form a GP with 𝑎 = 0.0045 and 𝑟 = 0.01. Hence:

12.304̇5̇ = 12.30 + 𝑆∞
𝑎
= 12.30 +
1−𝑟
0.045
= 12.30 +
1 − 0.01
0.045
= 12.30 +
0.999
445
= 12.30 +
999
335
= 12
1100
67
= 12
220

18a 𝑇2 = 21
𝑎 + (2 − 1)𝑑 = 21
𝑎 + 𝑑 = 21 (1)
𝑇9 = 56
𝑎 + (9 − 1)𝑑 = 56
𝑎 + 8𝑑 = 56 (2)
7𝑑 = 35 (2) − (1)

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

𝑑=5 (3)
𝑎 + 5 = 21 (3) in (1)
𝑎 = 16
𝑇100 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑 = 16 + (100 − 1) × 5 = 511

18b 𝑇3 = 10
𝑎 + (3 − 1)𝑑 = 10
𝑎 + 2𝑑 = 10 (1)
𝑇12 = −89
𝑎 + (12 − 1)𝑑 = −89
𝑎 + 11𝑑 = −89 (2)
9𝑑 = −99 (2) − (1)
𝑑 = −11 (3)
𝑎 + 2(−11) = 10 (3) in (1)
𝑎 = 32
Hence:
1 1
𝑆20 = 𝑛(2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑) = × 20 × (2 × 32 + (20 − 1)(−11)) = −1450
2 2

18c 𝑇3 = 3
𝑎𝑟 3−1 = 3
𝑎𝑟 2 = 3 (1)
𝑇8 = −96
𝑎𝑟 8−1 = −96
𝑎𝑟 7 = −96 (2)
𝑟 5 = −32 (2) ÷ (1)
𝑟 = −2 (3)
𝑎(−2)2 = 3 (3) in (1)
3
𝑎=
4
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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

Hence:
3
𝑇6 = (−2)6−1 = −24
4

18d We are given that 𝑇1 = 𝑎 = 1 and that 𝑆10 = −215

Hence:
𝑆10 = −215
1
× 10 × (2 × 1 + (10 − 1) × 𝑑) = −215
2
5(2 + 9𝑑) = −215
2 + 9𝑑 = −43
9𝑑 = −45
𝑑 = −5

1
18e The AP has 𝑎 = 4 2 and 𝑑 = −1.

If 𝑆𝑛 = 8 where 𝑛 is the number of terms:

1 1
𝑛 (2 × 4 + (𝑛 − 1) × −1) = 8
2 2
𝑛(9 − 𝑛 + 1) = 16
𝑛(10 − 𝑛) = 16
10𝑛 − 𝑛2 = 16
𝑛2 − 10𝑛 + 16 = 0
(𝑛 − 2)(𝑛 − 8) = 0
Thus there are either 2 or 8 terms.

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Chapter 1 worked solutions – Sequences and series

18f
𝑎
𝑆∞ =
1−𝑟
60
45 =
1−𝑟
60
1−𝑟 =
45
4
1−𝑟 =
3
4
𝑟 =1−
3
1
𝑟=−
3

18g 𝑆10 = 682

𝑎(𝑟 𝑛 − 1)
= 682
𝑟−1
𝑎((−2)10 − 1)
= 682
−2 − 1
𝑎(1024 − 1)
= 682
−3
−3
𝑎 = 682 × = −2
1023
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑇4 = −2 × (−2)3 = 16

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