A problem on arithmetic progressions.

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In summary, the conversation discusses finding the common difference, value of Z, and first term of a sequence using consecutive terms. The method involves solving for d in the equation 22 + 4d = 42 and using that value to find the other components. Another method is to add 3 times the common difference to the given term and use the formula an = a1 + (n – 1)d to find the first term. The value of d is found to be 5, and the first term is calculated to be 12.
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mathlearn
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Okay, So far I have seen and know to find the common difference of arithmetic terms using the consecutive terms. But this progression looks different (Shake)

Find the common difference , Value of Z and the first term of it.

Many Thanks (Happy)
 

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  • #2
Since 42 is four terms after 22 we must have 22 + 4d = 42, where d is the common difference. Can you solve for d and use that value to complete the other questions?
 
  • #3
greg1313 said:
Since 42 is four terms after 22 we must have 22 + 4d = 42, where d is the common difference. Can you solve for d and use that value to complete the other questions?

Using the equation 22 + 4d = 42; d = 5;

Correct?

Now is there another way to find this,My method was to add 3 times the common difference.

Z=42+(5*3)
Z=42+15
Z=42+15
Z=57

To find the first term of the sequence , using the formula

an = a1 + (n – 1)d
57 = a1 + (10 – 1)5
57 = a1 + 45
57-45=a1
12=a1
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Your value for d is wrong but everything else looks correct.
 
  • #5
I see you've edited your post. d = 5 is correct.
 
  • #6
Thank you ;)
 
  • #7
mathlearn said:
Using the equation 22 + 4d = 42; d = 5;

Correct?

Now is there another way to find this,My method was to add 3 times the common difference.

Z=42+(5*3)
Z=42+15
Z=42+15
Z=57

To find the first term of the sequence , using the formula

an = a1 + (n – 1)d
57 = a1 + (10 – 1)5
57 = a1 + 45
57-45=a1
12=a1

Well done! :)
 

FAQ: A problem on arithmetic progressions.

What is an arithmetic progression?

An arithmetic progression, also known as an arithmetic sequence, is a sequence of numbers in which the difference between any two consecutive terms is a constant.

How do you find the common difference in an arithmetic progression?

To find the common difference in an arithmetic progression, subtract any two consecutive terms and the result will be the common difference.

What is the formula for finding the nth term in an arithmetic progression?

The formula for finding the nth term in an arithmetic progression is:
an = a1 + (n-1)d
where an is the nth term, a1 is the first term, and d is the common difference.

How do you find the sum of an arithmetic progression?

To find the sum of an arithmetic progression, use the formula:
Sn = n/2 [2a1 + (n-1)d]
where Sn is the sum of the first n terms, a1 is the first term, and d is the common difference.

Can an arithmetic progression have a negative common difference?

Yes, an arithmetic progression can have a negative common difference. This would mean that the terms in the sequence are decreasing instead of increasing.

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