5 Arithmetic

Progressions

BASIC CONCEPTS – A FLOW CHART

106 Xam idea Mathematics–X

 MORE POINTS TO REMEMBER
 Selection of term in an AP: In some particular problems we require certain number of
terms in AP. For convenience we adopt following pattern
Number of terms     Terms Common difference
3 a – d, a, a + d d
4 a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d 2d
5 a – 2d, a – d, a, a + d, a + 2d d
6 a – 5d, a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d, a + 5d 2d
 A sequence a1, a2, a3.......is an AP, if an+1 – an is independent of n.

For example, 2, 5, 8, 11, .......is an AP because
   an + 1 – an = {2+(n + 1 – 1)3} – {2 + (n – 1)3}
= {2 + 3n – 2 – 3n + 3} = 3 (independent of n)
 A sequence a1, a2, a3.........., an, ......... is an AP, if and only if nth term an is a linear expansion
of n and the co-efficient of n is common difference of the AP.

For example, if a be the first term and d the common difference then
an = a + (n – 1) d
= a + nd – d = dn + (a – d)

Multiple Choice Questions [1 mark]

Choose and write the correct option in the following questions.
4 1 −2 −5
1. The first term and the common difference for the AP , , , ,.... are respectively
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
(a) ,1 (b) , –1 (c) 1, (d) –1,
3 3 3 3
2. The 11th and 13th terms of an AP are 35 and 41 respectively, its common difference is
(a) 38 (b) 32 (c) 6 (d) 3
3. The next term of the AP 8 , 18 , 32 , .... is
(a) 5 2 (b) 5 3 (c) 3 3 (d) 5 3
4. Which term of the AP 18, 23, 28, 33, ... is 98?
(a) 15th (b) 16th (c) 17th (d) 18th
5. The famous mathematician associated with finding the sum of the first 100 natural numbers
is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Pythagoras (b) Newton (c) Gauss (d) Euclid
25 15
6. The 16th term of the AP 15, , 10, , 5, .... is
2 2
45 –45 105 105
(a) (b) (c) (d) –
2 2 2 2
7. The 6th term from the end of the AP 5, 2, –1, – 4, ..., –31 is
(a) –16 (b) –19 (c) –22 (d) –25
8. The list of numbers –10, –6, –2, 2, ... is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) an AP with d = –16 (b) an AP with d = 4
(c) an AP with d = –4 (d) not an AP

Arithmetic Progressions 107

 9. Which term of the AP 21, 42, 63, 84, ... is 210? [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 9th (b) 10th (c) 11th (d) 12th
10. The sum of first 16 terms of the AP 10, 6, 2, ... is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) –320 (b) 320 (c) –352 (d) –400
11. In an AP if a = 1, an = 20 and Sn = 399, then n is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 19 (b) 21 (c) 38 (d) 42
12. The sum of first five multiples of 3 is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 45 (b) 55 (c) 65 (d) 75
13. The 4th term from the end of the AP –11, –8, –5, ..., 49 is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 37 (b) 40 (c) 43 (d) 58
14. Two APs have same common difference. The first term of one of these is –1 and that of the
other is – 8. Then the difference between their 4th term is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) –1 (b) –8 (c) 7 (d) –9
15. If (p – 1), (p + 3), (3p – 1) are in AP, then p is equal to
(a) 4 (b) – 4 (c) 2 (d) –2
16. The 21st term of the AP whose first two terms are –3 and 4, is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 17 (b) 137 (c) 143 (d) –143
17. If the sum of n terms of an AP is 2n2 + 5n, then its nth term is
(a) 4n – 3 (b) 3n – 4 (c) 4n + 3 (d) 3n + 4
18. If 18, a, b, –3 are in AP, then a + b is equal to
(a) 19 (b) 7 (c) 11 (d) 15
19. If the sum of p terms of an AP is q and the sum of q terms is p, then the sum of p + q terms will
be
(a) 0 (b) p – q (c) p + q (d) – (p + q)
20. The first four terms of an AP, whose first term is –2 and the common difference is –2 are
[NCERT Exemplar]
(a) –2, 0, 2, 4 (b) –2, 4, –8, 16 (c) –2, –4, –6, –8 (d) –2, –4, –8, –16

Answers
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (c) 6. (b)
7. (a) 8. (b) 9. (b) 10. (a) 11. (c) 12. (a)
13. (b) 14. (c) 15. (a) 16. (b) 17. (c) 18. (d)
19. (d) 20. (c)

Fill in the Blanks [1 mark]

Complete the following statements with appropriate word(s) in the blank space(s).
1. An arithmetic progression is a list of numbers in which each term is obtained by _______________
a fixed number to the preceding term except the first term.
2. In an AP, the letter d is generally used to denote the _______________.
3. The nth term of an AP is always a _______________ expression.

108 Xam idea Mathematics–X

 4. If Sn denotes the sum of n term of an AP, then S12 – S11 is the _______________ term of the AP.
5. If a and d are respectively the first term and the common difference of an AP, a + 10d, denotes
the _______________ term of the AP.
6. If l and d are respectively the last term and the common difference of an AP, then l – 9d denotes
the _______________ term from end of the AP.
7. In the sequence 5, 6, 7, 8 difference between two consecutive terms is _________________.
8. If a, b, c are in AP, then the relation between a, b and c is _________________.
9. The sum of the AP, 1 + 2 + ..... + 10 is _________________.
10. The nth term of an AP whose first term is a and common difference is d is _______________.
11. The sum of three numbers in AP is 30. If the greatest is 13 then, its common difference is
_________________.
12. The sum of first n natural numbers is _________________.
13. Natural numbers up to 300 which are divisible by 17 in number are _________________.
14. If 2x, (x + 10) and (3x + 2) are in AP then x is _________________.
15. The sum of all even numbers between 100 and 200 will be _________________.

Answers
1. adding 2. common difference 3. linear 4. twelfth 5. eleventh
a+ c
6. tenth 7. 1 8. 2b = a + c or b = 9. 55 10. a + (n – 1)d
2
n ]n + 1g
11. 3 12. 13. 17 14. 6 15. 7350
2

Very Short Answer Questions [1 mark]

1. Which of the following can be the nth term of an AP?
  4n + 3, 3n2 + 5, n3 + 1 give reason.
Sol. 4n + 3 because nth term of an AP can only be a linear relation in n as an = a + (n – 1)d.
2. Is 144 a term of the AP 3, 7, 11, ...? Justify your answer.
Sol. No, because here a = 3 an odd number and d = 4 which is even. So, sum of odd and even must
be odd whereas 144 is an even number.
3. The first term of an AP is p and its common difference is q. Find its 10th term.
Sol. a10 = a + 9d = p + 9q
3+ n
4. If nth term of an AP is , find its 8th term.
4
3+ n 3 + 8 11
Sol. an = ; So a8 = =
4 4 4
5. For what value of p are 2p + 1, 13, 5p – 3, three consecutive terms of AP? [CBSE (AI) 2009]
Sol. Since 2p + 1, 13, 5p – 3 are in AP.
\ Second term – First term = Third term – Second term
  13 – (2p + 1) = 5p – 3 – 13
  13 – 2p – 1 = 5p – 16
⇒ 12 – 2p = 5p – 16
⇒
– 7p = – 28
⇒
p= 4

Arithmetic Progressions 109

 6. Write the common difference of the AP 3 , 12 , 27 , 48 , ... [CBSE 2019 (30/5/2)]
Sol. Given AP, 3 , 12 , 27 , 48 , ...
⇒
3 , 2 3 , 3 3 , 4 3 , ...
∴
Common difference = 2 3 – 3 = 3
⇒
d= 3
7. If 7 times the 7th term of an AP is equal to 11 times its 11th term, then find its 18th term.
[CBSE (F) 2017]
Sol. Given, 7a7 = 11a11
⇒ 7(a + 6d) = 11(a + 10d) or 7a + 42d = 11a + 110d
⇒ 4a + 68d = 0 or a + 17d = 0
Now, a18 = a + 17d = 0
8. Find the 9th term from the end (towards the first term) of the AP 5, 9, 13, ..., 185.
[CBSE (Delhi) 2016]
Sol. l = 185, d = 4

l9 = l – (n – 1) d = 185 – 8 × 4 = 153

Short Answer Questions-I [2 marks]

1. In which of the following situations, does the list of numbers involved to make an AP? If yes,
give reason.
(i) The cost of digging a well after every metre of digging, when it costs ™150 for the first
metre and rises by ™50 for each subsequent metre.
(ii) The amount of money in the account every year, when ™10,000 is deposited at simple
interest at 8% per annum.
Sol. (i) The numbers involved are 150, 200, 250, 300, ...
Here 200 –150 = 250 – 200 = 300 – 250 and so on
\ It forms an AP with a = 150, d = 50
(ii) The numbers involved are 10,800, 11,600, 12,400, ...
which forms an AP with a = 10,800 and d = 800.
2. If the sum of the first p terms of an AP is ap2 + bp, find its common difference.
Sol. ap = Sp – Sp–1 = (ap2 + bp) –[a(p – 1)2 + b(p – 1)]
= ap2 + bp – (ap2 + a – 2ap + bp – b)
= ap2 + bp – ap2 – a + 2ap – bp + b = 2ap + b – a
\ a1 = 2a + b – a = a + b and a2 = 4a + b – a = 3a + b
⇒ d = a2 – a1 = (3a + b) – (a + b) = 2a
3. The first and the last term of an AP are 5 and 45 respectively. If the sum of all its terms is 400,
find its common difference. [CBSE Delhi 2014]
Sol. Let the first term be ‘a’ and common difference be ‘d’.
Given, a = 5, Tn = 45, Sn = 400
Tn = a + (n – 1)d ⇒ 45 = 5 + (n – 1)d
⇒
(n – 1) d = 40 ...(i)
n n
Sn = (a + Tn) ⇒ 400 = (5 + 45)
2 2
⇒ n = 2 × 8 = 16
Substituting the value of n in (i)
40 8
(16 – 1)d = 40 ⇒ d= =
15 3
110 Xam idea Mathematics–X
 4. Find the number of natural numbers between 101 and 999 which are divisible by both 2 and 5.
[CBSE (AI) 2014]
Sol. Natural numbers between 101 and 999 divisible by both 2 and 5 are 110, 120, … 990.
So, a1 = 110, d = 10, an = 990
We know, an = a1 + (n –1)d
990 = 110 + (n – 1) 10
990 – 110
(n – 1) = ⇒ n = 88 + 1 = 89
10
5. Find how many integers between 200 and 500 are divisible by 8. [CBSE Delhi 2017]
Sol. AP formed is 208, 216, 224, …, 496
Here, an = 496, a = 208, d = 8
an = a + (n – 1) d ⇒ 208 + (n – 1) × 8 = 496
⇒ 8 (n – 1) = 288 ⇒ n – 1 = 36
⇒ n = 37
6. If Sn, the sum of the first n terms of an AP is given by Sn = 2n2+n, then find its nth term.
[CBSE 2019 (30/5/1)]
Sol. We have in an AP
   Sn = 2n2 + n
∴   Sn–1 = 2(n – 1)2 + (n – 1) = 2n2 – 4n + 2 + n – 1
⇒   Sn–1 = 2n2 – 3n + 1
∴ Its nth term, tn = Sn – Sn–1
= 2n2 + n – 2n2 +3n – 1
⇒     tn = 4n – 1
7. How many terms of the AP 18, 16, 14, .... be taken so that their sum is zero? [CBSE Delhi 2016]
Sol. Here, a = 18, d = –2, Sn = 0
n
Therefore,
[36 + (n – 1) (– 2)] = 0
2
⇒ n(36 – 2n + 2) = 0   ⇒  n(38 – 2n) = 0   ⇒    n = 19

8. The 4th term of an AP is zero. Prove that the 25th term of the AP is three times its 11th term.
[CBSE (AI) 2016]
Sol.  a4 = 0 (Given)
⇒
a + 3d = 0 ⇒ a = –3d
a25 = a + 24d = – 3d + 24d = 21d
3a11 = 3(a + 10d) = 3(7d) = 21d
\
a25 = 3a11 Hence proved.
9. If the ratio of sum of the first m and n terms of an AP is m2 : n2, show that the ratio of its mth
and nth terms is (2m – 1) : (2n – 1). [CBSE (F) 2016, Delhi 2017]
m
Sm m2 2 (2a + (m – 1) d)
Sol. = 2= n
Sn n (2a + (n – 1) d)
2
m 2a + (m – 1) d
⇒ n = 2a + (n – 1) d ⇒ 2am + mnd – md = 2an + mnd – nd

⇒ a(2m – 2n) = d(m – n) ⇒ 2a = d

a m a + ( m – 1 ) d a + 2 ( m – 1 ) a 2m – 1
a = = = Hence proved.
n a + (n – 1) d a + 2 ( n – 1) a 2n – 1

Arithmetic Progressions 111

 10. What is the common difference of an AP in which a21 – a7 = 84? [CBSE (AI) 2017]
Sol. Given: a21 – a7 = 84
⇒
(a + 20d) – (a + 6d) = 84 ⇒ 14d = 84 ⇒ d=6
11. For what value of n, are the nth terms of two APs 63, 65, 67,... and 3, 10, 17,... equal?
[CBSE (AI) 2017]
Sol. Let nth terms for two given series be an and a′n
According to question,
an = a′n ⇒ a + (n – 1)d = a′ + (n – 1)d′
⇒
63 + (n – 1)2 = 3 + (n – 1)7
⇒
5n = 65 ⇒ n = 13.
th th
12. If the 17 term of an AP exceeds its 10 term by 7, find the common difference.
[CBSE 2019 (30/5/1)]
Sol. According to question,
a17 = a10 + 7
⇒
a + (17 – 1) d = a + (10 – 1) d + 7
⇒
a + 16d = a + 9d + 7
⇒
16d – 9d = 7
⇒
7d = 7    ⇒  d = 1
\
Common difference = 1

–5 5
13. Find the 25th term of the AP –5, , 0, .... [CBSE 2009]
2 2
–5 5
Sol. Here, a = –5, d = – ( –5 ) =
2 2
We know that, a25 = a + (25–1) d
5
= (–5) + 24 d n
2
= –5 + 60 = 55
14. If in an AP, a = 15, d = –3 and an = 0, then find the value of n.
Sol. In an AP it is given that
a = 15, d = –3 and an = 0
Now, an = a + (n – 1)d
0 = 15 + (n – 1) × (–3)
15
⇒
3(n – 1) = 15 ⇒ n–1= =5 ⇒ n=5+1=6
3
∴
n=6

Short Answer Questions-II [3 marks]

1. Which term of the AP 3, 8, 13, 18, ... , is 78? [NCERT]
Sol. Let an be the required term and we have given AP 3, 8, 13, 18, .....
Here, a = 3, d = 8 – 3 = 5 and an = 78
Now, an = a + (n – 1)d ⇒ 78 = 3 + (n – 1) × 5
⇒
78 – 3 = (n – 1) × 5 ⇒ 75 = (n – 1) × 5
75
⇒ = n – 1 ⇒ 15 = n – 1 ⇒ n = 15 + 1 = 16
5
Hence, 16th term of given AP is 78.

112 Xam idea Mathematics–X

 2. Find the 31st term of an AP whose 11th term is 38 and the 16th term is 73. [NCERT]
Sol. Let the first term be a and common difference be d.
Now, we have

a11 = 38 ⇒ a + (11 – 1)d = 38
⇒
a + 10d = 38 ...(i)
and a16 = 73 ⇒ a + (16 – 1)d = 73
⇒
a + 15d = 73 ...(ii)
Now subtracting (ii) from (i), we have
Now, a + 10d = 38
–a +
– 15d =–73
–5d = –35 or 5d = 35
35
\
d= =7
5
Putting the value of d in equation (i), we have
a + 10 × 7 = 38 ⇒ a + 70 = 38
⇒ a = 38 – 70 ⇒ a = – 32
We have, a = – 32 and d = 7
Therefore, a31 = a + (31 – 1)d
⇒ a31 = a + 30d = (–32) + 30 × 7 = – 32 + 210
⇒
a31 = 178
3. An AP consists of 50 terms of which 3rd term is 12 and the last term is 106. Find the 29th
term. [NCERT]
Sol. Let a be the first term and d be the common difference.
Since, given AP consists of 50 terms, so n = 50
a3 = 12 ⇒ a + 2d = 12 ...(i)
Also, a50 = 106 ⇒ a + 49d = 106 ...(ii)
Subtracting (i) from (ii), we have
94
47d = 94 ⇒ d= =2
47
Putting the value of d in equation (i), we have
a + 2 × 2 = 12 ⇒ a = 12 – 4 = 8
Here, a = 8, d = 2
\ 29th term is given by
a29 = a + (29 – 1)d = 8 + 28 × 2
⇒
a29 = 8 + 56 ⇒ a29 = 64
4. Which term of the arithmetic progression 3, 15, 27, 39 .... will be 120 more than its 21st
term? [CBSE 2019 (30/1/2)]
Sol. We have, a = 3 and d = 12
\
a21 = a + 20d = 3 + 20 × 12 = 243
Let nth term of the given AP be 120 more than its 21st term. Then,

an = 120 + a21
\
3 + (n – 1)d = 120 + 243
⇒
3 + 12(n – 1) = 363 ⇒ 12(n – 1) = 360
⇒
n – 1 = 30 ⇒ n = 31
Hence, 31st term of the given AP is 120 more than its 21st term.

Arithmetic Progressions 113

 1 1 3
5. Which term of the progression 20, 19 , 18 , 17 , ... is the first negative term?
4 2 4
[CBSE (AI) 2017]
1 77 –3
Sol. Here d = 19 – 20 = – 20 = , a = 20
4 4 4
Let the nth term be first negative term.
∴
a + (n – 1)d < 0

20 + (n – 1) c m< 0
–3
So, ⇒ 80 – 3n + 3 < 0
4
⇒ 3n > 83
2
⇒ n > 27
3
Hence 28th term is first negative term.
6. In an AP, given l = 28, S = 144 and there are total 9 terms. Find a. [NCERT]
Sol. We have, l = 28, S = 144 and n = 9
Now, l = an = 28
28 = a + (n – 1) d ⇒ 28 = a + (9 – 1) d Aliter
]a + lg
n
⇒
28 = a + 8d ...(i) S=
2
and S = 144 9
n 9 ` 144 = " a + 28 ,
⇒
144 = [2a + (n – 1) d] ⇒ 144 = [2a + (9 – 1) d] 2
2 2 144 × 2
144 # 2 & a + 28 =
9
= 2a + 8d ⇒ 32 = 2a + 8d
9 = 32
⇒ 16 = a + 4d ...(ii) & a = 32 – 28
Now, subtracting equation (ii) from (i), we get & a=4
4d = 12 or d=3
Putting the value of d in equation (i), we have
a + 8 × 3 = 28
⇒ a + 24 = 28   ⇒   a = 28 – 24 = 4
\
a = 4.
7. How many terms of the AP 9, 17, 25, ... must be taken to give a sum of 636?
[NCERT, CBSE (AI) 2017]
Sol. Let sum of n terms be 636.
Sn = 636, a = 9, d = 17 – 9 = 8
n n
⇒ [2a + (n – 1) d] = 636   ⇒ [2 × 9 + (n – 1) × 8] = 636
2 2
n
⇒ × 2[9 + (n – 1) × 4] = 636   ⇒ n[9 + 4n – 4] = 636
2
⇒ n[5 + 4n] = 636   ⇒ 5n + 4n2 = 636
⇒
4n2 + 5n – 636 = 0
– 5 ! (5) 2 – 4 # 4 # (– 636) – 5 ! 25 +10176
\
n= =
2# 4 8
– 5 ! 10201 – 5 ! 101 96 –106 53
= = = , =12, –
8 8 8 8 4
– 53
But n≠ So, n = 12
4
Thus, the sum of 12 terms of given AP is 636.

114 Xam idea Mathematics–X

 8. How many terms of the series 54, 51, 48 ....... be taken so that, their sum is 513? Explain the
double answer.
Sol. Clearly, the given sequence is an AP with first term a = 54 and common difference d = – 3. Let
the sum of n terms be 513. Then,
Sn = 513
n n
⇒
{2a + (n – 1) d} = 513 ⇒ [108 + (n – 1) × (– 3)] = 513
2 2
⇒
n[108 – 3n + 3] = 1026 ⇒ –3n2 + 111n = 1026
⇒
n2 – 37n + 342 = 0 ⇒ (n – 18) (n – 19) = 0
⇒
n = 18 or 19
Here, the common difference is negative. So, 19th term is given by
a19 = 54 + (19 – 1) × (– 3) = 0
Thus, the sum of 18 terms as well as that of 19 terms is 513.
9. The first term, common difference and last term of an AP are 12, 6 and 252 respectively. Find
the sum of all terms of this AP.
Sol. We have, a = 12, d = 6 and l = 252
Now, l = 252 ⇒ an = 252
⇒
l = a + (n – 1) d ⇒ 252 = 12 + (n – 1) × 6
⇒
240 = (n – 1) × 6 ⇒ n – 1 = 40 or n = 41
n
Thus, Sn = (a + l)
2
41 41
⇒
S41 = (12 + 252) = (264) = 41 × 132 = 5412
2 2
10. If the sum of first 7 terms of an AP is 49 and that of 17 terms is 289, find the sum of first n
terms. [CBSE Delhi 2016, (F) 2017]
Sol. We have, S7 = 49
7 2
⇒ 49 = [2a + (7 – 1) × d] ⇒ 49 × = 2a + 6d
2 7
⇒ 14 = 2a + 6d ⇒ a + 3d = 7 ...(i)
and S17 = 289
17 289 # 2
⇒
289 = [2a + (17 – 1) d] ⇒   2a + 16d = = 34
2 17
⇒
a + 8d = 17 ...(ii)
Now, subtracting equation (i) from (ii), we have
5d = 10 ⇒ d=2
Putting the value of d in equation (i), we have
a + 3 × 2 = 7 ⇒ a=7–6=1
Here,a = 1 and d = 2
n
Now, Sn = [2a + (n – 1) d]
2
n n n
= [2 × 1 + (n – 1) × 2] = [2 + 2n – 2] = × 2n = n2
2 2 2

Arithmetic Progressions 115

 11. The first term of an AP is 5, the last term is 45 and the sum is 400. Find the number of terms
and the common difference. [CBSE (AI) 2017]
Sol. We have, a = 5, l = 45 and Sn = 400
⇒ an = 45
⇒ a + (n – 1) d = 45
⇒
5 + (n – 1) × d = 45 ⇒ (n – 1) d = 40 ...(i)
n
Again Sn = 400 ⇒ [2a + (n – 1) d] = 400
2
n
⇒
[2 × 5 + (n – 1)d] = 400
2
n
[10 + 40] = 400 (Using equation (i))
2
n 400
⇒
× 50 = 400 ⇒ n= =16
2 25
Now, putting the value of n in equation (i), we have
(16 – 1) d = 40 ⇒ 15d = 40
40 8
⇒ d =
=
15 3
8
Hence, number of terms is 16 and common difference is .
3
12. The sum of the 5th and the 9th terms of an AP is 30. If its 25th term is three times its 8th term,
find the AP. [CBSE (AI) 2014]
Sol. According to question,

a5 + a9 = 30
⇒
(a + 4d) + (a + 8d) = 30
⇒
2a + 12d = 30 ⇒ a + 6d = 15
⇒
a = 15 – 6d ...(i)
a25 = 3a8 ⇒ a + 24d = 3(a + 7d)
a + 24d = 3a + 21d ⇒ 2a = 3d
Putting the value of a form (i), we have
2 (15 – 6d) = 3d ⇒ 30 – 12d = 3d
⇒
15d = 30 ⇒ d=2
So, a = 15 – 6 × 2 = 15 – 12 [From equation (i)]
⇒
a=3
The AP will be 3, 5, 7, 9....
13. The sum of the first 7 terms of an AP is 63 and the sum of its next 7 terms is 161. Find the 28th
term of this AP. [CBSE (F) 2014]
Sol. Sum of first seven terms,
n
Sn =[2a + (n – 1)d]
2
7 7
S7 = [2a + (7 – 1)d] = [2a + 6d]
2 2
63 – 21d
63 = 7a + 21d ⇒ a= ...(i)
7
14
S14 = [2a + 13d] ⇒ S14 = 7 [2a + 13d] = 14a + 91d
2
But according to question,   S1–7 + S8–14 = S14

116 Xam idea Mathematics–X

 63 + 161 = 14a + 91d ⇒ 224 = 14a + 91d
2a + 13d = 32
63 – 21d
2c m + 13d = 32 ⇒ 126 – 42d + 91d = 224 [From equation (i)]
7
⇒
49d = 98 ⇒ d=2
63 – 21 # 2 63 – 42 21
⇒
a= = = =3
7 7 7
⇒
a28 = a + 27d = 3 + 27 × 2 ⇒ a28 = 3 + 54 = 57
14. If the ratio of the sum of first n terms of two AP’s is (7n + 1) : (4n + 27), find the ratio of their
mth terms. [CBSE (AI) 2016]
n n –1
Sn ( 2a + ( n – 1 ) d a+ d
2 7n + 1 2 7n + 1
Sol.
Snl
=
n
=
+
4n 27
& n – 1
=
4 n + 27
...(i)
(2al + (n – 1) dl ) al + dl
2 2
tm a + (m – 1 ) d n –1
Since = , So replacing by m – 1 ⇒ n by 2m – 1 in (i)
tl al + (m – 1) dl 2
m
a + (m – 1) d 7 (2m – 1) + 1 tm 14m – 6
= = ⇒ =
al + (m – 1) dl 4 (2m – 1) + 27 tlm 8m + 2 3
15. Find the sum of the following series :
5 + (– 41) + 9 + (– 39) + 13 + (– 37) + 17 + ... + (– 5) + 81 + (– 3) [CBSE (F) 2017]
Sol. The series can be rewritten as,
(5 + 9 + 13 + ... + 81) + (–41 + (–39) + (–37) + ... + (–5) + (–3))
For the series 5 + 9 + 13 + ... 81
a = 5, d = 4 and an = 81
nth term = a + (n – 1)d = an
⇒ 5 + (n – 1)4 = 81
⇒ 4n = 80
⇒ n = 20
Sum of 20 terms for this series.
20 n
Sn = (5 + 81) = 860 <a Sn = (a + an)F …(i)
2 2
For the series (–41) + (–39) + (–37) … + (–5) + (–3)
a = –41, d = 2 and an = –3
nth term = a + (n – 1)d = an
⇒ –41 + (n – 1)2 = –3
⇒ 2n = 40
⇒ n = 20
Sum of 20 terms for this series
20
Sn = (–41 – 3) = – 440 …(ii)
2
By adding (i) and (ii), we get
Sum of series = 860 – 440
= 420
16. Find the sum of all two digit natural numbers which are divisible by 4. [CBSE Delhi 2017 (C)]
Sol. Here a = 12, d = 4, an = 96
The formula is an = a + (n – 1)d
Therefore 96 = 12 + (n – 1) × 4

Arithmetic Progressions 117

 88
⇒
96 = 8 + 4n ⇒ n= ⇒ n = 22
4
Apply the formula for sum,
n
  Sn = [2a + (n – 1) d]
2
Hence, S22 = 11[24 + 21 × 4] = 11[24 + 84]
= 11 × 108 = 1188.
17. In a school, students planned to plant trees in and around the school to reduce air pollution.
It was decided that number of trees, that each class will plant, will be the same as the class in
which they are studying i.e., class I will plant one tree, class II will plant two trees and so on
upto class XII.
(i) Write arithmetic progression formed by given statement.
(ii) What is first term and common difference of AP so formed?
(iii) Find total number of trees planted by school.
Sol. Since the number of trees that students plant will be same as the class in which they are studying
therefore,
(i) AP will be
1, 2, 3, . . . 12
(ii) We have, first term = 1
and common difference = 2 – 1 = 1
i.e., a = 1, d = 1
(iii) Total number of trees planted by school
n
sn = (a + l)
2

12
= (1 + 12) = 6 × 13 = 78
2

Long Answer Questions [5 marks]

1. The first term of an AP is 3, the last term is 83 and the sum of all its terms is 903. Find the number
of terms and the common difference of the AP. [CBSE 2019 (30/1/2)]
Sol. We have an AP, in which

a = 3, last term, an = l = 83
⇒
an = 83
a + (n – 1)d = 83 ⇒ 3 + (n – 1)d = 83
⇒
(n – 1)d = 83 – 3 = 80
⇒
(n – 1)d = 80 …(i)
n
Also, Sn = 903 ⇒ (a + l) = 903
2
n
⇒ (3 + 83) = 903
2
n
⇒   × 86 = 903 ⇒ 43n = 903
2
903
⇒      n = = 21
43
∴   n = 21
Putting n = 21 in equation (i), we get

118 Xam idea Mathematics–X

 (n – 1)d = 80 ⇒ 20d = 80 ⇒ d=4
No. of terms =21 and common deference = 4
2. Divide 56 into four parts which are in AP such that the ratio of product of extremes to the
product of means is 5 : 6. [CBSE (F) 2016]
Sol. Let the four parts be a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d.
Given, (a – 3d) + (a – d) + (a + d) + (a + 3d) = 56
⇒
4a = 56 or a = 14
(a – 3d) (a + 3d) 5
Also, =
(a – d) (a + d) 6
⇒
a 2 – 9d 2 5 ⇒ 6(196 – 9d2) = 5(196 – d2) [ a = 14]
=
2
a –d 2 6
⇒ 6 × 196 – 54d2 = 5 × 196 – 5d2
⇒
49d2 = 6 × 196 – 5 × 196 = 196
⇒
d2 = 4 or d = ±2
\
Required parts are 14 – 3×2, 14 – 2, 14+2, 14 + 3×2
or 14 – 3(–2), 14 + 2, 14 – 2, 14 + 3(–2)
i.e., 8, 12, 16, 20 or 20, 16, 12, 8
3. In an AP of 50 terms, the sum of first 10 terms is 210 and the sum of its last 15 terms is 2565.
Find the AP. [CBSE Delhi 2014, (F) 2017]
Sol. Let ‘a’ be the first term and ‘d’ be the common difference.

nth term of AP is an = a + (n – 1)d
n
and sum of AP is Sn = [2a + (n – 1)d]
2
10
Sum of first 10 terms = 210 = [2a + 9d]
2
⇒ 42 = 2a + 9d ⇒ 2a + 9d = 42 ...(i)
th th
15th term from the last = (50 – 15 + 1) =36 term
⇒
a36 = a + 35d
15
Sum of last 15 terms = 2565 = [2a36 + (15 – 1)d]
2
15
⇒
2565 = [2 (a + 35d) + 14d] ⇒ 2565 = 15[a + 35d + 7d]
2
⇒
a + 42d = 171 ...(ii)
(i) – 2 × (ii), we get
9d – 84d = 42 – 342 ⇒ 75d = 300
300
⇒
d= =4
75
Putting the value of d in (ii)
42 × 4 + a = 171 ⇒ a = 171 – 168
⇒
a = 3 ⇒ a50 = a + 49d = 3 + 49 × 4 = 199
So, the AP formed is 3, 7, 11, 15, ...... and 199.
4. If Sn denotes the sum of the first n terms of an AP, prove that S30 = 3 (S20 – S10). [CBSE (F) 2014]
n
Sol. We know that Sn = [2a + (n – 1)d]
2
30
⇒
S30 = [2a + 29d] ⇒ S30 = 30a + 435d ...(i)
2

Arithmetic Progressions 119

 20
⇒
S20 = [2a + 19d] ⇒ S20 = 20a + 190d
2
10
⇒
S10 = [2a + 9d] ⇒ S10 = 10a + 45d
2
⇒
3(S20 – S10) = 3[20a + 190d – 10a – 45d]

⇒   = 3[10a + 145d] = 30a + 435d = S30

[From (i)]
Hence, S30 = 3(S20 – S10) Hence proved.
5. A thief runs with a uniform speed of 100 m/minute. After one minute a policeman runs after
the thief to catch him. He goes with a speed of 100 m/minute in the first minute and increases
his speed by 10 m/minute every succeeding minute. After how many minutes the policeman
will catch the thief? [CBSE (Delhi) 2016]
Sol. Let total time be n minutes.
Total distance covered by thief = 100 n metres
Total distance covered by policeman = 100 + 110 + 120 + ... + (n – 1) terms
n –1
\ 100n = [100(2) + (n – 2)10]
2
⇒ 200n = (n – 1)(180 + 10n)
⇒ 10n2 – 30n – 180 = 0
⇒ n2 – 3n – 18 = 0
⇒ (n – 6) (n + 3) = 0
⇒ n=6
Policeman took (n – 1) = (6 – 1) = 5 minutes to catch the thief.
6. The houses in a row are numbered consecutively from 1 to 49. Show that there exists a value
of X such that sum of numbers of houses preceeding the house numbered X is equal to sum of
the numbers of houses following X. Find value of X. [CBSE (AI) 2016]
Sol. The numbers of houses are 1, 2, 3, 4..........49.
The numbers of the houses are in AP, where a = 1 and d = 1
n
Sum of n terms of an AP = [2a + (n – 1)d]
2
th
Let X number house be the required house.
Sum of number of houses preceding Xth house is equal to SX–1 i.e.,
X –1 X –1
SX–1 = [2a + (X – 1 – 1)d] ⇒ SX–1 = [2 + (X – 2)]
2 2
X –1 X (X – 1 )
SX–1 = (2 + X – 2) ⇒ SX–1 =
2 2
Sum of numbers of houses following Xth house is equal to S49 – SX
49 X
= [2a + (49 – 1)d] – [2a + (X – 1)d]
2 2
49 X 49 X
= (2 + 48) – (2 + X – 1) = (50) – (X + 1)
2 2 2 2
X
= 25(49) – (X + 1)
2
Now, we are given that
Sum of number of houses before X is equal to sum of number of houses after X.

i.e., SX–1 = S49 – SX

120 Xam idea Mathematics–X

 X (X – 1) (X + 1 ) X2 X X2 X
⇒
= 25(49) – X ⇒ – = 1225 – –
2 2 2 2 2 2
⇒
X2 = 1225 ⇒ X= 1225
⇒ X = ±35
Since number of houses is positive integer, \ X = 35
7. If the ratio of the 11th term of an AP to its 18th term is 2 : 3, find the ratio of the sum of the
first five terms to the sum of its first 10 terms. [CBSE Delhi 2017 (C)]
a11 a + 10d 2
Sol. Given, a = = [Using formula an = a + (n – 1)d]
18 a + 17 d 3
⇒
3a + 30d = 2a + 34d ⇒ a = 4d …(i)
5
S5 (2a + 4d)
n
<Using formula Sn = [2a + (n – 1) d]F
2
=
S10 5 (2a + 9d) 2

8d + 4d
= (From (i))
2 (8d + 9d)
12d 6
   = =
34d 17
Hence S5 : S10 = 6 : 17.

8. Students of class VIII at Navodaya Vidyalaya went on a tour to Gandey village. There were
64 students, and they were divided into equal groups to ride on 4 buses to the village. When
they go to the village all the students were divided equally into 8 groups and were allotted a
number 1 to 8. The first group started their tour at 8:00 am and each successor group started
their tour after every 10 minutes from predecessor group.
First, the students went to the Kasturba Balika Vidyalaya and visited their garden. There were
10 flower beds each containing 6 rose flowers of different colour. Garden also had fruit trees
in which half of total number of trees were of mango, One third of total were of guava and one
fourth of total were of coconut. One student named Reshma had counted coconut trees and
declared later that the number of coconut trees was 15. Next, the students visited classes and
houses of this vidyalaya. Vidyalaya had 12 classrooms for teaching purpose, 4 dormitories
for residing purpose of students and 18 staff quarters. After completion of visit all 8 groups
assemble together in a field. Scout teacher of the tour decided to give trophy to each group
such that each students of first group got one trophy, each students of 2nd group got two
trophies, each students of 3rd group got three trophies and so on. Lastly all students got bus
to return own vidyalaya.
(a) How many students ride on each bus?
(b) How many students were in each group?
(c) What time did the 5th group start their tour?
(d) How many rose flowers were in garden?
(e) How many mango trees were in garden?
(f) How many trophies were received by 8th group?
(g) How many total number of trophies were distributed among students?
64
Sol. (a) No. of students riding on each bus = = 16 students
4
64
(b) No. of students in each group = = 8 students
8

Arithmetic Progressions 121

 (c) 8:00 am + 10 × 4 minutes = 8:40 am
(d) No. of rose flowers in garden = 10 × 6 = 60
(e) Let the no. of total trees be x .
From question,
1
of x = 15
4
1
⇒ × x = 15
4
x = 15 × 4 = 60
1
No. of mango tree = × 60 = 30
2
(f) No. of trophies received by 8th group = 8 × 8 = 64
(g) Total number of trophies distributed among students:
= 8 + 16 + 24 + 32 + 40 + 48 + 56 +64
8  n 
= {2×8 + (8 – 1) 8}
2  Sn = 2 {2 × a + ( n − 1)d}
 
= 4 {16 + 7 × 8}
= 4 {16 + 56}
= 4 × 72 = 288
9. In a school, on the occasion of Republic day, several athletics events are organized. In an
apple race, a bucket is placed at the starting point, which is 5 m from the first apple, and the
other apples are placed 3 m apart in a straight line. There are ten apples in the line.
During competition, Reshma starts from the bucket, picks up the nearest apple, runs back
with it, drops it in the bucket, runs back to pick up the next apple, runs to the bucket to drop
apple in it, and she continues in the same way until all the apples are in the bucket.
What is the total distance the competitor has to run?

Sol. We have,
Distance run to pick the first apple
=2×5
= 10 m (both sides going + coming)
Distance run to pick the second apple
= 2 (5 + 3)
= 16 m (both sides)
Hence, the series we have
10, 16, 22, . . . to 10 terms
Which are in AP with a = 10, d = 6
n
Now, the total distance the competitor has to run is given by the formula Sn = [2a + (n – 1) d]
2
10
S10 = [2 ×10 + (10 – 1) × 6]
2
  = 5 (20 + 54) = 5 × 74 = 370 m
Total distance = 370 m.

122 Xam idea Mathematics–X

HOTS [Higher Order Thinking Skills]
1. Find the sum of the first 15 multiples of 8. [CBSE Delhi 2017 (C)]
Sol. The first 15 multiples of 8 are
8, 16, 24, ... 120
Clearly, these numbers are in AP with first term a = 8 and common difference, d = 16 – 8 = 8
15
Thus, S15 = [2 × 8 + (15 – 1) × 8]
2
15 15 15
= [16 + 14 × 8] = [16 + 112] = × 128 = 15 × 64 = 960
2 2 2
2. Find the sum of all two digit natural numbers which when divided by 3 yield 1 as remainder.
Sol. Two digit natural numbers which when divided by 3 yield 1 as remainder are:
10, 13, 16, 19, ......, 97, which forms an AP.
with a = 10, d = 3, an = 97
an = 97 ⇒ a + (n – 1) d = 97
87
or 10 + (n – 1)3 = 97   ⇒  (n – 1) = = 29 ⇒ n = 30
3
30
Now, S30 = [2 × 10 + 29 × 3] = 15(20 + 87) = 15 × 107 = 1605
2
3. A sum of `700 is to be used to give seven cash prizes to students of a school for their overall
academic performance. If each prize is `20 less than its preceding prize, find the value of each
of the prizes.
Sol. Let the prizes be a + 60, a + 40, a + 20, a, a – 20, a – 40, a – 60
Therefore, the sum of prizes is
a + 60 + a + 40 + a + 20 + a + a – 20 + a – 40 + a – 60 = 700
700
⇒
7a = 700 ⇒ a= =100
7
Thus, the value of seven prizes are
100 + 60, 100 + 40, 100 + 20, 100, 100 – 20, 100 – 40, 100 – 60

i.e., `160, `140, `120, `100, `80, `60, `40
1 1
4. If the mth term of an AP is and nth term is , then show that its (mn)th term is 1.
n m
[CBSE Delhi 2017, 2019(C) (30/1/1)]
Sol. Let a and d be the first term and common difference respectively of the given AP. Then
1
am = a + (m – 1) d ⇒ a + (m – 1)d = ...(i)
n
1
and an = a + (n – 1) d ⇒ a + (n – 1)d = ...(ii)
m
Subtracting (ii) from (i), we have
1 1 m–n
(m – n) d = n – m ⇒ (m – n) d = mn
1
\ d = mn
1
Putting d = mn in (i), we get

Arithmetic Progressions 123

 1 1 m 1 1
a + (m – 1) mn = n ⇒ a + mn – mn = n
1 1
⇒
a – mn = 0 or a = mn
1 1 1 + mn – 1
\
mnth term = a + (mn – 1) d = mn + (mn – 1) mn = mn
⇒
(mn)th term = 1
5. If the sum of m terms of an AP is the same as the sum of its n terms, show that the sum of its
(m + n) terms is zero. [CBSE Delhi 2017]
Sol. Let a be the first term and d be the common difference of the given AP.
Then, Sm = Sn
m n
⇒ {2a + (m – 1) d} = {2a + (n – 1) d}
2 2
⇒ 2a(m – n) + {m(m – 1) – n(n – 1)}d = 0
⇒
2a(m – n) + {(m2 – n2) – (m – n)}d = 0
⇒
(m – n) {2a + (m + n – 1) d} = 0
⇒
2a + (m + n – 1) d = 0 [ m – n ≠ 0] ...(i)
m+ n
Now, Sm + n = {2a + (m + n – 1) d}
2
m+ n
⇒ Sm + n = × 0 = 0 [Using (i)]
2
6. The ratio of the sums of m and n terms of an AP is m2 : n2. Show that the ratio of the mth and
nth terms is (2m – 1) : (2n – 1).
Sol. Let a be the first term and d the common difference of the given AP. Then, the sums of m and n
terms are given by
m n
Sm = {2a + (m – 1) d} and Sn = {2a + (n – 1) d} respectively.
2 2

Sm m2
Then, =
Sn n2
m
{2a + (m – 1) d} 2a + ( m – 1 ) d m
2 m2
⇒
n = ⇒ =n
{2a + (n – 1) d} n2 2a + ( n – 1 ) d
2
⇒
{2a + (m – 1) d} n = {2a + (n – 1) d} m
⇒
2a(n – m) = d{(n – 1) m – (m – 1)n}
⇒
2a(n – m) = d(n – m)    ⇒ d = 2a
a m a + (m – 1 ) d a + (m – 1 ) 2 a 2 m – 1
\
a n = a + ( n – 1 ) d = a + ( n – 1 ) 2a = 2 n – 1

7. If the sum of the first p terms of an AP is q and the sum of the first q terms is p; then show that
the sum of the first (p+q) terms is –(p+q). [CBSE 2019 (30/5/1)]
Sol. Let first term be a and common difference of the AP be d
p
Given, Sp = q ⇒ (2a + (p – 1)d) = q
2
2q
⇒ 2a + (p – 1)d = ...(i)
p
q
Also Sq = p ⇒ {2a + (q – 1)d} = p
2

124 Xam idea Mathematics–X

 2p
⇒
2a + (q – 1)d = q ...(ii)
On subtracting (ii) from (i), we have

2q 2 p 2( q2 − p2 )
(p – q)d = − =
p q pq
–2 ( p + q )
⇒
d= ...(iii)
pq
On putting the value of d in (i), we get
–2 _ p + q i 2q
2a + (p – 1) × * 4=
pq p
q _ p + q i^ p–1 h
⇒
a= + ...(iv)
p pq
p+q
Now, Sp+q = (2a + (p + q – 1)d)
2
p+q q 2 _ p + q i^ p–1 h –2 (p + q)
= f2 + + (p + q – 1) × p (from (iii) and (iv))
2 p pq pq
q _ p + q i^ p–1 h (p + q – 1) _ p + q i
= _ p + q if + – p
p pq pq
q _ p + qi
= _ p + q if – p = – (p+q)
p p
\
Sp+q = – (p + q)
a b c
8. If a2, b2, c2, are in AP, prove that , , are in AP.
b+ c c+ a a+ b
Sol. Since a2, b2, c2, are in AP.
\
b2 – a2 = c2 – b2 ...(i)
b a b2 + bc – ac – a2
Now, – =
c+ a b+ c (a + c) (b + c)
( b 2 – a 2) + c ( b – a ) ( b – a ) ( b + a + c)
= = ...(ii)
( a + c) ( b + c) (a + c ) (b + c )

c b c2 + ac – ab – b2 c 2 – b 2 + a (c – b ) ( c – b) ( c + b + a )
Also, – = = =
a+ b c+ a ( a + b) ( c + a) (a + b ) (c + a ) ( a + b ) ( a + c)
( c 2 – b 2) ( c + b + a )

=
(a + b) (b + c) (c + a)
   [Multiplying numerator and denominator by b + c ]
( b 2 – a 2) ( a + b + c )
= [Using (i)]
(a + b) (b + c) (c + a)
(b – a) (a + b + c)
= ...(iii)
(b + c) (c + a)
From (ii) and (iii), we have
b a c b
– = –
c+ a b+ c a+ c c+ a

a b c

i.e., , , are in AP.
+
b c c + a +
a b

Arithmetic Progressions 125

 PROFICIENCY EXERCISE
QQ Objective Type Questions: [1 mark each]
1. Choose and write the correct option in each of the following questions.
(i) Sum of first five multiples of 5 is
(a) 45 (b) 55 (c) 65 (d) 75

(ii) Which term of the AP 21, 42, 63, 84 _______ is 210?

(a) 9th (b) 10th (c) 11th (d) 12th

(iii) The nth term of an AP is given by an = 3 + 4n. The common difference is

(a) 7 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 1

(iv) If p, q, r and s are in AP, then r – q is

(a) s – p (b) s – q (c) s – r (d) None of these
th
(v) The sum of 12 terms of an AP, whose n term is given by an = 3n + 4 is
(a) 262 (b) 272 (c) 282 (d) 292
2. Fill in the blanks.
(i) The sum of first ‘n’ odd natural numbers is ___________ .
a –b
(ii) If a, b, c are in AP then is equal to ___________ .
b–c
th
(iii) n term of the sequence a, a + d, a + 2d... is ___________.

(iv) Fill the two blanks in the sequence 3, _______ 9 _______ so that the sequence forms an AP.
(v) 21st term of an AP with first term p and common difference q is ______________.

QQ Very Short Answer Questions: [1 mark each]

3. Find the sum of first 10 multiples of 6. [CBSE 2019 (30/3/1)]
4. Find the common difference of the AP
1 3 – a 3 – 2a
^ h
a , 3a , 3a , . . . a ! 0 [CBSE 2019 (30/2/1)]
5. How many two digits numbers are divisible by 3? [CBSE 2019 (30/1/1)]
1
6. Find the number of terms in the AP 18, 15 , 13, ..., – 47. [CBSE 2019 (30/4/2)]
2
7. Which term of the AP – 4, – 1, 2, ... is 101? [CBSE 2019 (30/4/3)]

8. If in an AP, a = 15, d = – 3 and an = 0, then find the value of n. [CBSE 2019 (30/5/1)]

9. If the nth term of an AP is pn + q, find its common difference. [CBSE 2019 (C) (30/1/1)]
10. Which term of the AP 4, 7, 10, ... is 64? [CBSE 2019 (C) (30/1/2)]
11. Which term of the AP 10, 7, 4, ... is – 41? [CBSE 2019 (C) (30/1/3)]
th th
12. The 9 term of an AP is 449 and 449 term is 9. Find the term which is equal to zero.
13. Find the common difference if nth term of AP is 7 – 4n.
14. If the sum of first n even natural numbers is equal to k times the sum of first n odd natural
numbers, then find k.
15. How many terms of the AP 27, 24, 21 ....... should be taken so that their sum is zero?
[CBSE Delhi 2016]

126 Xam idea Mathematics–X

 16. For what value of k will the consecutive terms 2k + 1, 3k + 3 and 5k – 1 form an AP?
[CBSE (F) 2016]
th 1 1 + m 1 + 2m
17. Write the n term of the AP , , , ......... [CBSE Delhi 2017 (C)]
m m m
QQ Short Answer Questions–I: [2 marks each]
18. If Sn, the sum of first n terms of an AP is given by Sn = 3n2 – 4n, find the nth term.
[CBSE 2019 (30/1/1)]
19. How many multiples of 4 lie between 10 and 205? [CBSE 2019 (30/4/2)]
th th
20. Determine the AP whose third term is 16 and 7 term exceeds the 5 term by 12.
[CBSE 2019 (30/4/2)]
21. Find the sum of 7 + 10 + 13 + ... + 46. [CBSE 2019 (C) (30/1/1)]
22. If the 9 term of an AP is zero, then show that its 29 term is double of its 19th term.
th th

[CBSE 2019 (C) (30/1/1)]

23. For what values of ‘k’, k – 3, 2k + 1 and 4k + 3 are in AP?
24. Determine k so that k2 + 4k + 8, 2k2 + 3k + 6, 3k2 + 4k + 4 are three consecutive terms of an AP.
25. Write the value of a25 – a15 for the AP 5, 9, 13, 17, .................
26. Write 7th term from the end of the AP 7, 9, 11, 13, ........... 213.
27. The general term of a sequence is given by an = –4n + 15. Is the sequence forming an AP? If so,
find its 15th term and the common difference.
28. Find whether –150 is a term of the AP 11, 8, 5, 2, …….. [CBSE Delhi 2017 (C)]
–5 –2 –1 10
29. How many terms are there in the AP –1, , , , ........... ?
6 3 2 3

30. In an AP, prove that am+n + am–n = 2am where an denotes its nth term.

Which of the following form an AP? Justify your answer (Q. 31 to 32)
31. 0, 0, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3 ..............
32. 2, 22, 23, 24.............
33. Is 0 a term of the AP 31, 28, 25,...........? Justify your answer.
34. Is the sum of m terms of an AP always less than the sum of (m + 1) terms? Give reason.
35. For the AP –3, –7, –11...... can we find directly a30 – a20 without actually finding a30 and a20? Give
reason for your answer.
36. The first and the last terms of an AP are 7 and 49 respectively. If sum of all its terms is 420, find
its common difference. [CBSE Delhi 2014]
37. The sum of the 2nd and the 7th terms of an AP is 30. If its 15th term is 1 less than twice its 8th
term, find the AP. [CBSE (AI) 2014]
38. The sum of the first n terms of an AP is 4n2 + 2n. Find the nth term of this AP. [CBSE (F) 2014]
39. The 10th term of an AP is (– 4) and its 22nd term is (–16). Find its 38th term. [CBSE Delhi 2017 (C)]
QQ Short Answer Questions–II: [3 marks each]
2 th
40. In an AP if sum of its first n terms is 3n + 5n and its k term is 164, find the value of k.
5 1
41. Which term of the AP, , 1, 1 ..... is 3?
6 6
42. An AP consists of 37 terms. The sum of the three middle most terms is 225 and the sum of the
last three is 429. Find the AP.

Arithmetic Progressions 127

 43. Which term of the AP, 8, 14, 20, 26, ...... will be 72 more than its 41st term? [CBSE (AI) 2017]
44. Determine the AP whose 5th term is 19 and the difference of the 8th term and the 13th
term is 20. [NCERT Exemplar]
45. How many multiples of 5 lie between 50 and 250?
46. How many three digit numbers are divisible by 9?
47. Which term of the AP 3, 12, 21, 30,…. will be 90 more than its 50th term?  [CBSE Delhi 2017 (C)]
48. If 9th term of an AP is zero, prove that its 29th term is double the 19th term. [NCERT Exemplar]
49. The sum of the 6th and 9th terms of an AP is 101 and the sum of the 10th and 16th terms is 178.
Find the first three terms of the AP.
50. If the sum of the first n terms of an AP is 4n – n2, what is the 10th term and the nth term?
51. Find the sum of all three digit natural numbers, divisible by 7.
52. Solve the equation: – 4 + (– 1) + 2 +....+ x = 437 [NCERT Exemplar]
53. If 12th term of an AP is –13 and the sum of the first four terms is 24, what is the sum of first 10
terms?
54. Yasmeen saves `32 during the first month, `36 in the second month and `40 in the third month.
If she continues to save in this manner, in how many months will she save `2000?
[NCERT Exemplar]
55. Find the sum:

(i) a 4 – n k + a 4 – n k + a 4 – n k + .... upto n terms.

1 2 3
[CBSE Delhi 2017]
a–b 3a – 2b 5a – 3b
(ii) + + + ........... to 20 terms.
a+b a+b a+b

56. Which term of the AP –2, –7, –12,...will be –77? Find the sum of this AP upto the term –77.
[NCERT Exemplar]
57. Split 207 into three parts such that these are in AP and the product of the two smaller parts is
4623. [NCERT Exemplar]
QQ Long Answer Questions: [5 marks each]
58. The sum of four consecutive numbers in an AP is 32 and the ratio of the product of the first and
the last term to the product of two middle terms is 7 : 15. Find the numbers. [CBSE Delhi 2018]
59. If the sum of first four terms of an AP is 40 and that of first 14 terms is 280. Find the sum of its
first n terms. [CBSE 2019 (30/1/3)]
60. Which term of the Arithmetic Progression – 7, – 12, – 17, – 22, ... will be – 82? Is – 100 any term
of the AP? Give reason for your answer. [CBSE 2019 (30/2/1)]
61. How many terms of the Arithmetic Progression 45, 39, 33, ... must be taken so that their sum is
180? Explain the double answer. [CBSE 2019 (30/2/1)]
62. If m times the mth term of an Arithmetic Progression is equal to n times its nth term show that the
(m + n)th term of the AP is zero. [CBSE 2019 (30/3/1)]
63. The sum of the first three numbers in an Arithmetic Progression is 18. If the product of the first
and the third term is 5 times the common difference, find the three numbers.
[CBSE 2019 (30/3/1)]
64. Find the value of x, when in the AP given below 2 + 6 + 10 + ... + x = 1800.
[CBSE 2019 (30/4/2)]

128 Xam idea Mathematics–X

65. In an AP, the first term is – 4, the last term is 29 and the sum of all its terms is 150. Find its
common difference. [CBSE 2019 (30/4/3)]
66. Find the sum of all the two digit numbers which leave the remainder 2 when divided by 5.
[CBSE 2019 (30/5/2)]
67. Find the sum of all odd numbers between 0 and 50. [CBSE 2019 (C) (30/1/1)]
68. Find the sum of the integers between 100 and 200 that are: (i) divisible by 9 (ii) not divisible
by 9. [NCERT Exemplar]

69. Show that the sum of an AP whose first term is a, the second term b and the last term c, is equal
^ a + ch^b + c – 2ah
to . [NCERT Exemplar]
2 ^b – a h
70. Sums of the first p, q, r terms of an AP are a, b, c respectively. Prove that
a b c
( q − r) + ( r − p) + ( p − q) = 0
p q r
1 1 1
71. If the pth term of an AP is and qth term is , prove that the sum of the pq terms is (pq + 1).
q p 2
[CBSE Delhi 2017]
72. The sum of the first five term of an AP is 55 and sum of the first ten terms of this AP is 235, find
the sum of its first 20 terms.
73. The ratio of the 11th term to the 18th term of an AP is 2 : 3. Find the ratio of the 5th term to the
21st term, and also the ratio of the sum of the first five terms to the sum of the first 21 terms.
[NCERT Exemplar]
74. Three hundred sixty bricks are stacked in the following manner: 30 bricks in the bottom row, 29
in the next row, 28 in the row next to it and so on. In how many rows are the 360 bricks placed
and how many bricks are there in the top row?
75. The students of a school decided to beautify the school on the Annual Day by fixing colourful flags
on the straight passage of the school. They have 27 flags to be fixed at intervals of every 2 m. The
flags are stored at the position of the middle most flag. Ruchi was given the responsibility of placing
the flags. Ruchi kept her books where the flags were stored. She could carry only one flag at a time.
How much distance did she cover in completing this job and returning back to collect her books?
What is the maximum distance she travelled carrying a flag? [NCERT Exemplar]
76. A contract on construction job specifies a penalty for delay of completion beyond a certain days
as follows: ™180 for the first day, ™200 for the second day, etc., the penalty for each succeeding
day being ™20 more than the preceding day.
(i) How much money the contractor has to pay as penalty, if he has delayed the work by 15 days?
(ii) For how many days has the contractor delayed the work if he paid ™ 7400 as penalty?
77. Find the middle term of the sequence formed by all three-digit numbers which leave a remainder
3, when divided by 4. Also find the sum of all numbers on both sides of the middle term
separately. [CBSE (F) 2015]
78. Find the sum of all the two digit numbers which are either multiples of 2 or 3.
79. Ramkali required ™2500 after 12 weeks to send her daughter to school. She saved ™100 in the
first week and increased her weekly saving by ™20 every week. Find whether she will be able to
send her daughter to school after 12 weeks. [CBSE Delhi 2015]
80. Find the middle term of the sequence formed by all numbers between 9 and 95, which leave a
remainder 1 when divided by 3. Also find the sum of the numbers on both sides of the middle
term separately. [CBSE (F) 2015]

Arithmetic Progressions 129

 81. The pth, qth and rth terms of an AP are a, b and c respectively. Show that a(q – r) + b(r – p) +
c(p – q) = 0. [CBSE (F) 2016]
82. If the ratio of the sum of the first n terms of two APs is (7n + 1) : (4n + 27), then find the ratio of
their 9th terms. [CBSE (AI) 2017]

Answers
1. (i) (d) (ii) (b) (iii) (c) (iv) (c) (v) (c)
2
2. (i) n (ii) 1 (iii) an = a + (n – 1) d (iv) 6 ; 12 (v) p + 20q
1
3. 330 4. – 5. n = 30 6. n = 27 7. n = 36 8. n = 6
3
9. d = p 10. n = 21 11. n = 18 12. 458th term 13. d = – 4
n+1 1
14. k = n 15. n = 19 16. k = 6 17. +n –1 18. 6 n – 7 19. n = 49
m
20. AP is 4, 10, 16 21. Sn = 371 23. k = 2 24. k = 0 25. 40
26. 201 27. Yes, – 45; – 4 28. No 29. 27 31. No
32. No 33. No 34. No 35. Yes, we can find it using ‘d’ only
36. 3 37. 1, 5, 9.... 38. 8n – 2 39. a38 = – 32 40. k = 27 41. 14th term
rd
42. 3, 7, 11,15..... 43. 53 term 44. 3, 7, 11, 15 .... 45. 39
th
46. n = 100 47. 60 term 49. 5, 12, 19 50. –15, 5 – 2n 51. 70336 52. x = 50
7n – 1 10
53. 0 54. 25 months 55. (i) (ii) (40a – 21b)
2 a+b
56. 16th term, – 632 57. 67, 69, 71 58. Numbers 2, 6, 10, 14 or 14, 10, 6, 2
2
59. n(n + 6) or (n + 6n) 60. n = 16, – 100 is not a term of AP
61. n = 6 or n = 10 63. 15, 6, – 3 or 2, 6, 10 64. x = 118 65. d = 3
66. Sn = 981 67. 625 68. (i) 1683 (ii) 13167 72. 970 73. 1 : 3; 5 : 49
74. 16 rows; 15 bricks 75. 728 m, 26 m 76. (i) ™4800 (ii) 20 days
77. 551, 36400, 87024 78. 3285 79. 2520; yes 80. 52; 413, 1043 82. 24 : 19

SELF-ASSESSMENT TEST
Time allowed: 1 hour Max. marks: 40

Section A
1. Choose and write the correct option in the following questions. (4 × 1 = 4)
(i) The number of terms in the AP 2, 5, 8, ..., 59 is
(a) 12 (b) 19 (c) 20 (d) 25
(ii) The sum of first 20 odd natural numbers is
(a) 281 (b) 285 (c) 400 (d) 421
(iii) The 4th term from the end of the AP –11, – 8, – 5, ... 49 is
(a) 37 (b) 40 (c) 43 (d) 58
(iv) If the first term of an AP is –5 and the common difference is 2, then the sum of the first
6 terms is  [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 0 (b) 5 (c) 6 (d) 15

130 Xam idea Mathematics–X

 2. Fill in the blanks. (3 × 1 = 3)
th
(i) The n term of an AP is always a ____________ expression.
(ii) The 12th term of an AP with first term a and common difference d is ____________.
(iii) The 6th term from the end of the AP 17, 14, 11, ........... –40 is ____________.
3. Solve the following questions. (3 × 1 = 3)
th 2
(i) What is the n term if the sum of n term of an AP is n – n?
(ii) How many two digit numbers are divisible by 3?
(iii) Which is the first positive term of the AP –11, –8, –5...?

Section B
QQ Solve the following questions. (3 × 2 = 6)
4. If the 10th term of an AP is 52 and 17th term is 20 more than the 13th term, find the AP.
5. If the pth term of an AP is q and the qth term is p, prove that its nth term is (p + q – n).
6. Find a, b and c such that the numbers a, 7, b, 23, c are in AP. [NCERT Exemplar]
QQ Solve the following questions. (3 × 3 = 9)
7. In an AP prove that am+n + am–n = 2am , where an denotes its nth term.
8. If 1 + 4 + 7 + 10 + ... + x = 287, find the value of x. [CBSE (F) 2017]
9. Jaspal singh repays his total loan of ™118000 by paying every month starting with the first
instalment of ™1000. If he increases the instalment by ™100 every month, what amount will be
paid by him in the 30th instalment? What amount of loan does he still have to pay after the 30th
instalment? [NCERT Exemplar]

QQ Solve the following questions. (3 × 5 = 15)

1 1
10. If mth term of an AP is and nth term is , then find the sum of its first mn terms.
n m
[CBSE Delhi 2017]
11. An arithmetic progression 5, 12, 19, ..., has 50 terms. Find its last term. Hence find the sum of
its last 15 terms. [CBSE (AI) 2015]
12. The sum of first n terms of three arithmetic progressions are S1, S2 and S3 respectively. The
first term of each AP is 1 and their common differences are 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Prove that
S1 + S3 = 2S2. [CBSE (AI) 2016]

Answers
1. (i) (c) (ii) (c) (iii) (b) (iv) (a)
2. (i) linear (ii) a+11d (iii) –25 (iv) 1
3. (i) 2n – 2 (ii) 30 (iii) 1
4. 7, 12, 17, 22.... 6. a = –1, b = 15, c = 31 8. x = 40
1
9. ™3,900; ™44,500 10. (mn+1) 11. 348; 4485
2
zzz

Arithmetic Progressions 131