Question
Let the first three terms 2, p and q, with , of a G.P. be respectively the and terms of an A.P. If the term of the G.P. is the term of the A.P., then is equal to:
Options
Solution
Key Concepts and Formulas
- Arithmetic Progression (AP): The term is given by , where is the first term and is the common difference.
- Geometric Progression (GP): The term is given by , where is the first term and is the common ratio.
- Relationship between terms in an AP: for any terms and .
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Define the terms of the GP and establish relationships. Let the first three terms of the GP be . Let the common ratio of the GP be . Then, and . We are given that .
Step 2: Relate the GP terms to the AP terms. Let the AP have a first term and a common difference . We are given that: The term of the AP is : . The term of the AP is : . The term of the AP is : .
Step 3: Find the common difference of the AP in terms of . We can find the common difference of the AP using the relationship between consecutive terms: . So, .
Step 4: Express the term of the AP using and . We know that . Substitute the given values:
Step 5: Solve the quadratic equation for the common ratio . Divide the equation by 2: Rearrange into a standard quadratic form: Factor the quadratic equation: The possible values for are or .
Step 6: Use the condition to select the correct value of . We are given that . Since : If , then . This contradicts the given condition. Therefore, we must have .
Step 7: Calculate the common difference of the AP. Using and : .
Step 8: Calculate the first term of the AP. We know . Substitute : .
Step 9: Calculate the term of the GP. The term of the GP is given by . Substitute : term of GP .
Step 10: Find the value of such that the term of the AP is equal to the term of the GP. We need to find such that . Substitute and : .
Common Mistakes & Tips
- Forgetting the condition : This condition is crucial for eliminating the extraneous solution for . Always check all given constraints.
- Algebraic errors in solving the quadratic equation: Double-check your factorization or the quadratic formula application.
- Confusing the first term of the GP with the first term of the AP: Clearly distinguish between the first term of the GP (which is 2) and the first term of the AP (which we calculated as ).
Summary The problem involves linking an arithmetic progression and a geometric progression. We used the given terms to establish relationships between their respective first terms and common ratios/differences. By solving the resulting equations, we found the common ratio of the GP and the common difference and first term of the AP. Finally, we calculated the term of the GP and determined which term in the AP it corresponds to by solving for .
The final answer is .