SEQUENCES AND SERIES

NATURAL NUMBERS ARE THE PRODUCT OF HUMAN

SPIRIT.
In Mathematics, the word, “sequence” is used in much the same way as it is in ordinary English.
When we say that a collection of objects is listed in a sequence, we usually mean that the
collection is ordered in such a way that it has an identified first member, second member, third
member and so on.
Sequences, following specific patterns are called progressions. In this chapter, besides discussing
more about A.P., G.P. and H.P. ; arithmetic mean, geometric mean and harmonic mean,
relationship between A.M., G.M. and H.M., special series in forms of sum to n terms of consecutive
natural numbers, sum to n terms of squares of natural numbers, sum to n terms of cubes of natural
numbers and Arithmetico Geometric Series (AGS) will also be studied.
 SEQUENCES AND SERIES
1. Definition of a Sequence ......... 01

Contents 2. Arithmetic Progression (A.P.) ......... 01

3. Geometric Progression (G.P.) ......... 04

4. Harmonic Progression (H.P.) ......... 07

For JEE (Main)
Arithmetic and Geometric progression, insertion of 5. Insertion of Means Between Two numbers ......... 09
arithmetic, geometric means between two given
6. Arithmetico-Geometric Series ......... 11
numbers. Relation between A.M. and G.M. Sum upto n
terms of special series : n, n2, n3. Arithmetico- 7. Sum of Miscellaneous Series ......... 12
Geometric progression
8. Inequalities ......... 17

For JEE (Advanced) 9. Arithmetic Mean of mth Power ......... 19

Arithmetic, geometric and harmonic progressions,
arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means, sums of
finite arithmetic and geometric progressions, infinite
geometric series, sums of squares and cubes of the first
n natural numbers.
SEQUENCES & SERIES [1]

SEQUENCES AND SERIES

1. DEFINITION OF A SEQUENCE (f) Sum of squares of first n natural numbers

A succession of numbers a1, a2, a3, ..., an, ... formed, 12 + 22 + 32 + 42 + ....... n2
which follows certain rules is called a sequence. n(n  1)(2n  1)
 n2  6
2. ARITHMETIC PROGRESSION (A.P.) (g) Sum of cubes of first n natural numbers
13 + 23 + 33 + 43 + ...... + n3
A sequence of numbers an is called an arithmetic
2
progression, if there is a number d, such that  n(n  1) 
 n3   2 
d = an–an–1 for all n. d is called the common difference
(C.D.) of the A.P. (h) Middle term: If the number of terms is n, and
(i) Useful Formulae th
 n  1
If a = first term, d = common difference and n is  n is odd, then   term is the middle terms
 2 
the number of terms, then
(a) nth term is denoted by tn and is given by th th
n n 
 n is even, then   and   1 terms are
tn = a + (n – 1) d.  2 2 
middle terms.
(b) Sum of first n terms is denoted by Sn and is
given by (i) If terms are given in A.P., and their sum is
known, then the terms must be picked up in
n n following way
Sn  [2a  (n  1)d] or Sn  (a  l ) , where
2 2  For three terms in A.P., we choose them as
l = last term of the series i.e., l = tn = a + (n – 1) d. (a – d), a, (a + d)
 For four terms in A.P. , we choose them as
(c) r th term of an A.P. when sum of first r terms is
(a – 3d), (a – d), (a + d), (a + 3d)
given is t r  sr  sr 1 .
 For five terms in A.P., we choose them as (a – 2d),
(d) Arithmetic mean A of any two numbers
(a – d), a, (a + d), (a + 2d) etc.
a and b
(ii) Useful Properties
ab If tn = an + b, then the series so formed is an A.P.
A . 
2
 If Sn = an2 + bn, then the series so formed is an
(e) Sum of first n natural numbers A.P.
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + ...... n  If every term of an A.P. is increased or decreased
by some quantity, the resulting terms will also be
n(n  1) in A.P.
n 2
, where n  N .

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[2] SEQUENCES & SERIES
 If every term of an A.P. is multiplied or divided by Solving we get, d = –1 and a = m + n – 1
some non-zero quantity, the resulting terms will  Tp = a + (p –1)d = m + n – 1 + (p – 1) (–1)
also be in A.P.
=m+n–p
 In an A.P. the sum of terms equidistant from the
Now, Tm + n = a + (m + n – 1)d
beginning and the end is constant and is equal to
the sum of the first and the last terms. = (m + n –1) + (m + n–1) (–1) = 0.

 The sum and the differences of corresponding Illustration 4:

terms of two A.P.’s will form an A.P. Find the number of terms in the series 20,
 If terms a1, a2, ..., an, an+1, ..., a2n+1 are in A.P., then 1 2
19 , 18 , ..... of which the sum is 300. Explain
sum of these terms will be equal to 3 3
(2n + 1)an+1. the double answer.
 If terms a1, a2, ..., a2n–1, a2n are in A.P. The sum of Solution:
 an  an1  2
these terms will be equal to (2n)  . Clearly, here a = 20, d   and Sn = 300.
 2  3

 n   2 
Illustration 1:     2  20  (n  1)      300
 2   3 
If t 54 of an A.P. is – 61 and t 4 = 64, find t 10.
Simplifying, n2 – 61n + 900 = 0  n = 25 or 36.
Solution: Since common difference is negative and
Let a be the first term and d be the common S25 = S36 = 300, it shows that the sum of the
difference eleven terms i.e., T26, T27 , ..., T36 is zero.
so t 54 = a + 53d = – 61 .........(i) Illustration 5:
andt 4 = a + 3d = 64 .........(ii)
equation (i) – (ii) ab bc 1
If , b, are in A.P. then prove that ,
1  ab 1  bc a
5
 50d = – 125, d = –
2
1
143 143  5 b, are in A.P..
c
 a= ,so t 10 = + 9    = 49
2 2  2
Solution:
Illustration 2:
Find the sum of all the natural numbers divisible ab bc
by 5, but less than 100.  1  ab , b, 1  bc are in A.P..
Solution:
All those numbers are 5, 10, 15, 20, .......... 95. ab bc
b–  b
1  ab 1  bc
Here a = 5, n = 19,  = 95;

so S=
19
(5 + 95) = 950. 
a b 2  1   c 1  b2 
2
1  ab 1  bc
Illustration 3:
 –a + abc = c – abc
The mth term of an A.P. is n and its nth term is m. a + c = 2abc
Prove that its pth term is m + n – p. Also show divide by ac
that its (m + n) th term is zero.
Solution: 1 1 1 1
  2b  , b, are in A.P..
c a a c
Given Tm = a + (m – 1) d = n
and Tn = a + (n – 1) d = m

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [3]
Illustration 6: DAILY PRACTICE PROBLEM-1
If a1, a2, a3,........ are in A.P. such that a1 1. Find the sum of odd integers from 1 to 2001.
+ a5 + a10 + a15 + a20 + a24 = 225, then [NCERT]

a1 + a2 + a3 + ......+ a23 + a24 is equal to 1

2. (a) In an A. P., if the pth term is and the qth
q
Solution:
Given a1, a2, a3, ...... in A.P. with common 1
term is (p  q) , prove that the sum of the first
p
difference = d & a1 + a5 + a10 + a15 + a20 + a24
= 225 1
pq terms must be (pq + 1). [NCERT]
2
 a1(a1 + 4d) + (a1 + 9d) + (a1 + 14d)
1
+ (a1 + 19d) + (a1 + 23d) = 225 (b) In an A. P., the mth term is and the nth term
n
225 1
 3(2a1 + 23d) = 225  (2a1 + 23d) = is (m  n) , find (mn)th term.
3 m
 Sum of terms equidistant fom begining & end 3. In an A.P., the first term is 2 and the sum of the
is same & is equal to the sum of firat and first five terms is one-fourth of the next five
last term. terms. Show that 20th term is – 112
24 [NCERT]
a1 + a2 + .... + a24 = [2a1 + 23d]
2 4. Sum of the first p, q and r terms of an A.P. are
a, b and c, respectively. Prove that
225
= 12 × = 900
3 a b c
 q  r    r  p    p  q  0 [NCERT]
Illustration 7: p q r

Find number of different possible A.P.’s of 5 5. (a) The ratio of the sums of m and n terms of an
A. P. is m2 : n2. Show that the ratio of mth and nth
terms from first 20 natural numbers.
term is 2m–1 : 2n–1. [NCERT]
Solution: (b) Find six numbers in A.P., such that the sum
Different A.P.’s of 5 terms may have common of the two extremes be 16 and the product of the
difference 1,  2,  3 or  4 two middle terms be 63.
6. (a) Which term of the series
Number of A.P.’s with common difference 1 3 + 8 + 13 + 18 + ... is 498
is equal to 16  2  32 (b) Find the number of terms in the series
Number of A.P.’s with common difference  2 101 + 99 + 97 + .....+ 47
is equal to 12  2  24 (c) Find the middle term of the progression
4 , 9, 14, .......104.
Number of A.P.’s with common difference  3
7. (a) If pth, qth and rth terms of an A.P. are a, b and c
is equal to 8  2  16 respectively, then find the value of
Number of A.P.’s with common difference  4 a(q – r) + b (r – p) + c (p – q).
is equal to 4  2  8 (b) In the following two A.P.’s how many terms
are identical? 2,5,8,11.... to 60 terms, 3,5,7,
Thus total number of such A.P.’s is equal to 80. ..... 50 terms.

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[4] SEQUENCES & SERIES
th
8. (a) If n term of an AP is 1/3 ( 2n + 1) , then find (b) Sum of first n terms denoted by Sn is given by
the sum of its 19 terms.
a(1  r n ) a(rn  1) a  rl
(b) If the angles of a quadrilateral are in A.P. whose Sn  or or
1 r r 1 1 r
common difference is 10º, then find the angles
of the quadrilateral. where l is the last term (the nth term) in the
9. (a) If the numbers a,b,c,d,e form an A.P., then find series, r  1
the value of a– 4b+ 6c – 4d + e. In case r = 1, Sn = na.
2
(b) If the roots of the equation (b – c) x + (c – a)x (c) Sum of infinite terms ( S )
+ (a–b) = 0 are equal , then prove that a, b, c
a
will be in A.P. S  (for | r |  1)
1 r
10. (a) How many terms of the sequence 18, 16, 14,
Note: When |r|  1, the series is divergent and
... should be taken so that their sum is zero ?
so its sum is not possible.
(b) Find the sum of all the three digit natural (d) Geometric mean (G.M.)
numbers which on division by 7 leaves
G  ab is the geometric mean of two positive
remainder 3.
numbers a and b.
(c) Find the sum of all the natural numbers (e) If terms are given in G.P. and their product is
between 100 and 1000 which are multiples of known, then the terms must be picked up in the
5 or 2. following way.
bc c a ab  For three terms in G.P., we choose them as
11. If a + b + c 0 and , , are in A.
a b c a
, a, ar
r
1 1 1
P., prove that , , are also in A. P..  For four terms in G.P., we choose them as
a b c
a a
12. The sum of n terms of two A.P’s. are in ratio , , ar, ar 3
r3 r
7n  1  For five terms in G.P., we choose them as
1th terms.
. Find the ratio of their 11
4n  27
a a
, ,a,ar,ar 2 etc.
13. (a) Find the maximum sum of the A.P. 40, 38, r2 r
36, 34, 32, ..............
(ii) Useful Properties
(b) The sum of three numbers in A.P. is 27 (a) The product of the terms equidistant from the
and the sum of their squares is 293, find beginning and the end is constant, and it is equal
them to the product of the first and the last term.
(b) If every term of a G.P. is multiplied or divided
3. GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION (G.P.) by the same non-zero quantity, the resulting
progression is a G.P.
A sequence of the numbers an , in which a1  0 ,
(c) If a1, a2, a3, ... and b1, b2, b3, ... be two G.P.’s
is called a geometric progression, if there is a with common ratio r1 and r2 respectively, then a1b1
an a1 a 2 a 3
number r  0 such that  r for all n. r is , a2b2, ... and , , ,... will also form a G.P..
an1 b1 b 2 b 3
called the common ratio (C.R.) of the G.P.
r1
(i) Useful Formulae with common ratios r1r2 and respectively..
If a = first term, r = common ratio and n is the
r2
number of terms, then (d) If a1, a2, a3, ... be a G.P. of positive terms, then
th
(a) n term, denoted by tn , is given by tn = ar n–1 loga1, loga2, loga3, ... will be an A.P. and conversely.

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [5]
Illustration 8: Illustration 10:
th
If the first term of G.P. is 7, its n term is 448 and The first term of an infinite G..P is 1 and any term
sum of first n terms is 889, then find the fifth term is equal to the sum of all the succeeding terms.
of G.P. Find the series.
Solution: Solution:

Given a = 7 , tn = arn – 1 = 7(r)n – 1 = 448 Given that Tp = (Tp+1 + Tp+2 + ... to  )

or, arp–1 = arp + arp+1 + arp+2 + ...
 7rn = 448 r
rp
n
a(r  1) 7(r  1) n  rp–1 = [sum of an infinite G.P.]
Also Sn =  1 r
r 1 r 1
1
 1–r=r  r= 2
448r  7
 889 =
r 1 1 1 1
Hence the series is 1, , , , ...to 
 r = 2. Hence T5 = ar = 7(2) = 112 4 4 2 4 8

Illustration 9: Illustration 11:

Three positive numbers form a G.P. If the second
p term is increased by 8, the resulting sequence is
Using G.P. express 0. 3 and 1.2 3 as form.
q an A.P. In turn, if we increase the last term of this
A.P. by 64, we get a G.P. Find the three numbers
Solution:
.
Let x = 0. 3 = 0.3333 ... Solution:
= 0.3 + 0.03 + 0.003 + 0.0003 + ... Let the numbers be a, a r, a r2 where r > 0

3 3 3 3 Hence a, (a r + 8), a r2 in A.P.  (1)

= + + + + ...
10 100 1000 10000 Also a, (a r + 8), a r2 + 64 in G.P. — (2)
(2)  (a r + 8)2 = a (a r2 + 64)
3
10 3 1 4
= 1 = 9 = 3.  a= — (3)
1 4r
10
Also (1) 2 (a r + 8) = (a + a r2)
Let y = 1.2 3
= 1.233333 = 1.2 + 0.03 + 0.003 + 0.0003 + ... 16
 (1  r)2 = — (4)
a
3 3 3
= 1.2 + 2 + 3 + + ...
10 10 10 4 From (3) and (4) r = 3 or  5 (rejected) .
Hence a = 4 numbers are : 4, 12, 36
3
1 37
Illustration 12:
10 2
= 1.2 + = 1.2 + = .
1 30 30 The sum of the first five terms of a geometric series
1
10 is 189, the sum of the first six terms is 381, and
the sum of the first seven terms is 765. What is
the common ratio in this series.

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[6] SEQUENCES & SERIES
Solution: DAILY PRACTICE PROBLEM-2
S5 = 189; S6 = 381; S7 = 765 ; t 6 = S6 – S5 1. Find the 12th term of a G.P. whose 8th term is 192
= 381 – 189 = 192; t7 = S7 – S6 = 765 – 381 = 384 and the common ratio is 2. [NCERT]
2. Which term of the following sequences:
t7 384 [NCERT]
now common ratio =
t 6 192 = 2
=
(a) 2, 2 2,4,... is 128 ?
Illustration 13: (b) 3,3,3 3... is 729 ?
If the first 3 consecutive terms of a geometrical
progression are the roots of the equation 1 1 1 1
(c) , , .......is ?
2x3 – 19x2 + 57x – 54 = 0 find the sum to infinite 3 9 27 19683
number of terms of G.P.
39
3. The sum of first three terms of a G.P. is and
Solution: 10
their product is 1. Find the common ratio and the
a terms. [NCERT]
let the roots be , a, ar
r 11
4. (a) Evaluate  ( 2  3k ) . [NCERT]
 1  19 k 1
a 1  r   = ....(1), (b) Given a G. P. with a = 729 and 7th term 64,
 r 2
determine S7. [NCERT]
 1 57 5. (a) If the first term of a G.P. be 5 and common
a2 1  r   = ....(2),
 r 2 ratio be – 5, then find which term is 3125.

1  54 (b) The fifth term of a GP is 81 and its 8th term is


a3 1  r   = = 27 ....(3) 2187, then find its third term
 r 2
(c) If third term of a G.P is 4, then find product of
 a=3 first 5 term
19r 6. (a) For which values of x do the numbers 1, x2, 6
from (1) 3(r2 + r + 1) = – x2 taken in that order form a geometric
2
progression.
 6r2 + 6r + 6 = 19r
(b) If the sum to n terms of a series be 3(2n –1),
 6r2 – 13r + 6= 0
then prove that it is in G.P.
 (2r – 3)(3r – 2) = 0
7. (a) Find the value of 91/3. 91/9. 91/27... upto .
2 3
 r= or (rejected) 45
3 2 (b) If 3 + 3+ 32 + ... = (> 0); then find
8
a the value of 
 Numbers are , a, ar
r 8. (a) If the sum of an infinite GP be 3 and the sum
9 of the squares of its term is also 3, then find
 , 3, 2 its first term and common ratio
2
(b) If the product of three numbers in GP is 3375
92 9  3 27 and their sum is 65, then find the smallest of
S = = =
1  (2 3) 2 2 these numbers

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [7]
(c) Break the numbers 155 into three parts so that (d) If terms are given in H.P., then the terms could
the obtained numbers form a G.P., the first term be picked up in the following way
being less than the third one by 120 (i) For three terms in H.P, we choose them as
1 1 1
9. (a) Find four numbers forming a geometric pro- , ,
gression in which the third term is greater than ad a ad
the first term by 9, and the second term is (ii) For four terms in H.P, we choose them as
greater than the fourth by 18.
1 1 1 1
, , ,
(b) Find the G.P., if the common ratio of G.P. is a  3d a  d a  d a  3d
3, nth term is 486 and sum of first n terms is
728. (iii) For five terms in H.P, we choose them as
1 1 1 1 1
10. (a) If a, b, c are in G. P., prove that a2 + b2, ab + , , , ,
bc, b2 + c2 are also in G. P. a  2d a  d a a  d a  2d

(b) Sum of the following series to infinity Illustration 14:

If a1, a2, a3, ..., an are in harmonic progression,
( 2 + 1) + 1 + ( 2 – 1) + ... . prove that a1a2 + a2a3 + ... + an–1 an = (n – 1) a1an
11. (a) If in a G. P. the first term is 7, the last term Solution:
448, and the sum 889, find the common ratio.
Since a1, a2 , ... , an are in H.P.,
(b) Find three numbers in G.P. having sum 19
1 1 1 1
and product 216. , , ,..., are in A.P. having common
a1 a2 a3 an
12. Evaluate 7 + 77 + 777 + ... upto n terms.
13. Find S of the G.P. whose first term is 28 and the difference d (say) .

4 1 1 1 1 1 1
fourth term is .    d,   d, ...,  d
49 a2 a1 a3 a2 an an1
4. HARMONIC PROGRESSION (H.P.) or a1 – a2 = d(a1a2), a2 – a3 = d (a2a3), ... ,
(a) A sequence is said to be in harmonic (an–1 – an) = d(an–1 an )
progression, if the reciprocal of its terms form Adding the above relations, we get
an arithmetic progression. a1 – an = d (a1a2 + a2a3 +... + an–1 an) ........ (1)
For example
1 1 1 1
1 1 1 Now a  a  (n  1)d    (n  1)d
n 1 an a1
, , , ... form an H.P., because 2, 4, 6, ...
2 4 6 or (a1 – an) = (n – 1) d an a1 .......... (2)
are in A.P. Putting the value of a1 – an from (2) in (1), we get
(b) If a, b are first two terms of an H.P., then (n – 1) an a1d = d (a1a2 + a2a3 + ... + an–1 an)
1  (n – 1) ana1 = a1a2 + a2a3 + ... + an–1 an.
tn 
1  1 1 Illustration 15:
 (n  1)   
a b a If a, b, c are in H.P. then prove that a3b3 + b3c3 +
(c) Harmonic mean H of any two numbers a c3a3 = (9 ac  6 b2) a2c2 .
and b Solution:

2 2ab , where a, b are two non- 2 1 1 1 1 2

H 
1 1 ab =     =0.
 b a c a c b
a b
zero numbers. Use p + q + r = 0  p3 + q3 + r3 = 3 pqr

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[8] SEQUENCES & SERIES
Illustration 16: DAILY PRACTICE PROBLEM-3
343 1 1
The value of x y z is 55 or according as the 1. Find the fifth term of the H.P. 2, 2
2
, 3 ,.....
3
55
2. If first and second terms of a HP are a and b, then
series a, x, y, z, b is an A.P. or H.P. Find the
find its nth term
values of a & b given that they are positive integers.
3. If the mth term of a H.P. be n and nth term be m,
Solution: then find the rth term
Let a, x, y, z, b are in A.P.
4. If b + c, c + a, a + b are in H.P., then prove that a2,
b2, c2 are in A.P.
ba
 b=a+4d  d=
4 b b b
5. If a,b,c be in H.P. then prove that a – , ,c–
2 2 2
3a  b
 x=a+d= will be in G.P.
4
bc
ab a  3b 6. If a,b,c are in A.P., then prove that ,
y=a+2d= & z= ca  ab
2 4
ca ab
Similarly when a, x, y, z, b are in H.P. , are in H.P..
bc  ab bc  ca
ab
then d = 7. Find the HM between 1/21 and – 1/5.
4 ab
8. If H is H.M. between two numbers a and b, then
4 ab 1 1
Hence x = ;
a  3b find the value of + .
Ha Hb
2ab 4 ab 9. Find the HM between a/b and b/a.
y= ; z=
ab 3a  b
10. If pth , qth , rth terms of an H.P. be a, b, c respec-
In the 1st case tively, prove that (q – r)bc + (r – p) ac + (p – q)
ab = 0

3 a  b a  b a  3b 11. Find the 4th term of an H.P. whose 7th term is

. . = 55 (1)
4 2 4 1 1
and 13th term is .
20 38
In the 2nd case
12. If the pth, qth and rth terms of an H. P. are a, b, c
qr r p pq
4 ab 2ab 4 ab 343 respectively, prove that + + = 0.
. . = (2) a b c
a  3 b a  b 3a  b 55
13. If H. M. and A. M. of the two numbers are 3 and 4,
respectively, find the numbers.
dividing a3 b3 = 73
14. Find H. P. whose 3rd and 14th terms are respec-
 a = 7 ; b = 1 or a = 1 ; b = 7 6 1
tively and .
7 3

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [9]
5. INSERTION OF MEANS BETWEEN HARMONICAL MEAN :
TWO NUMBERS If a, b, c are in H.P. then middle term is called the
harmonic mean between them. Hence if H is the
ARITHMETIC MEAN : harmonic mean (H.M.) between a and b then a, H,
Definition : When three quantities are in A.P. 2ab
b are in H.P. and H = .
then the middle one is called the Arithmetic ab
Mean of the other two. n Harmonic Means between two numbers
e.g. a, b, c are in A.P. then 'b' is the arithmetic If a, H1, H2 , ..., Hn, b are in H.P., then H1, H2 , ..., Hn
mean between 'a' and 'c' and are called n H.M.’s between a and b. If d is the
common difference of the corresponding A.P., then
a + c = 2b. Let a and b be two given numbers.
n Arithmetic Means between two numbers 1 1 ab
  (n  2  1)d  d 
b a ab(n  1)
If a, A1, A2 , ..., An, b are in A.P., then A1, A2, ..., An
are called n A.M.’s between a and b. If d is the 1 1 1 ab
common difference, then b = a + (n + 2 – 1) d    id   i
Hi a a ab(n  1)
ba ab(n  1)
d=  Hi  , i  1,2,3, ...,n
n 1 b(n  i  1)  ia
b  a a(n  1  i)  ib NOTE :- If A, G, H are respectively A.M., G.M.,
Ai = a + id = a + i  , i
n 1 n 1 H.M. between a & b both being positive, then G2 =
= 1, 2, 3, ..., n AH
Illustration 17:
Note: The sum of n A.M.’s, i.e.,
Insert 4 G.M.’s between 2 and 486.
n
A1 + A2 + ... + An = (a  b) Solution.
2
1

Common ratio of the series is given by r =  b 

n 1
GEOMETRICAL MEAN :
a
 
Definition : If a, b, c are three positive number in = (243)1/5 = 3
G.P. then b is called the geometrical mean between
a and c and b2 = ac. If a and b are two + ve real and Hence four G.M.’s are 6, 18, 54, 162.
G is the G.M. between them, then Illustration 18:
G2 = ab
2 2
n Geometric means between two numbers Insert 4 H.M.’s between and .
3 13
If a, G1, G2, ..., Gn, b are in G.P., then G1, G2, ...,
Gn are called n G.M’s between a and b. If r is the Solution:
1
Let d be the common difference of corresponding
b A.P..
common ratio, then b = a.rn+1  r =   (n1)
a
13 3
i

b n 1
n 1i i so d = 2 2 = 1.
Gi = ari = a   a n 1 .b n 1 ; i = 1, 2, ..., n 5
a  
1 3 5
Note: The product of n G.M.’s i.e., G1 G2 , ..., Gn  = +1=
H1 2 2
n
=  ab 

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[ 10 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES

2 1 3 7 2 ab ab ab

or H1 = ; H = +2= or H2 = =  ab  +  ab  + .... +  ab  (n times)
5 2 2 2 7      

1 3 9 2 1 2
= +3= or H3 = ; H  2ab ab
H3 2 2 9 4  h   = 
h
 ab ab
3 11 2
= +4= or H4 = .
2 2 11 ab 2 2n
Illustration 19: =n   =n. =
 ab  h h
If A1, A2; G1 , G2 and H1 , H2 be two A.M.’s, G.M.’s
Illustration 21:
and H.M.’s between two quantities ‘a’ and ‘b’, then
show that A1H2 = A2 H1 = G1G2 = ab. 15
Between two numbers whose sum is , an even
Solution: 7
number of A.M.’s is inserted, the sum of these
a, A1 , A2, b be are in A.P. ........ (1)
means exceeds their number by unity. Find the
a, H1 , H2 , b are in H.P. number of means.
1 1 1 1 Solution:
 a , H , H , b are in A.P. Multiply by ab. Let a and b be two numbers and 2n A.M.’s are
1 2

inserted between a and b then

ab ab
 b, , , a are in A.P. take in reverse order..
H1 H2 2n
(a + b) = 2n + 1
ab ab 2
or a, , ,b are in A.P.. ........ (2)
H2 H1
Compare (1) and (2)  15   15 
 n   = 2n + 1. given a  b 
 7   7 
ab ab
 A1  H and A 2  H  n = 7  Number of means = 14.
2 1
Illustration 22:
 A1H2 = A2H1 = ab = G1G2
If G1 and G2 are two geometric means and A is the
Illustration 20:
arithmetic means inserted between two positive
If a, a 1, a 2, a 3, ....... , a 2n, b are in A.P. and a,
G12 G 22
g1, g2, g3,.....g2n, b are in G.P. and h is the harmonic numbers then the value of  is
mean of a and b, then
G 2 G1
Solution:
a1  a 2 n a 2  a2n1 an  an1 Let a, G1, G2, b in GP with first term a & common
+ +.............+ ,
g1g2n g2 g2n1 gn gn1 ratio r & a, A, b in AP
1/ 3 1/ 3
is equal to b b
 b = ar3  r =  a  G1 = ar = a  
  a
Solution:
a, a1, a2, a3, .... a2n, b in A.P. 2/3
b
G2 = ar2 = a   G1G2 = ab
& a, g1, g2, g3, .... , g2n, b in G.P. a
Now, (a + b) = (a1 + a2n) = (a2 + a2n–1) b b2
a3  a3 2
G12 G2 G3  G3 a a
= ..... & ab = g1g2n = g2g2n–1 = ..... Now, + G2 = G1 G 2 = ab
G2 1 1 2

a1  a2n a2  a 2n1 an  an1

 + gg + .... + g g a 2b  ab 2
g1g2n 1 2n1 n n1 = = a + b = 2A  2A = a + b
ab

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 11 ]
DAILY PRACTICE PROBLEM-4 11. (a) If x,y,z are AM, GM and HM of two distinct
positive numbers respectively, then prove that
1. Insert five numbers between 8 and 26 such that z < y < x also prove that AH = G2
the resulting sequence is an A.P. [NCERT]
(b) Show that the sum of n arithmetic means be-
n
a b n tween two numbers is n times the single arith-
2. If is the A.M. between a and b, then metic mean
an1  bn 1
between them.
find the value of n. [NCERT]
12. Show that the product of n geometric means be-
3. Insert two numbers between 3 and 81 so that the
tween two given numbers is equal to nth power of
resulting sequence is G.P. [NCERT]
the single geometric mean between them.
4. The sum of two numbers is 6 times their geomet-
ric mean, show that numbers are in the ratio 13. If b is the harmonic mean between a and c, prove
1 1 1 1
 3  2 2  : 3  2 2  . [NCERT] that
ba
+
bc
=
a
+ .
c

an  bn
5. If is the G.M.’s between a and b, then 6. ARITHMETICO-GEOMETRIC SERIES
a  bn 1
n 1

find the value of n. [NCERT] A series whose each term is formed, by multiplying
6. (a) If x, y, z are in A.P. and A.M. of x and y is a corresponding terms of an A.P. and a G.P., is called
and that to y and z is b, then find the A.M. of a an Arithmetico-geometric series.
and b. e.g. 1 + 2x + 4x2 + 6x3 + ..... ;
(b) If A1,A2 be two arithmetic means between 1/3 a + (a + d) r + (a + 2d)r2 + .....
and 1/24 , then find the values of A1,A2
7. (a) Find the AM of 1,3,5, ....,( 2n– 1). (i) Summation of n terms of an Arithmetico-
Geometric Series
(b) Given two numbers a and b, let A denotes the
single A.M. and S denote the sum of n A.M.’s Let Sn = a + (a + d) r + (a + 2d)r2 + ...
between a and b, then prove that S/A depends + [a + (n – 1)d] rn–1, d  0 , r  1
on n only
8. (a) If three geometric means be inserted Multiply by ‘r’ and rewrite the series in the
between 2 and 32, then find the third geomet- following way
ric mean. rSn = ar + (a + d)r2 + (a + 2d)r3 + ...
(b) Find the product of three geometric means
+ [a + (n – 2)d]rn–1 + [a + (n – 1)d ]rn
between 4 and 1/4.
On subtraction,
13
9. (a) Between two numbers whose sum is , Sn (1 – r) = a + d(r + r2 + ... + rn–1) – [a + (n– 1)d]rn
6
an even number of A.M.s is inserted, the sum
dr(1  r n1 )
of these or, Sn (1  r)  a   [a  (n  1)d].r n
means exceeds their number by unity. Find 1 r
the number of means.
a dr(1  r n1 ) [a  (n  1)d] n
(b) If n A.M.s are inserted between 20 and 80 or, Sn    .r
such that first means : last mean = 1 : 3,
1 r (1  r)2 1 r
find n. (ii) Summation of Infinite Series
10. (a) If 4 HM’s be inserted between 2/3 and 2/13,
If |r| < 1, then (n –1)rn, rn–1  0 as n  .
then find the second HM.
(b) If A,G & 4 are A.M, G.M & H.M of two num- a dr
bers respectively and 2A + G2 = 27, then find Thus S  = S = 
the two numbers 1  r (1  r)2

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[ 12 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES
Illustration 23: 2
1 2 3
   ........  = ( use A G P)
Find the sum to n terms of the series 2a 4 a 8a a

1 2 3 4 5 1 1
3
     ........ 8  1
2 4 8 16 32  aa . 2a = =   . 23
27  3
Solution: 1
 a =
1 2 3 4 5 n 3
S=      ........ n ....(1)
2 4 8 16 32 2
7. SUM OF MISCELLANEOUS SERIES
S 1 2 3 n 1 n (i) Difference Method
=    ..........  n  n1 ...(2)
2 4 8 16 2 2
Let T1, T2, T3, ..., Tn be the terms of a sequence

S 1 1 1 1 1 n and let (T2 – T1) = T1 , (T3 – T2) = T2 , ...,

=  2  3  4  ........ n  n 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 (Tn – Tn–1) = T n1 .

1 1 
1  n  n
Case I: If T1, T2 ,...,Tn 1 are in A.P. then Tn is a
2 2  1 n
= – n 1 = 1  n  n 1 quadratic in ‘n’. If T1 – T2 , T2  T3 , ... are in A.P.,
1 2 2 2
1 then Tn is a cubic in n.
2
Case II: If T1, T2 ,...,Tn 1 are not in A.P., but if

 2 n 1  2  n  2 n 1  2  n T1 ,T2 ,...,Tn 1 are in G.P., then Tn = arn + b, where

Sn = 2   = .
 2n 1  2n r is the C.R. of the G.P. T1 ,T2 ,T3 ,... anda,b  R.

Illustration 24: Again if T1 ,T2 ,...Tn 1 are not in G.P. but
If positive square root of, T2  T1,T3  T2 ,...Tn 1  Tn  2 are in G.P., then Tn
1 1 1 1
2a 4a 8a is of the form arn + bn + c; r is the C.R. of the G.P.
aa . (2a ) . ( 4 a) . ( 8a ) ..... 
T2  T1,T3  T2 ,T4  T3 ,... and a, b, c  R.

8 (ii) Vn – Vn–1 Method

is , find the value of ' a '.
27
Let T1, T2, T3 , ... be the terms of a sequence. If
Solution: there exists a sequence V1, V2, V3, ... satisfying
Tk = Vk – Vk–1, k  1,
1  1  2  3  ...... 
8
 a  1  1  ......  . =
a  2a 4a  22 a 4a 8a
27 n n
then Sn   Tk   (Vk  Vk 1 )  Vn  V0 .
1 1 k 1 k 1
1   2
now 1   2  ........  = and
a  2 2  a Illustration 25 :
Find the sum to n terms of the series 3 + 7 + 14 +
24 + 37 + ... .

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 13 ]
Solution:  2n  1 
Clearly here the diff erences between the So S =  Tn = 3  2 n–1
– 2 = 3 .  2  1  – 2n
successive terms are  
= 3.2n – 2n – 3
7 – 3, 14 – 7, 24 – 14, ... i.e., 4, 7, 10, ... which
are in A.P. Illustration 28:
 Tn = an2 + bn + c Find the nth term and the sum of n term of the
Thus we have 3 = a + b + c, 7 = 4a + 2b + c series 2, 12, 36, 80, 150, 252
and 14 = 9a + 3b + c Solution:
3 1 Let S = 2 + 12 + 36 + 80 + 150 + 252 + ........ + Tn ... (i)
Solving we get, a  ,b   ,c  2 . S = 2 + 12 + 36 + 80 + 150 + 252 + ...... + Tn – 1 + Tn.... (ii)
2 2
(i) = (ii)
1
Hence Tn  (3n2  n  4)  Tn = 2 + 10 + 24 + 44 + 70 + 102 + ...... + (Tn – Tn – 1)
2 .... (iii)
Tn = 2 + 10 + 24 + 44 + 70 + 102 + .........
1
 Sn = [3n2  n  4n] + (Tn – 1 – Tn – 2) + (Tn – Tn – 1) ..... (iv)
2

1  n(n  1)(2n  1) n(n  1)  n

n
 3   4n  (n2  n  4) (iii) – (iv)  Tn – Tn – 1 = 2 + 8 + 14 + 20 + 26 + .... =
2 6 2  2 2
[4+(n – 1) 6] = n [3n–1]  Tn – Tn – 1 = 3n2 –n
Illustration 26 :
 general term of given series is
Find the sum to n terms of the series
 Tn – Tn – 1 =  3n2 – n = n3 + n2.
3 + 8 + 22 + 72 + 266 + 1036 + .....
Hence sum of this sereis is
Solution:
1st difference 5, 14, 50, 194, 770, ... n 2 (n  1)2 n(n  1)(2n  1)
2nd difference 9, 36, 144, 576, ..... S =  n3 +  n2 = 
4 6
They are in G.P. whose nth term is arn–1 = a4n–1
 Tn of the given series will be of the form n(n  1) 1
= (3n2 + 7n + 2)
Tn = a4n–1 + bn + c ; T1 = a + b + c = 3 ; 12 12
T2 = 4a + 2b + c = 8 ; T3 = 16a + 3b + c = 22 n (n + 1) (n + 2) (3n + 1)
Solving we have a = 1, b = 2, c = 0.
Illustration 29:
 Tn = 4n–1 + 2n Find the general term and sum of n terms of the
n1 n 1 series 9, 16, 29, 54, 103
 Sn =  4  2n  3 (4  1)  n(n  1) .
Solution:
Illustration 27:
Let S = 9 + 16 + 29 + 54 + 103 + .......... + Tn .... (i)
Find the sum of n-terms 1 + 4 + 10 + 22 + ....... S = 9 + 16 + 29 + 54 + 103 + ............+ Tn – 1 + Tn .... (ii)
Solution: (i) – (ii)
Let S = 1 + 4 + 10 + 22 + ...... + Tn ... (i)  Tn = 9 + 7 + 13 + 25 + 49 + .......... + (Tn – Tn – 1) ... (iii)
S = 1 + 4 + 10 + ........+Tn – 1 + Tn .... (ii) Tn = 9 + 7 + 13 + 25 + 49 + ...

(i) – (ii) Tn = 1 + (3 + 6 + 12 + ...... ...+ (Tn–1 – Tn – 2) + (Tn – Tn – 1) .... (iv)

(iii) – (iv)  Tn – Tn – 1 = 9 + (–2) +
 2n1  1
+ Tn – Tn – 1) = 1 + 3  2  1  = 3 . 2n – 1 – 2
 

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[ 14 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES

6
12
 24
 .......
 = 7 + 6 [2
n–2
– 1] = 6(2)n – 2 +1. n(n  1)(2n  1) 3n(n  1) 3n
(n 2 ) terms
=  
6 2 1
 General term is Tn = 6(2)n – 1 + n + 2
Also sum S = Tn = 62n – 1 + n + 2 = 6.
n
= {2n2 + 3n + 1 – 9n – 9 + 18}
6
(2n  1) n(n  1)
  2n + 2n
2 1 2
n n 2
 Tn = (2n2 – 6n + 10)= (n – 3n + 5)
n(n  5) 6 3
= 6(2n – 1) +
2
Alternative Method : The nth terms of the series
can be written directly from the following procedure
Illustration 30:
Find the nth term of the series 1, 2, 5, 12, 25, 46,...... (given series)

1 + 2 + 5 + 12 + 25 + 46 + ..... 1, 3, 7, 13, 21,..... (first consecutive differences)

2, 4, 6, 8,.... (second consecutive differences)
Solution:
Let the sum of the series by Sn and nth term of the 2, 2, 2,.... (constant terms)
series be Tn then Tn = a (n – 1) (n – 2) (n – 3) + b (n – 1)
Then Sn = 1 + 2 + 5 + 12 + 46 + ...+Tn –1 + Tn ...(1) (n – 2) + c(n – 1) + d
 Sn = 1 + 2 + 5 + 12 + 25 +.... +Tn – 1 + Tn ...(2) Putting n = 1, 2, 3, 4 then we get
Subtracting (2) from (1), we get 0 = 1 + 1 + 3 + 7
T4 = 6a + 6b + 3c + d = 12
+ 13 + 21 + .... + (Tn – Tn – 1) – Tn
 Tn = 1 + 3 + 7 + 13 + 21 + ....+tn – 1 + tn ...(3) 1
 a= , b = 1, c = 1, d = 1
(Here nth term of Tn is tn) 3
 Tn = 1 + 1+ 3 + 7 + 13 + .... tn – 1 + tn ...(4)
Subtracting (4) from (3), we get 0 = 1 + 0 + 2 + 4 + n 2
Hence Tn = (n – 3n + 5)
6 + 8 + .... +(tn – tn – 1) – tn 3
 tn = 1 + 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 +....(n – 1)
terms = 1 + (2 + 4 + 6 + 8 (n – 2) terms) Illustration 31:
(a) Sum the following series to infinity
(n  2)
=1+ {2.2 + (n – 2 – 1) 2}
2 1 1 1
+ +
= 1 + (n – 2) (2 + n – 3) 1·4 ·7 4 ·7 ·10 7 ·10 ·13 + ...........
 tn = n2 – 3n + 3
(b) Sum the following series upto n-terms
then Tn tn = n2 – 3  n + 3  1
1 · 2 · 3 · 4 + 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 + 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 + ............

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 15 ]
Solution: n(n + 1)(n + 2)(n + 3)]
1 1
(a) Tn= [1  (n  1)3][1  3n][4  3n]
 Sn =  Tn =
5
[n(n + 1)(n + 2)(n + 3)

1
= 1
(3n  2)(3n  1)(3n  4) (n + 4)] = n(n + 1)(n + 2)(n + 3)(n + 4)
5
1  1 1 
=  (3n  2)(3n  1)  (3n  1)(3n  4)  Illustration 32:
6  
Find the sum to n terms and if possible also to
1  1 1 
1 1 1
T1 = 1·4  4 ·7  infinity + + + .......
6   1. 3. 7 3.5.9 5 . 7 . 11

1  1 1  Solution:
T2 =      
6  4 ·7 7 ·10  5 7 9
+ + + ..... 
1.3.5.7 3.5.7.9 5 . 7 . 9 . 11
1  1 1 
Tn =  (3n  2)(3n  1)  (3n  1)(3n  4) 
6   (2 n  3)
Tn =
(2 n  1) (2 n  1) (2 n  3) (2 n  5)
——————————————————
(2 n  5)  2
 Sn =  Tn =
(2 n  1) (2 n  1) (2 n  3) (2 n  5)
1  1 1 
=    1
6 1·4 (3n  1)(3n  4)  =
(2 n  1) (2 n  1) (2 n  3)
1 1 
=    as n   2
 24 6(3n  1)(3n  4)  
(2 n  1) (2 n  1) (2 n  3) (2 n  5)
1
 S = 1  1 1  2
24 =  (2 n  1) (2 n  1)  (2 n  1) (2 n  3)  
4   6
(b) 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 + 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 + 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 + ...........
 1 1 
1  (2 n  1) (2 n  1) (2 n  3)  (2 n  1) (2 n  3) (2 n  5) 
Tn = n(n + 1)(n + 2)(n + 3) [(n + 4) – (n – 1)]  
5
1 1  1 1  1  1 1 
T1 =     
3 . 5 . 7 
 T1 = [1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 – 0] 
5 4  1 . 3 3 . 5 3  1 . 3 . 5

1 1  1 1  1  1 1 
T2 = [2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 – 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5] T2 =  3 . 5  5 . 7   3.5.7  5.7.9
5 4   3  
  
1  1 1  1
 Sn =  1 . 3  (2 n  1) (2 n  3)  
1 4   3
Tn = [n(n + 1)(n + 2)(n + 3)(n + 4) – (n – 1)
5

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[ 16 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES

 1 1  DAILY PRACTICE PROBLEM-5

 1 . 3 . 5  (2 n  1) (2 n  3) (2 n  5)  1. Find the sum to n terms of each of the series
 
[NCERT]
1 1 1  11 1 11 (a) 1 × 2 + 2 × 3 + 3 × 4 + 4 × 5 +....
S =  = . = and
1 . 3  4 15  60 3 180 1 1 1
(b)    ....
1 2 2  3 3  4
11 1 1 1 
Sn =   4  3 (2 n  5)  (c) 12  12  22   12  2 2  3 2   ....
180 (2 n  1) (2 n  3)  
2. Find the sum to n terms of the series, whose nth
11 6n  1 terms is given by [NCERT]
= 
180 12 (2 n  1) (2 n  3) (2 n  5) (a) n2  2n
2
Illustration 33: (b)  2n  1
Find the sum of n terms of the series 3. (a) Find the 20th term of the series
1 2 2 3 3 2  4  4  6  6  8  ....  n terms. [NCERT]
.2  .2  .2  ...
2. 3 3. 4 4. 5 (b) Find the sum of the first n terms of the series
3 + 7 + 13 + 21 + 31 +.... [NCERT]
Solution:
2
1 22  2 32  ....  n n  1 3n  5
n 4. Show that 12 2  22 3  ....  n2 n  1  3n  1
Here un = .2n . Let  
(n  1)(n  2)
[NCERT]
n A B
  , 5 (a) Find the sum to infinity of the series
(n  1)(n  2) n  1 n  2
3.1 4.1
or, n = A(n + 2) + B(n + 1). 1 + 2.1 + + 3 + ...
3 2
3 3
Equating the coeffs. of like powers of n,
(b) Find sum to n terms of the series,
A + B = 1, 2A + B = 0.
1 1
3+5× + 7 × 2 + ...
 A = –1, B = 2. 4 4
6. (a) Find sum to n terms of the series,
2n 1 2n
Now we may write un =  . 1 + 4x + 7x2 + 10x3 + ... when | x | < 1.
n  2 n 1
(b) If the sum to the infinity of the series
Putting n = 1, 2, 3,...., n, we have
44
3 + 5r + 7r2 + ... is , then find r..
9
22 2 23 2 2 2 4 23
u1 =  , u2 =  , u3 =  , 7. (a) If the sum to infinity of the series 3 + (3 + d)
3 2 4 3 5 4
1 1 44
2n 1 2n + (3 + 2d) 2 + ... is , then find d.
............... un =  . 4 4 9
n 2 n 1
(b) Find the sum to infinity of the series
n 1
2 2 6 10 14
By addition, Sn = – 1. 1     .......
n2 3 32 33 34

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 17 ]
8. (a) Find the real values of x for which Remark : The inequalities in (vii) and (viii)
remain true even if r is any positive real number
2 4 8 16
y  1  2  3  4  ......  is finite, (ix) | a  b |  | a |  | b | . More generally,,
x x x x
(b) If x = a + (a/r) + (a/r2) + ............, y | a1 + a2 + .....+ an |  | a1 |  | a2 | ....... | an | .
= b – ( b/r) + (b/r2) – .... and z * Unless stated otherwise, all the quantities
= c + (c/r2)
+ (c/r4)
+ ...., involved in this article will be taken as real
then find the value of (xy/z) in terms of a, b, c. numbers.
9. Find the sum of the infinite series 12 + 22 x +
 x if x  0
32 x 2 + ..... * Recall that | x | =  . Also, note
 x if x  0
10. (a) Find the sum of infinite series that | x | = max { –x, x}.

3 5 7 (x)  | a |  a  | a | for each a  R .

1– + – + ...
2 4 8
(xi) If b  0 , then | x  a |  b if and only if
(b) Find the sum of the following series upto nth
ab  x  ab .
1 3 5 2n  1 (xii) If a > 1 and x > y > 0, then log a x > log a y,
term : + 2 + 3 + .... + .
2 2 2 2n and if 0 < a < 1 and x > y > 0, then
11. Find the sum to n terms of the series log a x < log a y
3.8 + 6.11 + 9.14 + . . .
(xiii) If a1, a2, a3, ...,an are n positive real numbers,
then for n  2 ,
8. INEQUALITIES (1 + a1) (1 + a2) ... (1 + an) > 1 + a1 + a2 + ...+ an
(i) If a > b and b > c, then a > c. More
(xiv) Arithmetic Mean  Geometric Mean
generally, if a1 > a2, a2 > a3,....., an - 1 > an,
then a1 > an. Given any n positive real numbers a1, a2, ..., an,
(ii) If a > b, then for every c, the positive numbers A and G, defined by

a + c > b + c and a - c > b - c. 1

A  (a1  a2  .......  an )
(iii) If a > b, then n
(a) ac > bc and a/c > b/c for c > 0, and
and G  (a 1 , a 2 ,......., a n )1 / n are called respec-
(b) ac < bc and a/c < b/c for c < 0.
tively the arithmetic mean and geometric mean of
(iv) If a > b > 0, then 1/a < 1/b. a1, a2, ..., an .
(v) If a1 > b1, a2 > b2, ..., an > bn, A and G both lie between the least and the geo
then a1 + a2 + ... + an > b1 + b2 + ... + bn. metric mean of a1, a2,...., an.
(vi) If a1 > b1 > 0, a2 > b2 > 0, ..., an > bn > 0, (xv) Geometric Mean  Harmonic Mean
then a1 a2 ... an > b1 b2 ... bn.
(vii) If 0 < a < 1 < b and r is any positive rational Suppose a1, a2,...., an are n positive real numbers.
number, then
Let G  (a1 a 2 ..........an )1/ n and
(a) 0 < ar < 1 < a- r, and
(b) 0 < b- r < 1 < br . 1 1 1 1 1 
    ........  
(viii) If 0 < a < b and if r is any positive rational H n  a1 a2 an  . Thus A  G  H .
number, then ar < br and a-r > b-r.

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[ 18 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES
(xvi) Weighted Means Illustration 36:
If a, b, c, d be four distinct positive quantities in
a1w1  a2 w 2  ...  an w n
A* = , G.P., then show that
w1  w 2  ...  w n
(a) a + d > b + c
1
1 1  1 1 1
G*  w1 w 2 w n w1 w 2 ... wn
(a1 a2 ...an ) (b)   2   .
cd ab  bd ac ad 
w1  w 2  ...  w n
and H*  Solution:
w1 w 2 w
  ...  n . A* G* H* Since a, b, c d are in G.P., therefore
a1 a 2 an
(a) using A.M. > G.M., we have for the first three
Illustration 34:
ac
a b c terms >b
If a, b, c > 0 prove that + +  3. 2
b c a
i.e. a + c > 2b ....(1)
Solution:
bd
Using the relation A.M.  G.M. we have >c i.e. b + d > 2\ ....(2)
2
a b c 1 From results (1) and (2), we have
   a b c  3 a b c
b c a    a + c + b + d > 2b + 2c i.e. a + d > b + c
 . .   b c a  3.
3 b c a which is the desired result.
(b) using G.M. > H.M., we have for the first three
Illustration 35:
2ac
a b terms b >
ab ac
Prove that    ab .ba ; a,b  N;a  b.
 2  i.e. ab + bc > 2ac ....(3)
Solution: 2bd
and for the last three terms c >
Let us consider b quantities each equal to a and a bd
quantities each equal to b. Then since A.M. > i.e. bc + cd > 2bd ....(4)
G.M. From results (3) and (4), we have
(a  a  a  ...b times)  (b  b  b  ...a times) ab + cd + 2bc > 2ac+ 2bd
ab i.e. ab + cd > 2(ac + bd - bc)
 [(a.a.a...b times) (b.b.b. ... a times)]1/(a+b) 1 1  1 1 1 
i.e.   2    [dividing both
ab  ab cd ab  bd ac ad 
  (ab ba )1/(a b)
ab
sides by abcd] which is the desired result.
2ab
  (ab ba )1/(a b) Illustration 37:
ab
2n
a  b 2ab  n  1
Now  (A.M. > H.M.) Show that n n  > (n !)3.
2 ab  2 
a b
ab
  2   ab .ba . Solution:
  Consider the unequal positive numbers 13, 23,
........n3.

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 19 ]
Since A.M. > G.M., therefore
1  1 1 1 
3 3 3
& S  a  S  b  S  c  >
1  2  ......  n 3  
> (13 . 23 ....n3)1/n,
n 1/ 3
 1 1 1 
S  a  S  b  S  c  ........(ii)
n(n  1)2  
i.e., > {(n !)3}1/n.
4 1
Raising both sides to power n, we hav e Multiple (i) & (ii) = 2
9
2n
 n  1  1 1 1 
n 
n  > (n !)3. (a + b + c)     > 1
 2  S  a S  b S  c 

Illustration 38: 2  S S S 
=     > 1
If a, b, c are positive real numbers such that 9 S  a S  b S  c 
a + b + c = 1, then find the minimum value of
1 1 1 S S S 9
  . or + + >
ab bc ac Sa Sb S c 2

Solution:
TH
1 1 1 abc 1 9. ARITHMETIC MEAN OF M POWER
   
ab bc ac abc abc Let a1, a2, ..., an be n positive real numbers and let
m be a real number, then
abc
Also,  (abc)1/3
3 a1m  am m m
2  ...  an   a1  a 2  ...  an  ,
 
1 n  n 
 abc 
27
if m  R  [0,1].
1 1 1 1
  27. Hence    27
abc ab bc ac However if m  (0, 1), then
Illustration 39:
m
a1m  am m
2  ...  an  a  a2  ...  an 
If S = a+b+ c then prove that  1 
n  n 
S S S 9
+ + > Obviously if m  {0,1}, then
Sa Sb S c 2

where a , b & c are distinct positive reals. m

a1m  am m
2  ...  an  a  a2  ...  an 
 1 
Solution: n  n 

(S  a)  S  b)  (S  c) Illustration 40:
3
1/ 3 Prove that a4+ b4 + c4  abc (a + b + c)
>  (S  a ) (S  b) (S  c)  ........(i)
[a, b, c > 0].

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[ 20 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES
Solution: DAILY PRACTICE PROBLEM-6
Using mth power inequality, we get 1. Prove that if a, b, c > 0 then

4 a2 (b + c) + b2 (c + a) + c2 (a + b) 6 abc.
a4  b4  c 4  a  b  c 
 
3  3  2. If x, y, z > 0 and x + y + z = 1, prove that

3 1
 a  b  c  a  b  c  (a) x2 + y2 + z2 
   3
 3  3 

1
abc  1/ 3 3 (b) x2yz 
  [(abc) ] ( A.M  G.M)
.M) 64
 3 
3. If x + y + z = 6 (x, y, z > 0).
4 4 4
a b c abc 
or   abc (a) Find the maximum value of xyz.
3  3 
(b) Find the maximum value of x2yz.
4 4 4
 a + b + c  abc (a + b + c).
4. If a > 0 prove that (a3 + a2 + a + 1)2 16a3.

5. For every natural number greater than one prove

n 1
2
that 2n – 1  n.2 .

6. Applying AM GM for four numbers three of which

a3 b 27
are equal, prove that  .
4 256
(a  b)

7. For every natural number n prove that

nn > 1.3.5 ....... (2n – 1).

8. For non-zero x, y, z prove that (x + y + z)

 1 1 1
     9.
x y z

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 21 ]
SOLVED OBJECTIVE EXAMPLES
Example 1: Solution:
If a, b, c are three unequal numbers such that a,
1 1 1
b, c are in A.P and b – a, c – b, a are in G.P., then As a, b, c are in H.P., , , are in A.P..
a : b : c is a b c

(a) 1 : 2 : 3 (b) 1 : 3 : 4 1 1 1 1 2 1 1
(c) 2 : 3 : 4 (d) 1 : 2 : 4  b  a  c  b or b  a  c . . . (i)

Solution: 1 1 1  1 1 1
By the hypothesis, b – a = c – b and (c – b)2   b  c  a    
 c a b 
= a(b – a)
(b – a)2 = a(b – a)  1 1 1 2  1 1 1 
          [using (i)]
 b c c b  c b c 
 b – a = a ( b  a)
 b = 2a and c = 3a  2 1  1  2 1
=       .
 a:b:c=1:2:3  c b b
  bc b2
Hence (a) is the correct answer.
 1 1 1  1 1 1 
Example 2: Again,       
 b c a  c a b 
If log 2, log (2x – 1) and log (2x + 3) are in
A.P., then x is equal to 1  1 1 2 2  2 2 1 1 
       
(a) 5/2 (b) log25 4  c a c a 
 c a c a 
(c) log32 (d) 3/2.
1 3 1 1 1 1 3 2 1
Solution:         2   2
4  c a  c a  4  c ac a 
As log2, log(2x – 1) and log (2x + 3) are in A.P.,
2 log(2x – 1) = log 2 + log (2x + 3)  1 1 1  1 1 1 
Lastly  b  c  a  c  a  b 
x 2
 (2 – 1) = 2 (2 + 3) x   

 22x – 4 × 2x – 5 = 0  (2x – 5)(2x + 1) = 0  1 2 1 1  1 1 1 

        
As 2x cannot be negative, we get  b b a a  b a a 
2x = 5 or x = log2 5.
Hence (b) is the correct answer. 3 2 1 3 2
=     2
Example 3: b ab b ab

If a, b, c are in H.P., then the v alue of Hence (a), (b) and (c) are the correct answers.
 1 1 1  1 1 1  Example 4:
 b  c  a  c  a  b  is
   If b1 , b2 and b3 (b1 > 0) are three successive terms
of a G.P. with common ratio r, the value(s) of r for
2 1 1 3 2 1  which the inequality b3 > 4b2 – 3b1 holds, is given
(a)  (b)  2    by
bc b2 4c ca a2 
(a) r > 3 (b) r < 1
3 2
(c)  (d) none of these.
b2 ab (c) r = 3.5 (d) r = 5.2

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[ 22 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES
Solution: Example 6:
We have If x1, x2, . . . , xn are n non-zero real numbers

b3 > 4b2 – 3b1  b1 r2 > 4b1 r – 3b1 such that

 r2 > 4r – 3 [ b1 > 0]  x12  x22  . . .  xn21 x22  x32  . . .  xn2 

 r2 – 4r + 3 > 0 2
  x1x 2  x 2 x3  . . .  xn1xn  ,
 (r – 3)(r – 1) > 0  r > 3 or r < 1
then x1, x2, . . . , xn are in
Since r = 3.5 and r = 5.2 are both greater than 3,
(a) A.P. (b) G.P.
so (c) and (d) are true.
(c) H.P. (d) none of these
Hence (a), (b), (c) and (d) are the correct answers.
Solution:
Example 5:
We shall make use of the result
If a, b, c are in G.P., and log a – log 2b, log 2b –
log 3c and log 3c – log a are in A.P., then a, b, c
are the lengths of the sides of a triangle which is
a12  a22  . . .  am2 b12  b22  . . .  bm2 
(a) acute-angled (b) obtuse-angled 2
  a1b1  a2b2  . . .  ambm 
(c) right-angled (d) equilateral.
2 2
Solution:   a1b2  a2b1    a1b3  a3b1   . . .
We have b2 = ac and 2 (log 2b – log 3c) = log 2
a – log 2b + log 3c – log a   am1bm  ambm1  0

 b2 = ac and 2b = 3c
Thus,  x12  x22  . . .  xn21 x22  x32  . . .  xn2 
2a 4a
 b= and c =
3 9 –  x1x 2  x2 x3  . . .  xn 1xn 2  0

5a 10a 2 2
Since a + b = > c, b + c = > a and c + a   x1x3  x2 x 2    x1x 4  x3 x3   . . .
3 9
13a 2
= > b, therefore a, b, c are the sides of a   xn2 xn1  xn1 , xn1   0
9
triangle. As a is the greatest side, the greatest As x1, x2, . . . , xn are real, this is possible if and
angle A is given by only if

b2  c 2  a2 29 x1x 3  x 22  x1x 4  x 32  . . .  xn2 xn1  xn21  0

cosA =  0
2bc 48
1 x
2 3 x x
n1 x
Hence,  ABC is an obtuse-angled triangle.  x  x  x . . .  x
2 3 4 n

Hence (b) is the correct answer.  x1, x2, . . ., xn are in G.P, so answer is (b).
Hence (b) is the correct answers.

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 23 ]
Example 7: Solution :
If the sum of n terms of an A.P. is cn (n – 1), where
1/ 3
c  0, then sum of the squares of these terms is x y z x y z
A.M.  G.M.      3   . . 
y z x y z x
2
(a) c2n2 (n + 1)2 (b) c 2 n (n – 1) (2n – 1)
3 x y z
  y  z  x 3 .
2c 2  
(c) n (n + 1) (2n + 1)
3 Hence (b) is the correct answer.
(d) none of these. Example 10:
The sum to n terms of the series
Solution :
If tr be the rth term of the A.P. , then 1 1 1
   ... is
t r = S r – Sr – 1 1.2.3.4 2.3.4.5 3.4.5.6
= cr (r – 1) – c(r – 1)(r – 2)
= c(r – 1) (r – r + 2) = 2c (r – 1) 1
(a) (n  1) (n  2) (n  3)
We have t12  t 22  . . .  t 2n
= 4c2 {02 + 12 + 22 + . . . + (n – 1)2} (n  1)(n  2)(n  3)
(b)
18
 n  1 n  2n  1  2
= 4c2 c2 n (n – 1) (2n – 1) 1 1
6 3 (c) 
Hence (b) is the correct answer. 18 3(n  1)
Example 8: 1 1
The set of all the values of x f or which (d) 18  3(n  1)(n  2)(n  3)
1 1 1
, , are in A.P. is given by Solution :
1 x 1 x 1 x
(a) (0, 1) (b) (1,  ) The rth term of the series is given by
(c) (0,  ) (d) none of these.
1 1 (r  3)  r 
Solution : tr    
r(r  1)(r  2)(r  3) 3  r(r  1)(r  2)(r  3) 
For x to be defined, we must have x  0 . Also
1 1 1 1 1 
for and to be defined, we must have    
1 x 1 x 3  r(r  1)(r  2) (r  1)(r  2)(r  3) 

x  1 . For x   0, 1  1,   , we have 1 1 1 

Sn    
2 1 1 3  1.2.3 (n  1)(n  2)(n  3) 
 
1 x 1 x 1 x Hence (d) is the correct answer.
Hence (d) is the correct answer. Example 11:
Example 9: The coefficient of x49 in the product
If x, y, z are three real numbers of the same sign,
(x  1) (x  3)...(x  99)
x y z
  lies in the interval.
  is
then the value of 50 terms
y z x
(a) [2, ) (b) [3, ) (a) – 992 (b) 1

(c) (3, ) (d) (,3) (c) –2500 (d) none of these

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[ 24 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES
Solution : Example 13:

The coefficient of x49 = –[1 + 3 + 5 + ... + 99] Angles A, B and C of a triangle ABC are in A.P. If
a, b and c are the corresponding sides, then
= –2500
(a) b2 + c2 – bc = a2 (b) a2 + c2 – ac = b2
Hence (c) is the correct answers.
(c) b2 + a2 – ab = c2 (d) none of these
Example 12:
Solution :
If a, b, c, d  R+ and a, b, c, d are in H.P., then
A + B + C = 180°
(a) a + d > b + c (b) a + b > c + d
 3B = 180°
(c) a + c > b + d (d) b + c > a + d

Solution :
 B = 60°

ac 1 a2  c 2  b2
b = H.M. of a and c < A.M. of a and c    cos60 
2 2 2ac

ac bd  a2 + c2 – ac = b2
 b . Similarly c  . Adding we get
2 2
Hence (b) is the correct answer.
b + c < a + d.

Hence (a) is the correct answer.

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 25 ]
SOLVED SUBJECTIVE EXAMPLES
Example 1:
If a1, a2, . . . , an are in A.P. and ai > 0 for all i, then
 
3 + 2 – 2 6 = k2 5  3  2 15 
show that
 2k2 15 – 2 6 = 8k2 – 5 = l (say),
1 1
 . . . l is some rational number
a1  a2 a2  a3
 60k4 + 24 – 8k2 90 = l2
1 n 1
 
an 1  an a1  an 60k 4  24  l 2
 10 
Solution : 24k 2
Since a1, a2, . . ., an are in A.P.,
Since k and l are rational numbers, 60k 4  24  l 2
a2 – a1 = a3 – a2 = . . . = an – an – 1 = d (say)
is a rational number, that is 10 is a rational
Now,
number. But this is a contradiction. Hence
1 1 1 2, 3 and 5 cannot be the terms of a single
 . . .
a1  a2 a2  a3 an  an1 A.P.
Example 3:
a2  a1 a3  a2 an  an1
=  . . . If Sn denotes the sum to n terms of a G.P. whose
a2  a1 a3  a2 an  an 1
first term and common ratio are a and r(r  1)
1 1 an  a1 1  n  1 d respectively, then prove that
= an  a1   
d   d an  a1 d an  a1
na ar(1  r n )
S1 + S 2 + S 3 + . . . + S n =  .
 n  1 1 r (1  r)2
= .
a1  an Solution :
Example 2:
Show that 2, 3, 5 cannot be the terms of a We have, Sk = a + ar + . . . + ar k–1
=

a 1  rk 
1 r
single A.P.
Solution :  S1 + S 2 + S 3 + . . . + S n
Assume that 2, 3, 5 are respectively the rth, na a
=  (r + r2 + . . . + rn)
sth and tth terms of an A.P., having a as the first 1 r 1 r
term and d as the common difference. Then

2  tr  a   r  1 d , 3  t s  a   s  1 d na

a r 1 r
n



na ar 1  r

n
 
= .
1 r 1 r 1 r 1 r 1  r 2
and 5  t t  a   t  1 d
Example 4:
3 2 sr
  k A sequence a1, a2, a3, . . ., an of real numbers is
5  3 ts such that a 1 = 0, |a 2 | = |a 1 + 1|, |a 3 |
[where k is some rational number] = |a2 + 1|, . . . , |an | = |an – 1 + 1|. Prove that the
arithmetic mean of a1, a2, ... , an cannot be less
 3 2 =k  5 3  than – 1/2.

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[ 26 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES
Solution: There are infinity of sets of values of m, n, t which
Let us add one more number, an + 1, to the given satisfy this relation. For example, take m = 1, then
sequence. The number an + 1 is such that |an + 1| 2t
= |an + 1|. Squaring all the numbers, we have  n  k  n  k,t  3k  2. By giving different
3
values to k we get integral values of n and t. Hence
a12  0 there are infinite number of G.P.’s whose terms
are 27, 8, 12 (may not be consecutive).
a22  a12  2a1  1
Example 6:
a23  a22  2a2  1 If the (m + 1)th, (n + 1)th and (r + 1)th terms of an
A.P. are in G.P. and m, n, r are in H.P., show that
the ratios of the common difference to the first term
a24  a32  2a3  1     in the A.P. is (–2/n).

an2  an21  2an 1  1 Solution:

Let a be the first term and d be the common
an21  an2  2an  1 difference of the A.P. Let x, y, z, be the (m + 1)th,
(n + 1)th and (r + 1)th terms of the A.P. Then x = a
Adding the above equalities, we get + md, y = a + nd, z = a + rd.
Since x, y, z are in G.P.  y2 = xz
a12  a22  . . .  an2  an21  a12  a22  . . .
i.e., (a + nd)2 = (a + rd) (a + md)
 an2  2  a1  a2 . . .  an   n d r  m  2n
 a 2
n  rm
 2  a1  a2  . . .  an   n  an21   n
2 1 1
Now m, n, r are in H.P.   
a1  a2  . . .  an 1 n m r
  .
n 2
2 mr
Example 5:  n  mr
Does there exist a G.P. containing 27, 8 and 12 as
three of its terms? If it exists, how many such r m   mr 
progressions are possible. 2  n 2  n
d  2  n   2
Hence   
Solution: a  rm   rm  n
nn   nn 
Let 8 be the mth, 12 be the nth and 27 be the tth  n   n 
terms of a G.P. whose first term is A and common
ratio is R. Example 7:
Then 8 = ARm-1, 12 = ARn – 1, 27 = ARt-1 Prove that the maximum value of a2 b3 c4 subject
to a + b + c = 18 is 426384.
8 m n Solution:
 12  R  2 / 3,
Keeping in view that a + b + c = 18
2 3
12 2 8 2 2 3 4
 Rn t    ,  Rm t    a b c 
27 3 27 3 a2b3c4 is max. when       is max.
2 3 4
 2m – 2n = n – t and 3m – 3n = m – t The sum of factors is
2m  t a b c
 2m + t = 3n and 2m + t = 3n  n 2.  3.  4. = a + b + c = 18
3 2 3 4

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 27 ]
hence product will be max. when all the factors are
equal ; 1
d 
a dr 3 4
a b c a  b  c 18 S = +  8= + 2
    2 1 r (1  r )2 (3 / 4) 3 / 42
2 3 4 234 9
 a = 4, b = 6, c = 8 4d 4d
 Max. value of a2 b3 c4 is 4263 84.  8=4+ 2  4=
3 32
Example 8:
 d = 32  d = 9
If a, b, c are in H.P. and n does not lie between 0
and 1, then show that an + cn > 2bn. Example 10:
Solution: If p is the first of n (n > 1) arithmetic means
between two unequal positive numbers and q the
n first of n harmonic means between the same two
a n  cn  a  c  numbers, show that q cannot lie between p and
  , if n does not lie between 0
2  2  [(n + 1) / (n – 1)]2p
and 1. Solution:
But we know that A.M. > G.M. > H.M. Let the two positive numbers be a and b. Let A1,
A2, ... , An be the n arithmetic means between a
ac and b. Thus a, A1, A2, ... An , b are in A.P. having (n
 the A.M. of a and c is > b i.e., the H.M. + 2) terms. Let d be the common difference of this
2 A.P. we have
of a and c because a, b, c are given to be in H.P.
ba
n b = a + (n + 1)d  d 
ac n n 1
   b
 2   p = A1 = a + d = a +
n ba na  b
a n  cn  a  c  n
 p ... (1)
   b n 1 n 1
2  2 
Let H1, H2, .... , Hn be the n harmonic means inserted
n
 a + c > 2b n n between a and b. Then 1/a, 1/H1 , 1/H2, ..., 1/Hn,
Example 9: 1/b are in A.P. Let d be the common difference of
this A.P. then
1 1
If 3 + (3 + d) + 2 (3 + 2d) + .... + upto  1 1 1
4 4    (n  2  1) d   (n  1)d 
b a a
= 8, then the value of d is
1 1 1 ab
Solution:
 d   b  a  n  1  (n  1) ab
 
1 1
3+ (3 + d) + 2 (3 + 2d) + .... +  = 8 We have
4 4
1 1 1 ab nb  a
  d   
1 q a a (n  1) ab (n  1) ab
a = 3, r =
4
(n  1) ab
Sum of AGP upto  q
nb  a

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[ 28 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES
We have to show that q cannot lie between p and
[(n + 1)/(n – 1)]2 p.
1
 (n  4) (n  3) (n  2) (n  1) n (n  1) .
6
2
 n 1  Example 12:
Since n + 1 > n –1,   pp
 n 1  Find the minimum non-negative values of a, b and
c, given that the equation
Next
x4 + ax3 + bx2 + cx + 1 = 0 has only real roots .
 2 2
p na  b nb  a n ab  ab  nb  na Solution:
 . 
q n  1 (n  1) ab (n  1) 2 ab
Let f(x) = x4 + ax3 + bx2 + cx + 1

p (n 2  1) ab  n(a 2  b 2 )  (n  1) 2 ab As a, b and c are non-negative, no root of the

 1 equation f(x) = 0 can be positive. Further as
q (n  1)2 ab
f(0)  0, all the roots of the equation, say x1, x2,
x3 and x4, are negative. We have
n(a 2  b2  2ab) n
 
2
(n  1) ab (n  1) 2 x1   a, x1x 2  b,
x1x 2 x3  c and x1x2 x3 x 4 1
2
 b a p
     1  0 Using A.M.  G.M. for positive numbers
 a b q
–x1, –x2, –x3 and –x4, we get
Since p, q are both positive, we get p > q. Also, as
p < [(n+1)/(n – 1)]2 p, it follows that q cannot lies a
between p and [(n + 1)/(n – 1)]2 p. 1  a  4
4
Example 11:
Using A.M.  G.M. for positive numbers
Find the sum: 1.2.3.4.5 + 2.3.4.5.6 + 3.4.5.6.7
+ ... + (n - 4) (n – 3) (n – 2) (n – 1). n x1 x2, x1 x3, x1 x4, x2 x3, x2x4 and x3x4, we get
Solution:
b
n4
1  b  6
6
The given sum =  r(r  1) (r  2) (r  3) (r  4)
r 1
Finally using A.M.  G.M. for positive numbers –
x1 x2 x3, – x1 x2 x4, – x1x3x4 and –x2x3x4, we get
 r(r  1) (r  2) (r  3) (r  4) (r  5)  
n4  (r  1) r(r  1) (r  2) (r  3) (r  4)  c
  1  c  4.
r 1  6  4
 
  Example 13:

1 n 4 If P is a point inside a triangle ABC, having side

  (Vr  Vr 1 ), where Vr
6 r 1 a b c
lengths a, b and c such that   is
= r(r + 1) (r + 2) (r + 3) (r + 4) (r + 5) p q r
minimum, where p, q and r are the lengths of the
1 perpendiculars drawn from P to the sides of the
 (Vn  4  V0 ) triangle, then find the position of P.
6

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 29 ]
Solution: Example 15:
Let  be the area of the triangle ABC, then Find the sum to n terms of the series
a b c 1 2 3
  is minimum if and only if    ...
p q r 1  1  1 1  2  2 1  3  34
2 4 2 4 2

Solution:
a b c
     is minimum i.e.,
p q r n r n r
 2 4
 2 2
1 a b c r 1 1 r  r r 1 (r  1  r)(r  1  r)
(ap  bq  cr)     is minimum.
2 p q r 1 n 1 1 
i.e.,   2  2 
2 r 1  r  1  r r  1  r 
1 2 2 2  p q   q r   r p 
 a  b  c  ab     bc     ca    1 1 1 
2  q p   r q   p r   t 1  2 1  3 
 
is minimum

1 1 1 1 
We know that x   2 for x > 0 (A.M.  G.M.) t2    
x 2 3 7 
1
and equality holds if and only if x  x 1 1 1 1 
x t3    
2  7 13 
p q --------------------------------
Hence   2 and equality holds if and only
q p
if p = q. 1 1 1 
tn   2  2
2  n  1  n n  n  1 
a b c
Therefore   will be minimum only when Adding we get,
p q r
p = q = r, i.e., P is the incentre of the triangle 1 1 
ABC. t1 + t2 + t3 + .... + tn  1
2  n  n  1
 2
Example 14:
Show that there is no A.P. which consists only of 1  n(n  1) 
  .
distinct prime numbers. 2  n2  n  1 
Solution:
Let p1, p2, .... pn, ..., be an arithmetic progression
consisting only of prime numbers.

Let d = p2 – p1 . Then d  1 and then (p1 + 1)th term

of this A.P. is given by
p1 + (p1 + 1 – 1)d = p1 (1 + d)
which is divisible by p1 . Therefore, the (p1 + 1)th
term of this A.P. is not a prime number, which is a
contradiction.

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[ 30 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES

EXERCISE-1
(FOR JEE MAIN)
(SINGLE CORRECT ANSWER TYPE)
DEFINITION OF A SEQUENCE, ARIT HMET IC 8. If p is positive, then the sum to infinity of the
PROGRESSION (A.P.), GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION
(G.P.) AND HARMONIC PROGRESSION (H.P.) 1 1 p (1  p) 2
series,  2
 -...... is:
1. If in an AP, t1 = log10 a, tn + 1 = log10 b and t2n + 1 = log10
1  p (1 p) (1  p) 3
c then a, b, c are in (A) 1/2 (B) 3/4
(A) AP (B) GP (C) 1 (D) none of these
(C) HP (D) none of these 9. If the first, second and last terms of an arithmetic
series are a, b and c respectively, then the number
2. The largest term common to the sequences 1, 11,
of terms is
21, 31,.........to 100 terms and 31, 36, 41, 46,....to
100 terms is
b  c  2a b  c  2a
(A) 381 (B) 471 (C) 281 (D) 521 (A) (B)
ba ba
3. The interior angles of a convex polygon are in AP,
the common difference being 5°. If the smallest b  c  2a b  c  2a
(C) (D)
angle is 1200 then the number of sides is ba ba

(A) 9 (B) 16 10. Three numbers whose sum is 15 are in A.P. If they
(C) 7 (D) none of these are added by 1, 4 and 19 respectively, they are in
GP. The numbers are
4. The minimum number of terms of 1 + 3 + 5 + 7
+ ... that add up to a number exceeding 1357 is (A) 2, 5, 8
(B) 26, 5, – 16
(A) 15 (B) 37 (C) 35 (D) 17
5. In any G.P. the first term is 2 and last term is 512 (C) 2, 5, 8 or 26, 5, – 16
and common ratio is 2, then 5th term from end is- (D) none of these

(A) 16 (B) 32 11. If a, b, c be in arithmetic progression, then the

value of (a + 2b – c)(2b + c – a) (a + 2b + c) is
(C) 64 (D) None of these
(A) 16abc (B) 4abc
6. Let {tn} be a sequence of positive integers in GP in
which t4 : t6 = 1 : 4 and t2 + t5 = 216. Then t1 is (C) 8abc (D) 3abc
(A) 12 (B) 14
12. If x  1  a  a2  ... and y  1  b  b2  ...,
(C) 16 (D) none of these
where a, b are proper f ract i ons, t hen
 5c   3b   a  1  ab  a2b2  ... is equal to
7. If log , log  and log  are in AP,,
 a   5c   3b 
xy xy
where a, b, c are in G.P., then a, b, c are the (A) (B)
lengths of sides of x  y 1 x  y 1
(A) an isosceles triangle
xy xy
(B) an equilateral triangle (C) (D)
x  y 1 x  y 1
(C) a scalene triangle
(D) none of these

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 31 ]
13. A student read common difference of an A.P. as SUM OF MISCELLANEOUS SERIES, INEQUALITIES
– 3 instead of 3 and obtained the sum of first 10 AND ARITHMETIC MEAN OF MTH POWER
terms as – 30. Then, the actual sum of first 10
18. Sum of the series 1+ 3+ 7 + 15 + 31+ .... to
terms is equal to n terms is-
(A) 240 (B) 120
(A) 2n – 2 – n (B) 2n+1+2 + n
(C) 300 (D) 180
(C) 2n+1–2–n (D) None of these
INSERTION OF MEANS BETWEEN TWO NUMBERS 19. The sum of n terms of the infinite series
AND ARITHMETICO-GEOMETRIC SERIES
1.32  2.52  3.72  ... 
14. The difference between two positive numbers is
48 and the difference between their arithmetic n
mean and their geometric mean is 18. Then, the (A) (n  1)(6n2  14n  7)
6
greater of two numbers is
n
(A) 96 (B) 60 (B) (n  1)(2n  1)(3n  1)
6
(C) 54 (D) 49
(C) 4n3  4n2  n
15. If H is harmonic mean between P and Q, then
(D) none of the above
H H
the value of  is 1
P Q 20. If the sum of first n natural numbers is times
78
PQ the sum of their cubes, then the value of n is
(A) 2 (B) (A) 11 (B) 12 (C) 13 (D)14
(P  Q)
21. The sum to the inf inity of the series
(P  Q) 2 6 10 14
(C) (D) none of these 1   2  3  4  ... is
PQ 3 3 3 3
16. If a, b, c are in G.P. and x, y are arithmetic mean (A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 2
1 1 22. The sum of first 20 terms of the sequence 0.7, 0.77,
of a, b and b, c respectively, then x  y is equal 0.777, ...., is :
to 7 7
(A) (99  1020 ) (B) (179  1020 )
9 81
2 3 b b
(A) (B) (C) (D)
b b 3 2 7 7
(C) (99  1020 ) (D) (179  10 20 )
9 81
17. If the AM of two positive numbers be A and GM
be G, then the numbers will be 23. Let a1 ,a 2 ,a 3 ,..... be terms of an AP. If
2 2
(A) A ± (A – G )
a1  a 2  ...  a p p2 a6
 , p  q, then
(B)
a 21 equals
2 2
A  A G 2
a1  a 2  ...  a q q
(C) A  (A  G)(A  G)
7 2 11 41
A  (A  G)(A  G) (A) (B) (C) (D)
(D) 2 7 41 11
2

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[ 32 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES
24. The value of 21/ 4.41/ 8.81/16...... is 31. The sum of f irst 9 terms of the
13 13  23 13  23  33
3 series.    ....
1 1 3 1 3  5
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) (D) 4
2
(A) 142 (B) 192 (C) 71 (D) 96
25. 5th term of a GP is 2, then the product of its 9
terms is 32. If m is the A.M. of two distinct real numbers l and n
(A) 256 (B) 512 (l, n > 1) and G1, G2 and G3 are three geometric
(C) 1024 (D) None of these means between l and n, then
26. Sum of the f irst n terms of the series
4 4 4
1 3 7 15  G1   2  G2    G3  equals
    ........ is equal to
2 4 8 16
(A) 4l2mn (B) 4lm2n
n –n
(A) 2 – n – 1 (B) 1 – 2
(C) 4lmn2 (D) 4l2m2n2
(C) n + 2–n – 1 (D) 2n + 1

27. Consider an infinite geometric series with first term 33. If the sum of the first ten terms of the series
‘a’ and common ratio r. If the sum is 4 and the
2 2 2 2
second term is 3/4, then :  3  2  1 2  4 16
 1 5    2 5    3 5   4   4 5   ......, is 5 m,
       
7 3 3
(A) a = ,r= (B) a = 2, r = then m is equal to:
4 7 8
(A) 101 (B) 100 (C) 99 (D) 102
3 1 1
(C) a = , r = (D) a = 3, r =
2 2 4 34. Given an A.P. whose terms are all positive integers.
the sum of its first nine terms is greater than 200
28. If the sum of the first 2n terms of the A. P. 2, 5, 8, and less than 220. If the second term in it is 12,
.............is equal to the sum of the first n terms of then its 4th term is:
the A.P. 57, 59, 61,..........., then n equals (A) 8 (B) 16 (C) 20 (D) 24
(A) 10 (B) 12 (C) 11 (D) 13
3 5 7
29. Let the positive numbers a, b, c, d be in A.P. Then 35. If the sum    ....  up to 20
12 12  22 12  22  32
abc, abd, acd and bcd are
k
terms is equal to , then k is equal to:
(A) Not in A.P./G.P./H.P. (B) in A.P. 21

(C) in G.P. (D) H.P. (A) 120 (B) 180 (C) 240 (D) 60

30.
9 1 8 2 7
If 10   2 11 10   3 11 10   .... 36. The sum of the 3rd and the 4th terms of a G.P. is 60
and the product of its first three terms is 1000. If
9 9
the first term of this G.P. is positive, then its 7th
 10 11  k 10  , then k is equal to term is:

121 441 (A) 7290 (B) 320 (C) 640 (D) 2430
(A) (B) (C) 100 (D) 110
10 100

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 33 ]
37. Let a1,a2 ,a3 ,.....,an ,.... be in A.P. If 1 1 1
43. Let , ,...,  xi  0 for i  1,2,...,n  be in
a3  a7  a11  a15  72 , then the sum of its first x1 x 2 xn
17 terms is equal to: A.P. such that x1 = 4 and x21 = 20. If n is the least
n
(A) 306 (B) 153 (C) 612 (D) 204  1
positive integer for which xn > 50, then   x  is
38. If the arithmetic mean of two numbers a and b, i 1  i 
a > b > 0, is five times their geometric mean, then equal to :
ab
is equal to:
ab 1 13 13
(A) (B) 3 (C) (D)
8 8 4
6 3 2
(A) (B)
2 4 1 1 1
44. Let , a and b be in G.P. and a , b , 6 be in A.P.,.,
16
7 3 5 6 where a, b > 0. Then 72(a + b) is equal to______.
(C) (D)
12 12
(A) 10 (B) 12 (C) 14 (D) 16
39. If three positive numbers a, b and c are in A.P.
45. The sum of n terms of an AP is 3n2 + 5n. The
such that abc = 8, then the minimum possible value
number of term which equals 164 is-
of b is :
1 2 (A) 13 (B) 21
(A) 2 (B) 4 3 (C) 43 (D) 4
(C) 27 (D) None of these
40. Let Sn  13  31  23  31  23  3 3  ..... 
1 1 2 1 2 3 46. If b is the first term of an infinite G.P. whose sum is
five, then b lies in the interval :
1  2  .....  n
. If 100 Sn  n , then n is equal to
1  23  ....  n3
3
(A)  – , – 10  (B) (–10, 0)
(A) 199 (B) 99 (C) 200 (D) 19
41. For any three positive real numbers a,b and c, (C) (0, 10) (D) 10, 
9(25a2  b2 )  25(c 2  3ac)  15b(3a  c). Then :
1 1 1
(A) a,b and c are in A.P 47. , ,...,
If x1, x 2 ,...., x n and are two A.P.’ss
h1 h2 hn
(B) a,b and c are in G.P such that x 3  h2  8 and x 8  h7  20, then
(C) b,c and a are in G.P. x5.h10 equals :
(D) b,c and a are in A.P.
(A) 2560 (B) 2650 (C) 3200 (D) 1600
42. The sum of the first 20 terms of the series
3 7 15 31 48. If a ,a , a ,.... are in A.P. and
1     ...., is : 1 2 3
2 4 8 16 a + a + a +.....+ a = 147
1 4 7 16
1 1 then a + a + a + a is equal to -
(A) 39  19 (B) 39  20 1 6 11 16
2 2
(A) 96 (B) 98
1 1 (C) 100 (D) None of these
(C) 38  20 (D) 38  19
2 2

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[ 34 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES
49. The product of three consecutive terms of a G.P. is 55. If 19th term of a non-zero A.P. is zero, then its (49th
512. If 4 is added to each of the first and the second term): (29th term) is:
of these terms, the three terms now form an A.P.
(A) 1 : 3 (B) 4 : 1 (C) 3 : 1 (D) 2 : 1
Then the sum of the original three terms of the
given G.P. is : 56. The sum of all two digit positive numbers which
when divided by 7 yield 2 or 5 as remainder is
(A) 28 (B) 36 (C) 24 (D) 32
(A) 1465 (B) 1356 (C) 1256 (D) 1365
1  2  3  .....  k
50. Let SK  .If
k 57. Let 3, a, b, c be in A.P. and 3, a – 1, b + l, c + 9 be
5 in G.P. Then, the arithmetic mean of a, b and c is
S12  S22  .....  S10
2
 A, then A is equal to :
12 (A) -4 (B) -1 (C) 13 (D) 11
(A) 301 (B) 303 (C) 156 (D) 283
58. Five numbers are in A.P., whose sum is 25 and
51. If a, b and c be three distinct real numbers in 1
G.P. and a  b  c  xb, then x cannot be : product is 2520. If one these five numbers is  ,
2
then the greatest number amongst them is :
(A) 4 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) 2

30
(A) 27 (B) 21/2
52. Let a1,a2 ,........,a30 be an A.P., S   a and
iI
i
(C) 16 (D) 7
15
T   a(2i1) . If a5  27 and S  2T  75, 59. If the sum of the first 40 terms of the series, 3 + 4
iI + 8 + 9 + 13 + 14 + 18 + 19 + … is (102)m, then m
is equal to :
Then a10 is equal to :
(A) 10 (B) 25 (C) 5 (D) 20
(A) 47 (B) 57 (C) 52 (D) 42
60. Let a1, a2 , a3 ,... be a G. P. such t hat
a a9
53. Let a1,a2 ,...,a10 be a G.P. If 3  25 , then 9
a1 a5 a1  0, a1  a2  4 and a3  a4  16. If a i  4
i 1
equals:
then  is equal to :
2 2
(A) 2  5  (B) 4  5 
511
(A) (B) 171
3
(C) 5 3 (D) 5 4

(C)  513 (D) 171

54. The sum of an infinite geometric series with positive
terms is 3 and the sum of the cubes of its terms is
61. Let f : R  R be such that f or al l x  R
27 (21 x  21x ),f(x) and (3x  3 x ) are in A.P., then the
. Then the common ratio of this series is
19 minimum value of f(x) is:

(A) 1/3 (B) 2/9 (C) 2/3 (D) 4/9 (A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 0 (D) 4

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 35 ]
1 (NUMERICAL TYPE QUESTIONS)
62. If the 10th term of an A.P. is and its 20th term is
20 20

1 66. The sum  (1  2  3  ...  k) is

, then the sum of its first 200 terms is : k 1
10
7
n(n 1)(2n 1)
(A) 100
1
(B) 100 (C) 50
1
(D) 50
67. The sum, n1 4
is equal to
2 4

1 1 1 1 68. The number of terms common to the two A.P.’s 3,

63. The product 2 4 ·416 ·8 48 ·16128 ·. to  is equal to
7, 11, ….., 407 and 2, 9, 16, …., 709 is
1 1
(A) 24 (B) 22 (C) 1 (D) 2

 

64. If x   ( 1)n tan2n  , y   cos2n , f or

n 0 n 0


0 , then
4

(A) x(1 + y) = 1 (B) y(1 – x) = 1

(C) y(1 + x) = 1 (D) x(1 – y) = 1

65. Let an be the nth term of a G.P. of positive terms. If

100 100 200

a
n 1
2n 1  200 and a
n1
2n  100, then  an is equal
n1

to:

(A) 225 (B) 150 (C) 300 (D) 175

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[ 36 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES
EXERCISE-2
(FOR JEE ADVANCED)
(SINGLE CORRECT ANSWER TYPE)
1. A man saves Rs 200 in each of the first three months 1 1 1
6. If , , are in A.P. then-
of his service. In each of the subsequent months pq rp qr
his saving increases by Rs 40 more than the saving (A) p2, q2, r2 are in A.P.
of the immediately previous month. His total saving
(B) q2, p2, r2 are in A.P.
from the start of service will be Rs. 11040 after
(C) q2, r2, p2 are in A.P.
(A) 19 months (B) 20 months
(D) p, q, r are in A.P.
(C) 21 months (D) 18 months
7. If a, x, b are in AP, a, y, b are in GP and a, z, b are
in HP such that x = 9z and a > 0, b > 0 then
2. Let a n be the nth term of an AP. If
(A) y = 3z (B) x = 3 | y |
100 100

a
r 1
2r   and a
r 1
2r 1  , then the common (C) 2y = x + z (D) none of these
8. a, b, c, d, e are five numbers in which the first three
difference of the AP is
are in AP and the last three are in HP. If the three
numbers in the middle are in GP, then the numbers
   
(A) (B)    (C) (D)    in the odd places are in
200 100
(A) AP (B) GP
3. The harmonic mean of the roots of the equation
(C) HP (D) none of these
d i d i
5  2 x 2  4  5 x  8  2 5  0 is INSERTION OF MEANS BETWEEN TWO NUMBERS
AND ARITHMETICO-GEOMETRIC SERIES
(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 8
9. The AM of two given positive numbers is 2. If the
4. Let a1, a2,..., a10, be in A.P. and h1, h2, ..., h10 be in larger number is increased by 1, the GM of the
H.P. If a1 = h1 = 2 and a10 = h10 = 3, then a4 h7 is : numbers becomes equal to the AM of the given
numbers. Then the HM of the given numbers is
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 5 (D) 6
3 2
5. Suppose a, b, c are in A.P. and a2, b2, c2 are in (A) (B)
2 3
3
G.P. If a < b < c and a + b + c = , then the value 1
2 (C) (D) none of these
of a is 2
10. The value of x + y + z is 15 if a, x, y, z, b are in A.P.
1 1 1 1 1 5
(A) (B) while the value of   is if a, X, Y, Z, b
2 2 2 3 X Y Z 3
are in H.P., then a and b are-

1 1 1 1 (A) 1, 9 (B) 3, 7
(C)  (D)  (C) 7, 3 (D) None of these
2 3 2 2

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 37 ]
15 15. If a, b, c are in A.P., then 2ax 1 , 2 bx 1 , 2 cx 1 , x  0
11. Let t r  r.(r!) . Then  tr is equal to are in
r 1
(A) A.P.
(A) 15 ! - 1 (B) 15 ! + 1
(C) 16 ! - 1 (D) none of these (B) G.P., if x > 0
(C) G.P., if x < 0
12. Let bi  1 f or i = 1, 2, ..., 101. Suppose
loge b1,loge b2 ,...,loge b101 are in Arithmetic (D) G.P. for all x  0
Progression (A.P.) with the common difference 16. Four numbers are such that the first three are in
loge 2. Suppose a1, a2,...,a101 are in A.P. such that A.P., while the last three in G.P. If the first number
a1  b1 and a51  b51 . If t  b1  b2  ...  b51 and 1
is 6 and common ratio of G.P. is then the
s  a1  a2  ...  a51 , then 2

(A) sum of first and last number is 7

(A) s  t and a101  b101
(B) numbers are 6,8,4,2
(B) s  t and a101  b101
(C) numbers are 6,10,14,7
(C) s  t and a101  b101 (D) numbers are 6,4,2,1
(D) s  t and a101  b101 17. The three sides of a right - angled triangle are in
G.P. The tangents of the two acute angles may be
13. If the 2nd, 5th and 9th terms of a non-constant A.P.
are in G.P., then the common ratio of this G.P. is :
(A)
5 1
and
5 1
(B)  5 1 
4 7 8 2 2
(A) (B) 1 (C) (D) 2
3 4 5

(C) 5 and
1
(D)
 5 1
(MULTIPLE CORRECT ANSWER(S) TYPE) 5 2

DEFINITION OF A SEQUENCE, ARITHMETIC PRO- INSERTION OF MEANS BETWEEN TWO NUMBERS

GRESSION (A.P.), GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION (G.P.) AND ARITHMETICO-GEOMETRIC SERIES
AND HARMONIC PROGRESSION (H.P.) 18. Let the harmonic mean and the geometric mean of
14. If a, b, c are in H.P., then: two positive numbers be in the ratio 4 : 5 . Then the
a b c two numbers can be in the ratio
(A) , , are in H.P..
bca ca  b a  bc (A) 1 : 4 (B) 4 : 1 (C) 3 : 4 (D) 4 : 3

2 1 1 19. If x, y and z are respectively arithmetic, geometric

(B) = + and harmonic means of two distinct positive
b ba bc
numbers, then
b b b
(C) a  , ,c are in G.P
.P (A) x  y  z
2 2 2
a b c (B) y  z  x
. (D) , , are in H.P..
bc ca a b (C) z  y  x

(D) x  y  z if the numbers are equal

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[ 38 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES
SUM OF MISCELLANEOUS SERIES, INEQUALITIES n
AND ARITHMETIC MEAN OF MTH POWER 24. The value of G
r 1
r is
20. If the arithmetic mean of two positive numbers a
& b (a > b) is twice their geometric mean, then (A) 512 (B) 2046
a: b is:
(C) 1022 (D) none of these
(A) 2 + 3 : 2  3 (B) 7 + 4 3 : 1
25. The number of arithmetic means is

(C) 1: 7  4 3 (D) 2: 3 (A) 343 (B) 342

21. The arithmetic mean of two numbers exceed the (C) 341 (D) none of these
geometric mean by 3/2 and the geometric mean
exceeds the harmonic mean by 6/5; then the 26. The numbers 2A171 , G 52  1, 2A172 are in
numbers will be as
(A) A.P. (B) G.P.
(A) 3, 12 (B) 5, 11
(C) H.P. (D) none of these
(C) 12, 3 (D) 3,7
22. The sum of the numerical
series SUM OF MISCELLANEOUS SERIES, INEQUALITIES
1 1 1 AND ARITHMETIC MEAN OF MTH POWER
   .... upto n terms,
3 7 7  11 11  15
Passage-II
is
The numbers, 1,3,6,10,15,21,28,..... are called
3  4n  3 n triangular numbers. Let t n denotes the nth
(A) (B)
4 3  4n  3 triangular number then it can be observed that
t 1  1, t 2  3, t n  t n 1  n . Answer the following
(C) less than n (D) greater than n /2
questions:
k (k 1)
4n 2 2 27. t100 must be equal to
23. Let Sn   ( 1) k . Then Sn can take
k 1
(A) 5050 (B) 5151
value(s)
(C) 5252 (D) None of these
(A) 1056 (B) 1088
(C) 1120 (D) 1332 28. If m is the nth triangular number then

1  8m  1
(COMPREHENSION TYPE) (A) n 
2
INSERTION OF MEANS BETWEEN TWO NUMBERS
AND ARITHMETICO-GEOMETRIC SERIES
1  8m  1
Passage- I (B) n 
2
Let A1 , A 2 , A 3 ,.....A m be the arithmetic means
between -2 and 1027 and G1 ,G 2 , G 3 ,....G n be the 1  4m  1
(C) n 
geometric means between 1 and 1024. The prod- 2
uct of geometric means is 245 and sum of arith-
metic means is 1025  171 . (D) None of these

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 39 ]
(MATRIX MATCH TYPE)
DEFINITION OF A SEQUENCE, ARITHMETIC PROGRESSION (A.P.), GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION (G.P.) AND
HARMONIC PROGRESSION (H.P.)
29. Column - I Column -II
(A) If a, b, c are in G. P., then loga 10, logb 10,logc 10 are in (p) A. P.

a  be x b  ce x c  de x
(B) If   , then a, b, c, d are in (q) H. P.
a  be x b  ce x c  de x
(C) If a, b, c are in A. P.; a, x, b are in G.P. and b, y, c are in G. P., (r) G.P.
2 2 2
then x , b , y are in

(D) If x, y, z are in G.P., ax  by  c z , then log a, log b, log c are in (s) A.G.P.

(FILL IN THE BLANKS)

30. The sum of integers from 1 to 100 that are divisible by 2 or 5 is.................
31. The sum of the first n terms of the series 12 + 2.22 + 32 + 2.42 + 52 + 2.62 + ..........is n (n + 1)2/2, when n is
even. When n is odd, the sum is...........
32. Let the harmonic mean and geometric mean of two positive numbers be in the ratio 4 : 5. Then the two
number are in the ratio............
33. For any odd integer n  1 , n3 - (n – 1)3 + ...+ (–1)n-1 13 = ......

34. If G1 and G2 are two geometric means and A is the arithmetic mean inserted between two positive numbers

G12 G22
then the value of + is……………..
G2 G1

35. Let x be the arithmetic mean and y, z be the two geometric means between any two positive numbers. Then
y3  z3
= ...
xyz

(INTEGER TYPE)
b
36. Let a, b, c be positive integers such that is an integer. If a, b, c are in geometric progression and the
a

a2  a  14
arithmetic mean of a, b, c is b + 2, then the value of is
a 1
37. Suppose that all the terms of an arithmetic progression (A.P.) are natural numbers. If the ratio of the sum of the
first seven terms to the sum of the first eleven terms is 6 : 11 and the seventh term lies in between 130 and 140,
then the common difference of this A.P. is
38. The sides of a right angled triangled are in arithmetic progression. If the triangle has area 24, then what is the
length of its smallest side?

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[ 40 ] SEQUENCES & SERIES

ANSWERS KEY
DAILY PRACTICE PROBLEM-3
DAILY PRACTICE PROBLEM-1 ab mn
1. 1002001 1. 10 2. 3.
b  (n  1)(a  b) r
2. (b) 1
5. (b) 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13. 1 1 2ab
7. 1/8 8. + 9.
a b a  b2
2
6. (a) 100th (b) 28 (c) 54
7. (a) 0 (b) 17 1 6 6 3
11. 13. 2, 6 14. , 1, , ,...
8. (a) 133 (b) 75º, 85º, 95º, 105º 11 5 7 4
9. (a) 0 DAILY PRACTICE PROBLEM-4
10. (a) 19 (b) 70821 (c) 296450 1. 11, 14, 17, 20 & 23 2. 1 3. 9 & 27
148 1
12. 5. n 6. (a) y (b) 17/72, 5/36
111 2
13. (a) 420 (b) 4, 9, 14 or 14, 9, 4 7. (a) n 8. (a) 16 (b) 1
9. (a) 12 (b) n = 11 10. (a) 2/7 (b) 6, 3
DAILY PRACTICE PROBLEM-2 DAILY PRACTICE PROBLEM-5
1. 3072
n n
2. (a) 13th, (b) 12th, (c) 9th 1. (a) n  1n  2  (b)
3 n 1
5 2 2 5 5 2 2
3. r or ; Terms are ,1, or ,1, n  n  1 n  2 
2 5 5 2 2 5 (c)
12
3 111
4. (a) 22 + (3 – 1) (b) 2059 n
2 2. (a)
6

n  1 2n  1  2 2n  1 
5. (a) 5th (b) 9 (c) 45
n
(b)  2n  1 2n  1
6. (a) x = ± 2 3
7. (a) 3 (b) 7/15 n 2
8. (a) 3/2, 1/2 (b) 5 (c) 5, 25, 125
3. (a) 1680 (b)
3

n  3n  5 
9. (a) 3, – 6, 12, –24 (b) 2, 6, 18, 54, 162, 486.
9 8 1   2n  1 
5. (a) (b) 4   1   
43 2  4 9 4   3  4n 1 ) 
n 1

10. (b)  
 2 
 1 3x(1  xn 1) (3n  2)x n  1

6. (a) 1  x   
11. (a) 2 (b) 4, 6, 9  (1  x)2 (1  x)  (b) 4
7 7. (a) 2 10. (b) 3
12. [10n + 1 – 9n – 10]
81
ab
13. 98/3 8. (a) (–, –2)  (2, ) (b)
c

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SEQUENCES & SERIES [ 41 ]
9. (1+x)/(1–x)3
EXERCISE-2
1
10. (a) 2/9 (b) [3(2n – 1) – 2n] (FOR JEE ADVANCED)
2n
11. 3n (n + 1) (n + 3) (SINGLE CORRECT ANSWER TYPE)
1. (C) 2. (C) 3. (B) 4. (D)
DAILY PRACTICE PROBLEM-6 5. (D) 6. (A) 7. (B) 8. (B)
81
3. (a) 8 (b) 9. (A) 10. (A) 11. (C) 12. (B)
4
13. (A)

EXERCISE-1 (MULTIPLE CORRECT ANSWER(S) TYPE)

(FOR JEE MAIN) 14. (A,B,C,D) 15. (B,C,D) 16. (A,D)
(SINGLE CORRECT ANSWER TYPE)
17. (B,D) 18. (A,B)
1. (B) 2. (D) 3. (A) 4. (B)
19. (C,D) 20. (A,B,C) 21. (A,C)
5. (B) 6. (A) 7. (D) 8. (A)
9. (A) 10. (C) 11. (A) 12. (A) 22. (A,B,C) 23. (A,D)
13. (A) 14. (D) 15. (A) 16. (A)
(COMPREHENSION TYPE)
17. (C) 18. (C) 19. (A) 20. (B)
24. (C) 25. (B) 26. (A)
21. (A) 22. (B) 23. (C) 24. (B)
25. (B) 26. (C) 27. (D) 28. (C) 27. (A) 28. (B)
29. (D) 30. (C) 31. (D) 32. (B) (MATRIX MATCH TYPE)
33. (A) 34. (C) 35. (A) 36. (B)
29. (A)  (q); (B)  (r); (C)  (p); (D)  (r)
37. (A) 38. (D) 39. (A) 40. (A)
41. (D) 42. (D) 43. (D) 44. (C) (FILL IN THE BLANKS)
45. (C) 46. (C) 47. (A) 48. (B)
 n  1
49. (A) 50. (B) 51. (D) 52. (C) 30. 3050 31. n2  
 2 
53. (D) 54. (C) 55. (C) 56. (B)
57. (D) 58. (C) 59. (D) 60. (B) 1
32. 4: 1 or 1 : 4 33. ( 2 n  1) ( n  1) 2
61. (B) 62. (A) 63. (B) 64. (B) 4
65. (B)
34. 2A 35. 2
(NUMERICAL TYPE QUESTIONS)
66. (1540.00) 67. (504.00) 68. (14) (INTEGER TYPE)
36. (4) 37. (9) 38. (6)

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