Sequences and Series

Sequences

• An arrangement of numbers in a definite order following some rule is known as

a sequence. We also define a sequence as a function whose domain is the set of
natural numbers or some subset of the type {1, 2,…, k}.

• For example: 6, 12, 18, 24…; n, n + 1, n + 2, n + 3, n + 4, n + 5; etc.

• In general, a sequence is denoted by {an} or < an> which represents the

sequence a1, a2, a3,… an.

• The numbers a1, a2, a3 … and an occurring in a sequence are called its terms, where
the subscript denotes the position of the term.
• The nth term or the general term of a sequence is denoted by an.

• There are two types of sequences: finite and infinite.

• A sequence containing finite number of terms is called a finite sequence. For example:
5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 is a finite sequence.

• A sequence containing infinite number of terms is called an infinite sequence. For

example: sequence of prime numbers, sequence of natural numbers etc. are infinite
sequences.

Note: Sometimes, a sequence is denoted by {Tn} or < Tn> which represents the
sequence T1, T2, T3,… Tn.

Sum of first n terms of a sequence:

Let {an} be the sequence such as {an} = a1, a2, a3,… an. Also, let Sn be the sum of its
first n terms.

Then we have

Sn = a1 + a2 + a3 +…+ an

It can be be observed that:

S1 = a1

S2 = a1 + a 2
 S3 = a1 + a 2 + a 3

. . . .

. . . .

. . . .

Sn = a1 + a2 + a3 +…+ an

From the above equations, we obtain

S1 = a1

S2 – S1= a2

S3 – S2= a3

. . .

. . .

. . .

Sn – Sn – 1= an

⇒ a n = Sn – Sn – 1

So, if Sn is known then any term of the sequence can be obtained.

Fibonacci sequence:

If a sequence is generated by a recurrence relation, each number being the sum of the
previous two numbers, then it is called a Fibonacci sequence. For example: a1 = a2 =
1, a3 = a1 + a2, an = an−2 + an−1, n > 2.

Let's now try and solve the following puzzle to check whether we have understood the
concept of Fibonacci sequence.

Series

• If a1, a2, a3… an is a given sequence, then the expression a1 + a2 + a3 + …+ an is

called the series associated with the sequence.
 For example:

The series associated with the sequence 18, 36, 54, 72, 90 … is 18 + 36 + 54 + 72 + 90
+…
The series associated with the sequence 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 is 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10 + 12

• In a compact form, the series associated with the sequence a1, a2, a3, …, an can be

written in sigma notation as , where sigma ( ∑ ) denotes the sum.

• Note that series a1 + a2 + a3 + …+ an does not refer to the actual sum of the
numbers a1, a2, … , an. Infact, it just refers to the indicated sum, and it shows that a1 is
the first term, a2 is the second term, …, an is the nth term of the series.

• The series is finite or infinite depending on the given sequence.

For example: The series associated with the sequence of numbers that are multiples of
4 is an infinite series, whereas the series associated with the sequence of numbers that
are odd and less than 100 is a finite series.

Solved Examples

Example 1:

The nth term of a sequence is given by an = . Find the ratio of the

6th term of the sequence to its 4th term.

Solution:

The nth term of a sequence is given by an = .

Therefore,

Thus, the ratio of the 6th term of the sequence to its 4th term is given by
Hence, the required ratio is 129:17.

Example 2:

Write the first five terms of the sequence whose nth term is given by .

Solution:

It is given that the nth term of the sequence is given by .

Hence, an = .

On putting n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 successively in an, we obtain

a1 =

a2 =

a3 =

a4 =

a5 =

Thus, the required first five terms of the sequence are .

Example 3:

Write the first six terms of the series associated with the following sequence:

a1 = 5 a2 = −3, an = an−1 + an−2, n > 2.

Solution:

The sequence is given by

a1 = 5 a2 = −3

an = an−1 + an−2, n > 2

On putting n = 3, 4, 5, 6, we obtain

a3 = a2 + a1 = −3 + 5 = 2

a4 = a3 + a2 = 2 + (−3) = 2 − 3 = −1

a5 = a4 + a3 = (−1) + 2 = 1

a6 = a5 + a4 = 1 + (−1) = 0

Thus, the first six terms of the given sequence are 5, −3, 2, −1, 1, 0.

Thus, the first six terms of the series associated with the given sequence is 5 + (−3) + 2
+ (−1) + 1 + 0.

Example 4:

The nth term of a sequence is given by . Then show that

Answer:

Put n = 5, 10 and15 successively in Tn to obtain T5, T10 and T15 respectively.

Example 5:
The nth term of a sequence is given by . If , then prove that n =7.

Answer:

Therefore, n = 7

nth Term Of An Arithmetic Progression

We know what an arithmetic progression (A.P.) is. Also, we have learnt that there is a
common difference between any two consecutive terms of an A.P..

Now, can we find the required term of a given A.P. with this information?

Let us consider the A.P. 3, 7, 11, 15,...

Here, first term (a) = 3 and common difference (d) = 4

Now, if we want to find the 5th term of this A.P., then we will simply add the common
difference to 4th term. Thus, 5th term of this A.P. will be 15 + 4 = 19.

What would we do if we are asked to find the 20th term or 100th term or nth term?

Obviously, the process of adding common difference will be very time consuming.

For such problems, we must have a short cut or a formula to find the general term of an
A.P.

Let us derive the same.

Consider the A.P. a, a + d, a + 2d, a + 3d, ...

For this A.P., we have

a1 = a
 a2 – a1 = d

a3 – a2 = d

. . .

. . .

. . .

an – 1 – an – 2 = d

an – an – 1 = d

Adding all these equations, we get

a1 + (a2 – a1) + (a3 – a2) +...+ (an – 1 – an – 2) + (an – an – 1) = a + {d + d +... + d (n – 1

times)}

⇒ (a1 – a1) + (a2 – a2) + (a3 – a3) +...+ (an – 1 – an – 1) + an = a + (n – 1)d

⇒ an = a + (n – 1)d

Hence, the general term or nth term i.e., an of an A.P. whose first term is a and common
difference is d can be found by the following formula:

an = a + (n – 1)d

Sometimes, we need to find three, four or five consecutive terms of an A.P. then it is
convenient to take them as follows:

• Three consecutive terms can be taken as a – d, a, a + d

• Four consecutive terms can be taken as a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d. Here, common

difference is 2d.

• Five consecutive terms can be taken as a – 2d, a – d, a, a + d, a + 2d

Result:

In an A.P., common difference, , where Tp and Tq are pth and qth term
respectively.
In particular, .

Proof:

Tp = a + (p – 1)d, Tq = a + (q – 1)d

⇒ Tp – Tq = a + (p – 1)d – {a + (q – 1)d} = (p – q)d

In particular, take T1 = a.

Then,

Now, let us solve some examples to understand the concept better.

Example 1:

Find the 20th term of the following arithmetic progression.

0.4, 1.5, 2.6, 3.7, 4.8 …

Solution:

Here, a = 0.4 and d = 1.5 – 0.4 = 1.1

Thus, the 20th term is given by,

a20 = a + (20 – 1) d

= 0.4 + (20 – 1) 1.1

= 0.4 + 19 × 1.1

= 0.4 + 20.9

= 21.3

Thus, the 20th term of the given A.P. is 21.3.

Example 2:
If the 7th term of an A.P. is – 21 and 15th term is – 53, then find the first term and
common difference.

Solution:

Let the first term and common difference of the A.P. be a and d respectively.

It is given that a7 = –21 and a15 = –53

Using the formula for nth term, we obtain

a7 = a + (7 – 1) d

– 21 = a + 6d … (1)

and, a15 = a + (15 – 1) d

– 53 = a + 14d … (2)

Subtracting equation (1) from (2), we obtain

–32 = 8d

⇒ d = –4

Substituting the value of d in equation (1), we obtain

–21 = a + 6 (–4)

–21 = a – 24

⇒a=3

Thus, the first term is 3 and the common difference is –4.

Example 3:

Is 102 a term of the A.P., 5, 11, 17, 23 …?

Solution:

Let 102 be the nth term of the given sequence.

∴ an = 102
Using the formula for nth term, we obtain

an= a + (n – 1) d

∴ 102 = a + (n – 1) d

For the given A.P., a = 5 and d = 11 – 5 = 6

∴ 102 = 5 + (n – 1) 6

102 – 5 = (n – 1) 6

97 = (n – 1) 6

However, n should be a positive integer. Therefore, 102 is not a term of the given A.P.

Example 4:

Find the number of three-digit numbers that are divisible by 5.

Solution:

The first three-digit number which is divisible by 5 is 100, second is 105, third is 110,
and so on. The last three-digit number which is divisible by 5 is 995.

Thus, we obtain the following A.P.

100, 105 … 995

Here, we have to find the number of terms, n.

∴Last term of A.P. = 995

The number of terms in the A.P. is n, so the last term is the nth term.
a + (n – 1)d = 995

Here, a = 100 and d = 5

100 + (n – 1)5 = 995

(n – 1)5 = 995 – 100

5n – 5 = 895

5n = 895 + 5

5n = 900

n = 180

Thus, there are 180 three-digit numbers, which are divisible by 5.

Example 5:

The fare of a bus is Rs 10 for the first kilometre and Rs 5 for each additional
kilometre. Find the fair after 12 kilometres.

Solution:

The fare after each kilometre forms an A.P. as follows.

Fare after one kilometre = Rs 10

Fare after two kilometres = 10 + 5 = Rs 15

Fare after three kilometres = 15 + 5 = Rs 20

Now the arithmetic progression is 10, 15, 20 …

Here, first term, a = 10 and common difference, d = 5

Now the fare after 12 kilometres is the 12th term of the A.P.

∴ a12 = a + (12 – 1) d
a12 = 10 + 11 × 5

= 10 + 55

= 65

Thus, the fare after 12 kilometres is Rs 65.

Example 6:

Mohit borrowed a sum of money at a simple interest rate of 2% per annum. He

has to pay an amount of Rs 1120 after 6 years. How much money did he borrow?

Solution:

Let the amount of money Mohit borrowed be Rs x. We know that the amount
after T years is

Where, P and R denotes the principal and rate respectively

The amount after every year forms an A.P.

Amount after first year

Amount after second year

Thus, the A.P. is as follows.

Here, the first term is and common difference is .

Now, it is given that the amount after 6 years is Rs 1120 i.e., 6th term of the A.P. is
1120.

Now using the formula, an = a + (n – 1)d, we obtain

1120 × 100 = 112x

x = 1000

Thus, Mohit borrowed Rs 1000.

Example 7:

Find four consecutive terms of an A.P. such that the difference of the middle
terms is 8 and the product of the extreme terms is 217.

Solution:

Let four consecutive terms of required A.P. be a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d.

According to the question, we have

a + d – (a – d) = 8

⇒a+d–a+d=8

⇒ 2d = 8

⇒d=4
Also,

(a – 3d)(a + 3d) = 217

⇒ a2 – (3d)2 = 217

⇒ a2 – 9d2 = 217

⇒ a2 – 9(42) = 217

⇒ a2 – 144 = 217

⇒ a2 = 361

⇒ a = ±19

When d = 4 and a = 19, then four consecutive terms are:

19 – 3(4), (19 – 4), (19 + 4), 19 + 3(4)

i.e., 7, 15, 23, 31

When d = 4 and a = –19, then four consecutive terms are:

–19 – 3(4), (–19 – 4), (–19 + 4), –19 + 3(4)

i.e., –31, –23, –15, –7

Example 8:

Find five consecutive terms of an A.P. such that the product of the extreme terms
is –63 and product of second and fourth terms is –15.

Solution:

Let five consecutive terms of required A.P. be a – 2d, a – d, a ,a + d, a + 2d.

According to the question, we have

(a – 2d)(a + 2d) = –63

⇒ a2 – (2d)2 = –63

⇒ a2 – 4d2 = –63 ...(1)

Also,

(a – d)(a + d) = –15

⇒ a2 – d2 = –15 ...(2)

On subtracting (1) from (2), we get

3d2 = 48

⇒ d2 = 16

⇒ d = ±4

On substituting d2 = 16 in (2), we get

a2 – 16 = –15

⇒ a2 = 1

⇒ a = ±1

When a = 1 and d = 4, A.P. will be –7, –3, 1, 5, 9

When a = 1 and d = –4, A.P. will be 9, 5, 1, –3, –7

When a = –1 and d = 4, A.P. will be –9, –5, –1, 3, 7

When a = –1 and d = –4, A.P. will be 7, 3, –1, –5, –9

Example 9:

If the 25th and 35th terms of an arithmetic progression are 121 and 171
respectively, then find the common difference of the A.P.

Answer:
T25 = 121, T35 = 171

It is known that common difference, .

Example 10:
In an A.P, show that .

Answer:

Therefore,

Sum of n Terms of an Arithmetic Progression

We know what an arithmetic progression (A.P.) is. Sometimes, we may come across
the situations when we have to find the sum of all terms involved in a series and if the
series is an AP, then there is a formula which can make the process very simple.

Let us consider a similar situation.

Harry saved Rs 2000 from his salary in the first month. He increases his savings by Rs
50 every month.

Can we calculate his total savings for the first four months?

Let us try to find it.

To find the total savings for the first 4 months, we have to take the sum of the savings
for the first four months.

It is given that, savings of Harry for the first month = Rs 2000

Every month, he increases his savings by Rs 50.

Thus, savings for second month = Rs (2000 + 50) = Rs 2050

Similarly, savings for the third month = Rs (2050 + 50) = Rs 2100

nd, savings for the fourth month = Rs (2100 + 50) = Rs 2150

Thus, the total savings of Harry for the first four months = Rs (2000 + 2050 + 2100 +
2150)
= Rs 8300

Now, can we calculate the total savings of Harry for 2 years?

Yes, we can find it as above but it is a very lengthy as well as time consuming process
as we have to find the savings for 24 months.

We can also find the total savings of Harry for first two years using a formula. Now, let
us see how we can find it.

The savings of Harry for each month forms an A.P., which is as follows.

2000, 2050, 2100, 2150 ….

The sum of savings of Harry = Rs (2000 + 2050 + 2100 + 2150 ….)

Here, we can observe that the total savings of Harry for the first month is the first term
of the A.P., i.e. Rs 2000. The total savings for the first two months is the sum of first two
terms of the A.P., i.e. Rs (2000 + 2050).

In the same way, the total savings of Harry for first 2 years, i.e. 24 months, is the sum of
first 24 terms of the A.P. We can find it by using the formula for finding the sum
of n terms of an A.P.

Now, let us find the sum of first 24 terms of the above discussed A.P. which is as
follows:

2000, 2050, 2100, 2150 ….

Here, first term, a = 2000

Common difference, d = 2050 − 2000 = 50

The sum of first 24 terms of the A.P. is

Therefore, the total savings of Harry for the first two years is Rs 61800.
This formula is used when we are given the first term and the common difference of the
arithmetic progression.

We can also find the sum of n terms of an A.P., if we know the first and the last term.

The sum of n terms of an A.P. whose first term is a and last term is l is given by the
formula:

For example, consider an A.P. whose first term is 2 and 30th term is 263. Then, what will
be the sum of 30 terms?

Here, a = 2, l = 263 and n = 30

Therefore, sum of 30 terms

= 15 × 265

= 3975

Thus, the sum of 30 terms is 3975.

Result: The sum of the first n natural numbers is given by .

Proof:

This can be proved by two methods.

1st method (Using concept of A.P.):

The first n natural numbers can be listed as 1, 2, 3, …, n.

Here, a = 1, d = 1.
2nd method (Without using concept of A.P.):

Sn = 1 + 2 + 3 + … + n … (1)

Sn = n + (n – 1) + (n – 2) + … + 3 + 2 + 1 … (2)

Adding (1) and (2):

2Sn = (n + 1) + (n + 1) + …… + (n + 1)

Here, there are n terms in the RHS.

Now, let us discuss some more examples based on sum of n terms of an A.P.

Example 1:

Find the sum of first 25 terms of the following A.P.

2, 7, 12 …

Solution:

Here, a = 2 and d = 7 − 2 = 5.

Sum of the first 25 terms is given by

= 25 × 62
 = 1550

Thus, the sum of first 25 terms of the given A.P. is 1550.

Example 2:

Find the sum of first 8 terms of the A.P whosen thterm is given by 6n − 5.

Solution:

The nth term is given by

an = 6n − 5

On replacing n by 1, 2, 3 … respectively, we get the first, second, third … terms of the

A.P.

∴ a1 = 6(1) − 5 = 1

a2 = 6(2) − 5 = 7

a3 = 6(3) − 5 = 13 … and so on.

The A.P. so obtained is as follows.

1, 7, 13 …

Here, the first term, a = 1

and the common difference d = a2 − a1 = 7 − 1 = 6

Using the formula, , the sum of first 8 terms is given by

= 176

Thus, the sum of first 8 terms is 176.

Example 3:

How many terms of the A.P. −28, −24, −20 … should be taken so that the sum will
be zero?

Solution:

Let the sum of n terms be zero.

Here, a = − 28 and d = − 24 − (−28) = 4

Sum of n terms of an A.P. is given by

But, it is given that the sum of n terms of the given A.P. is zero.

Thus, the sum of 15 terms of the A.P is zero.

Example 4:

Sapna’s father planted 4 trees in his garden, when he was 22 years old. After that,
every year he planted one more tree than the number of trees he planted in the
previous year. How many trees will be there in his garden when he will become 40
years old?

Solution:
We can write the given information in the form of an A.P. as follows

Number of trees he planted in the first year = 4

Number of trees he planted in the second year = 4 + 1 = 5

Number of trees he planted in the third year = 5 + 1 = 6

And so on.

Now, the A.P. is 4, 5, 6 …

He planted trees from the age of 22 years to 40 years, i.e. for 19 years.

Thus, we have to find the sum of 19 terms of this A.P.

Here, a = 4, d = 1

And, n = 19

Thus, there will be 247 trees in his garden when he will become 40 years old.

Example 5:

The term of an A.P. is q and the term of the A.P. is p. What is the sum of
(p + q) terms of the A.P.?

Solution:

Let the first term and the common difference of the A.P. be a and d respectively.

It is given that the term is q.

∴ ap = q
⇒ a + (p − 1) d = q … (1)

Similarly, the qth term is p, therefore we obtain

a + (q − 1) d = p … (2)

On subtracting equation (1) from (2), we obtain

p − q = (q − 1) d − (p − 1) d

p − q = d [q − 1 − p + 1]

By putting the value of d in equation (1), we obtain

q = a + (p − 1) (−1)

q=a+1−p

a=p+q−1

But we know that the sum of n terms of an A.P. is

Thus, the sum of (p + q) terms is

Thus, the sum of (p + q) terms is .

Example 6:

Find the nth term of the A.P., the sum of whose n terms is n2 + 2n.

Solution:

Let Sn be the sum of n terms.

It is given that the sum of n terms of the A.P. is n2 + 2n.

∴ Sn = n2 + 2n … (1)

On replacing n by (n − 1) in the equation, we obtain

Let an be the nth term of the A.P.

Therefore, we can write

Sn = Sn−1 + an

Thus, an = Sn − Sn−1

= n2 + 2n − [(n − 1)2 + 2(n − 1)]

= n2 + 2n − [n2 + 1 − 2n + 2n − 2]

= n2 + 2n − n2 + 1

= 2n + 1

Thus, the nth term of the A.P is (2n + 1).

Example 7:
Find the sum of first 1000 natural numbers.

Solution:

The sum of first n natural number is given by .

 Example 8:
If sum of the first n natural numbers is 5050, find the value of n.

Solution:

The sum of first n natural number is given by .

Now,

Hence, n = 100

Properties of Arithmetic Progressions and the Concept of Arithmetic Mean

Arithmetic progression is a sequence of numbers such that the difference between the
consecutive terms is a constant. It exhibits some properties which are used in solving
various problems.

Properties of an Arithmetic Progression

• If a constant is added to each term of an A.P., the resulting sequence will also be an
A.P.

• If a constant is subtracted from each term of an A.P., the resulting sequence will also be
an A.P.

• If a constant is multiplied to each term of an A.P., the resulting sequence will also be an
A.P.

• If each term of an A.P. is divided by a non-zero constant, the resulting sequence is also
an A.P.
 Arithmetic Mean

• If we are given two numbers a and b, then we can insert a number A between these two
numbers so that the sequence a, A, b becomes an A.P. Such a number i.e., A is called
an arithmetic mean (A.M.) of the numbers a and b.

• If A is the A.M. of the numbers a and b, then A is given by A = .

For example, the A.M. of the two numbers 18 and 16 is .

• For any two given numbers a and b, we can insert as many numbers between them as
we want such that the resulting sequence becomes an A.P.

Solved Examples

Example 1:

Between −12 and 40, p numbers have been inserted in such a way that the resulting
sequence is an A.P. Find the value of p if the ratio of the 4th and the (p − 3)th number is
1 : 6.

Solution:

Let A1, A2, … Ap be p numbers such that −12, A1, A2, … Ap, 40 is an A.P.

Here, a = −12, b = 40, n = p + 2

∴ 40 = −12 + (p + 2 − 1) (d)

⇒ 52 = (p + 1) d

A1 = a + d

A2 = a + 2d

A3 = a + 3d …

∴ A4 = a + 4d

Ap−3 = a + (p − 3) d
According to the given information,

Thus, the value of p is 12.

Example 2:

Between 10 and 30, m numbers are inserted such that the resulting sequence is an A.P.
If the sum of all the terms of the A.P. is 140, then find the value of m.

Solution:

It is given that between 10 and 30, m numbers are inserted such that the resulting
sequence is an A.P.

It is also given that the sum of all the terms in the A.P. is 140.

We know that the sum of n terms of an A.P. is given by

 , where a is the first term and l is the last term

Here, a = 10, l = 30

Therefore,

Thus, the total number of terms in the A.P. is 7.

Thus, the value of m is 7 − 2 = 5.

Geometric Progressions
• A sequence a1, a2, …, an, … is called a geometric progression (G.P.), if each term is

non-zero and (constant), for k ≥ 1.

• For example, is in G.P.

• A G.P. is written in its standard form as a, ar, ar2, ar3, ar4 …

• Here, a is called the first term of the G.P.

• Here, r is called the common ratio of the G.P.

• There are two types of geometric progressions: finite and infinite.

• A finite geometric progression has finite number of terms. In general, a finite G.P.
with n terms can be written as a, ar, ar2, ar3, ar4 …arn−1.

• An infinite geometric progression has infinite number of terms. In general, an infinite

G.P. can be written as a, ar, ar2, ar3, ar4 … arn−1…

• There are two types of geometric series: finite and infinite.

• The series a + ar + ar2 + ar3 + ar4 +… + arn−1 is a finite geometric series.

• The series a + ar + ar2 + ar3 + ar4 +… + arn−1 + … is an infinite geometric series.

• The last term of a G.P. is denoted by l and the sum of n terms of a G.P. is denoted by
Sn. For example, in the G.P. 8, −16, 32, −64, the last term is given by l = −64.

Note: nth term, an is also denoted by Tn.

• Example: In the G.P. ,

• First term, a = 8

• Common ratio, r =

• Last term, l =

Note:

• Since the division by zero is undefined, neither any term nor the common ratio of a G.
P. can be 0.

• If the common ratio (r) is positive, then all the terms of the G. P. will be of same sign.
Thus, all the terms of the G. P. will be either negative or positive.

• If the common ratio (r) is negative, then any two consecutive terms of the G. P. will be of
different sign. Thus, the G. P. will be having negative and positive terms alternatively.

Solved Examples

Example 1:

Which of the following sequences is not a geometric progression?

1. 11, 2.2, 0.44, 0.088, 0.0176 …

2. 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19

3. 81,

4.

Solution:

Example 2:

Write the first term, last term and the common ratio of the following geometric
progressions:

1.

2.

Solution:
 nth Term and Sum of n-Terms of a Geometric Progression

• The nth term of a geometric progression (G.P.), a, ar, ar2, ar3, … is given by an = arn−1.

• For example, the 20th term of a geometric progression 3, is given by

• If a is the first term and r is the common ratio of a G.P., then the sum of first n terms of
the G.P. is given by
 Sum of infinite terms of a G.P.:

Derivation:

when r < 1.

Since rn approaches to 0 as n approaches ∞, we have

Note: S2n ÷ Sn = rn + 1

Derivation:

Sometimes, we need to find three or four consecutive terms of an G.P. then it is

convenient to take them as follows:

• Three consecutive terms can be taken as ar, a, arar, a, ar. Here, common ratio is r.

• Four consecutive terms can be taken as ar3, ar, ar, ar3ar3, ar, ar, ar3. Here, common
ratio is r2r2.

Solved Examples

Example 1

A scientist kept a solution on fire. The original temperature of the solution was 24°C. He
noticed that the temperature of the solution increased by 20% of the original
temperature every hour. Find the temperature of the solution after the 5 th hour.

Solution:

It is given that the original temperature of the solution was 24°C.

It is also given that the temperature of the solution increased by 20% of the original
temperature every hour. Hence, the temperature after the 1st hour will be
Temperature after 2nd hour:

Temperature after 3rd hour:

And so on…

Hence, the temperature of the solution noted after every hour will form a geometric
progression with

First term, a = 24

Common ratio, r = = 1.2

We know that the nth term of a G.P. is given by an = arn−1.

Also, the temperature of the solution after the 5th hour will be the 6th term of the G.P.,
which is given by

a6 = 24 × (1.2)5 = 59.72 (approx.)

Thus, the temperature of the solution after the 5th hour will be 59.72°C approximately.

Example 2

Find the sum of the sequence 0.4, 0.44, 0.444……. up to n terms.

Solution:

The given sequence is not a G.P. However, we can relate it to a G.P. by writing the
terms as

Sn = 0.4 + 0.44 + 0.444 + … to n terms

Example 3

Find the number of terms of the G.P. that are required for giving

the sum as .

Solution:

Let n be the required number of terms.

It is given that

First term, a = −6

Common ratio, r =

We know that the sum of n terms of a G.P. is given by Sn = . Therefore,

Thus, the required number of terms of the G.P. is 5.

Example 4

In a G.P., the ratio of the 11th term and the 14th term is given by 27:125. Find the

18th term of the G.P. if the 5th term of the G.P. is .

Solution:

Let the first term and the common ratio of the G.P. be a and r respectively.

We know that the nth term of a G.P. is given by an = arn−1. Therefore,

a11 = ar10

a14 = ar13

It is given that the ratio of the 11th term to the 14th term is 27:125. Hence,
It is also given that the 5th term of the G.P. is . Hence,

Thus, the 18th term of the G.P. is given by

Example 5:

If Sn denotes the sum of n terms of a geometric series such that , find the value
of the common ratio.

Solution:
Thus, the value of the common ratio is .

Example 6:

For a G.P. with the first term as 2, if , then find .

Solution:

Example 7: The sum of three consecutive terms of a geometric progression is 21/2 and
their product is 27. Find the terms.
Solution: Let the three consecutive terms of G.P. be a/r, a, ar. Then,

Substituting the value of a in (i),

Geometric Mean and Its Relation with Arithmetic Mean

Like arithmetic mean, geometric mean (G. M.) is also a number which lies between two
different numbers.

Arithmetic mean is the number which gives the common difference with the numbers on
its left and right.

For example, if a, b, c is a sequence of numbers such that b is the arithmetic mean

of a and c then we have b – a = c – b.
 Similarly, geometric mean is the number which gives the common ratio with the
numbers on its left and right.

For example, if a, b, c is a sequence of numbers such that b is the geometric mean

of a and c, then we have

Hence the geometric mean (G.M.) of two numbers a and b is and it is denoted
by G.

For example, the G.M. of the two numbers 36 and 25 is = 30.

Note:

• G comes out be a real number if and only if both a and b have the same sign.

• For any two numbers a and b, there exist two values of G such that and .

• If a = b then .

• If we are given two numbers a and b, then we can insert a number G between these two
numbers so that the sequence a, G, b becomes a G.P. Here, G is the geometric mean
(G.M.) of the numbers a and b.

• For any two positive numbers, we can insert as many numbers between them as we
want so that the resulting sequence becomes a G.P.

Now, let us understand this concept with the help of geometry.

Consider a line segment MP = a units and PN = b units as shown in the following figure.
Thus, MN = MP + PN = (a + b) units

It can be seen that that a semicircle is drawn with diameter MN and OP is perpendicular
to MN such that point O lies on the circle. On joining O to M and N, we get two right-
angled triangles such as ΔMPO and ΔNPO.

Since ΔMON is inscribed in a semicircle, it is also a right-angled triangle such that

∠MON = 90°.

In the given figure, we have

∠MON = 90°

⇒ ∠MOP + ∠NOP = 90° ...(1)

Also,

∠PON + ∠PNO + ∠OPN = 180° (By angle sum property in ΔOPN)

⇒∠PON + ∠PNO + 90°= 180°

⇒∠PON + ∠PNO = 90° ...(2)

From (1) and (2), we get

∠MOP = ∠PNO ...(3)

Now, in ΔMPO and ΔOPN,

∠MOP = ∠PNO
and, ∠OPM = ∠OPN.

Thus, by AA similarity, these triangles are similar.

Using property of similar triangles, we get

Thus, OP is the geometric mean of MP and PN.

Hence, it can be concluded that the length of perpendicular drawn from any point
on the circumference to the diameter is the geometric mean of the lengths of the
two segments obtained on diameter.

Relation between A.M. and G.M.:

If A and G are the respective arithmetic mean and geometric mean of the
numbers a and b, then we will always have the following relation between A and G:

A ≥ G, since A − G =

Solved Examples

Example 1:

Insert five numbers between and so that the resulting sequence is a G.P.

Solution:

Let G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5 be the five numbers between and such that ,

G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, is a G.P.

We know that the nth term of a G.P. is given by

an = arn−1

Therefore,
For ,

G1 = ar =

G2 = ar2 =

G3 = ar3 =

G4 = ar4 =

G5 = ar5 =

For ,

G1 = ar =

G2 = ar2 =
G3 = ar3 =

G4 = ar4 =

G5 = ar5 =

Thus, we can obtain two G.P.s by inserting five numbers between the given

numbers and . The two G.P.s are

and .

Example 2:

The ratio of two numbers is 4:1. If the arithmetic mean of the two numbers is 5 more
than their geometric mean, then find the two numbers.

Solution:

It is given that the ratio of the two numbers is 4:1. Hence, let the two numbers be
4x and x.

The arithmetic mean, A, is given by

The geometric mean, G, is given by

It is given that the arithmetic mean of the two numbers is 5 more than their geometric
mean. Therefore,
 Thus, the two numbers are 10 and 4 × 10 = 40.

Sum of n Terms of Special Series

• The sum of the first n natural numbers is given by 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + … + n =

• To understand the proof of the above formula, look at the following video.

• The sum of squares of the first n natural numbers is given

by

• To understand the proof of the above formula, look at the following video.

• The sum of cubes of the first n natural numbers is given

by

Solved Examples

Example 1

Find the sum of n terms of the series: 8 + 17 + 28 + 41 + 56 +…

Solution:

The given series is 8 + 17 + 28 + 41 + 56 + ……

Let Sn = 8 + 17 + 28 + 41 + 56 + … + an−1 + an… (1)

Sn = 8 + 17 + 28 + 41 + 56 + … + an−1 + an … (2)

On subtracting (2) from (1), we obtain

0 = 8 + [9 + 11 + 13 + 15 + … (n − 1) terms] − an
⇒0=8+ − an

⇒ 0 = 8 + (n − 1)(n + 7) − an

⇒ 0 = 8 + (n − 1)(n + 7) − an

⇒ an = n2 + 6n + 1

Hence, Sn =

Example 2

Find the sum of n terms of the series whose nth term is given by an = n(n2 + 1) + 3n.

Solution:

The nth term of a series is given by an = n(n2 + 1) + 3n = n3 + n + 3n

Consider
The above series 3, 32, 33 … is a G.P. with both the first term and common ratio equal
to 3.

Therefore, from (1) and (2), we obtain

Example 3

Find the sum of the given series upto n terms.

2×2+3×4+4×6+5×8+…

Solution:

The given series is 2 × 2 + 3 × 4 + 4 × 6 + 5 × 8 + …

nth term, an = (n + 1) × (2n)