NOTE

M A T H E M A T I C S

SEQUENCE AND SERIES

ARITHMETIC-GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION AND
SOME SPECIAL SERIES

What you already know What you will learn

• A.P, G.P, H.P, and their properties • Arithmetic-Geometric Progression (AGP)

• Sum of the first n terms of an A.P, • Sum of first n terms of an AGP
G.P, and H.P • Sum of infinite terms of an AGP
• AM, GM, HM, and their properties • Summation of series
• Some special series

Points to Remember

a+ b
Arithmetic Mean ( AM) of a, b =
2
a1 + a2 + a3 + . . . + an
AM of a1, a2 , a3 , . . . , an =
n

1
Geometric Mean ( GM) of a, b = (ab)2 ; a, b are of same sign
1
GM of a1, a2 , a3 , . . . , an = (a1 a2 a3 . . . an )n
; a1, a2 , a3 , . . . , an are of same sign

2ab 2
Harmonic Mean (HM) of a, b = = ; a, b ≠ 0
a+ b 1 1
+
a b
n
HM of a1, a2 , a3 , . . . , an = ; a1, a2 , a3 , . . . , an ≠ 0
1 1 1 1
+ + + ... +
a1 a2 a3 an

 1 1 1
If x, y, z > 0, then what is the minimum value of ( x + y + z )  + +  ?
 x y z
(a) 6 (b) 8 (c) 9 (d) 3

Solution Using the relation between the means. We have, x, y, z > 0

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 02

From the relation between the means, we know, A ≥ G ≥ H

⇒ A ≥ H

x+ y+ z 3
⇒ ≥
3 1 1 1
+ +
x y z
 1 1 1
⇒ ( x + y + z)  + +  ≥ 9
 x y z

 1 1 1
∴ The minimum value of ( x + y + z)  + +  is 9
 x y z
Option (c) is the correct answer.

Concept Check 1

If x, y, z are positive and x + y + z = 7, then what is the greatest value of x2 y3 z2 ?

(a) 423 (b) 432 (c) 342 (d) 324

Concept Check 2

If a, b, c are distinct positive numbers which are in an HP, then

(a) an + cn = 2bn (b) an + cn < 2bn (c) an + cn > 2bn (d) an + cn > 2b

Arithmetic and Geometric progression

An arithmetic-geometric progression (AGP) is a progression in which each term can be

represented as the product of the terms of an arithmetic progression (AP) and a geometric
progression (GP).

Example

Consider 1, 3x, 5x 2 , 7x 3 , 9x 4 , . . .

Taking the difference of two successive terms, t 2 - t 1 = 3x - 1 ≠ 5x 2 - 3x = t 3 - t 2

t2 3x 5x 2 t
Taking the ratio of two successive terms, = ≠ = 3
t1 1 3x t2
Taking the difference of reciprocal of two successive terms,

1 1 1 1 1 1 1
- = -1 ≠ - = -
t2 t1 3x 5x 3x
2
t3 t2

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 03

Here, we can observe that the difference of two successive terms is not constant, hence it is
not an AP. Also, the ratio of two successive terms is not constant, hence it is not a GP. Also,
the reciprocal of this is not an AP, hence it is not an HP too.
However, when we break this sequence into two, we get two different progressions.

1, 3x, 5x2, 7x3, 9x4, . . .

1, 3, 5, 7, 9, . . . is an AP
Let a1 = 1, a2 = 3, a3 = 5, . . .

1, 3, 5, 7, 9, . . . is an AP 1, x, x 2 , x 3 , . . . is a GP
Let a1 = 1, a2 = 3, a3 = 5, . . . Let b 1 = 1, b2 = x, b 3 = x 2 , . . .

}
1, x, x 2 , x 3 , . . . is a GP
Then, a1 b1 = t1
Let b 1 = 1, b2 = x, b 3 = x 2 , . . .
a2 b2 = t2
a3 b3 = t3 is an AGP, if a1, a2, a3 , . . . is an AP and b1, b2, b3 , . . . is a GP
: : :
an × bn = tn

General form of AGP

Let, a, a+d, a+2d, a+3d, . . . → be an AP with common difference d

and, b, br, br2 , br3 , . . . → be a GP with common ratio r

Then, ab, (a + d) br , (a + 2d) br2 , (a + 3d) br3 , . . . is the general form of AGP.
⇒ nth term of an AGP = (nth term of an AP) × (nth term of a GP)
⇒ tn = [a + (n - 1) d] (br n -1 )

tn = [a + (n - 1) d] (br n-1 )

Find the nth term of the sequence 1, 3x, 5x2, 7x3, ...

Solution Step 1 :

Splitting the given series into an AP and a GP and declaring it to be an AGP

Here, 1, 3x, 5x2, 7x3, ... is an AGP

1, 3, 5, 7, . . . is an AP
Here, a = 1, d = 2
1, x, x2, x3, . . . is a GP
Here, b = 1, r = x
( Upon
observation )
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 04

Step 2 : Finding the nth term using the definition of AGP

Then, tn = [a + (n - 1) d] brn - 1

Substituting the values , we get,

tn = [1 + 2(n - 1)] (1 × xn - 1)

= [1 + 2n - 2] xn - 1

tn = (2n - 1) xn - 1

Sum of the first n terms of an AGP

Let, a, (a + d) r, (a + 2d) r2 , . . . be an AGP

Then, the sum of first ‘n’ terms is given by,

Sn =
a
+ -
(
dr (1 - rn-1) a + (n - 1) d r
n

; r≠1
)
1- r (1 - r)2 1- r

Proof

We have,
t1 = a , t2 = (a + d) r , t3 = (a + 2d) r2 , . . .
Then, the sum of first n terms would be calculated as,

(
Sn = a + ( a + d ) r + ( a + 2d ) r 2 + . . . + a + (n - 1) d rn-1 ) ()
…………i

Multiplying Sn with r,

rSn = ar + ( a + d ) r 2 + ( a + 2d ) r 3 + . . . + a + (n - 1) d rn( ) …………( ii )

Subtracting equation ( ii ) from ( i ) ,

Sn = a + ( a + d ) r + ( a + 2d ) r2 + ( a + 3d ) r 3 + . . . + a + (n - 1) d rn-1 ( )
( - ) rS n
= - ar - ( a+ d) r 2
- ( a + 2d ) r + . . . -
3
( a+ (n - 2) d) r - (a+ (n - 1) d) r
n-1 n

__________________________________________________________________________
Sn - rSn = a + dr + d r2 + d r3 + . . . + ((n - 1) - (n - 2)) d r n-1
( )
- a + (n - 1) d rn

Sn (1 - r) = a + d (r + r2 + r3 + ... + rn-1 ) - (a + (n - 1) d) rn

First term = r
Sum of (n - 1) terms of GP
Common ratio = r

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 05

 r (1 - rn - 1) 
⇒ Sn ( 1 - r ) = a + d  ( n
)
 - a + (n - 1) d r , r ≠ 1
 PG fo
∴ Sum

∴sSum
mret of n tfirst
of first srif fno terms
n terms muS ∴
ofofGP
GP 

 1- r   ,ere 
n n
hw=) S r - 1( aa (1 -n r )
a
= (1 =- r S) = 
where,
 = 
⇒ Sn =
a
+ -
(
dr (1 -rn - 1) a + (n - 1) d r
n

; r≠1
) 

 S =rn - 1
 n
 a ,= mrfirst
1 -
1 - nr where,
r
et tsterm,
rif = a


 

1- r 1- r  a = first term,  
(1 - r)2   oitrar=ncommon
ommoc =rartio  
 r = common ratio  
Hence proved. 
  

 

Note

When r = 1 in this type of an AGP, then it converts to an AP

a , (a + d) r , (a + 2d) r2, . . . . . , (a + (n - 1) d) r n-1 → AGP

Putting r = 1, we get,

a , (a + d) , (a + 2d) , . . . . . , (a + (n - 1) d) → AP
n
∴ Sn = (2a + (n - 1) d) ; r = 1
2

Mechanism

Step 1 : Split the nth term of the AGP into the nth term of the AP and the nth term of the GP.

Step 2 : Multiply r to the series, so that when we compute (Sn - r Sn ), cancellation of terms
simplifies the series

Step 3 : Apply simple rearrangement in the series and then apply the AP, GP sum formula
wherever required.

Sum of the infinite terms of an AGP Let a, ( a + d ) r, ( a + 2d ) r 2 , . . . , ∞ be an AGP

Let a, ( a + d ) r, ( a + 2d ) r , . . . , ∞ be an AGP
2

Let a, ( a + d ) r, ( a + 2d ) r 2 , . . . , ∞ be an AGP Then, the sum of the infinite terms is given by,
Then, the sum of the infinite terms is given by,
a dr
Then, the a sumdrof the infinite terms is given by, Sn = + ; r < 1 i.e. - 1 < r < 1
Sn = + ; r < 1 i.e. - 1 < r < 1 1- r (1- r) 2
1a- r (1dr
- r)2
Sn = + ; r < 1 i.e. - 1 < r < 1
Proof 1- r (1- r)2 Proof:
Proof:
Proof: We know, the sum of first n terms of an AGP is given by
We know, the sum of first n terms of an AGP is given by
We know, the sum of first n terms of an nAGP is given bya
a dr (1 - r )(n- 1 a + )
( )
n - 1 d r Sn = +
(
dr (1 - rn- 1) a + (n - 1) d r
-
) n

Sn =
Sn =
1a- r
+
+
(
2n- 1
dr(1(1--rr) ) )
( 1 - r)
- a + n - 1 d rn
-
1- r (1 - r)2 1- r

1- r (1 - r)2 1- r We have, t 1 = a, t 2 = ( a + d ) r, t 3 = ( a + 2d ) r2 , . . .
We have, t 1 = a, t 2 = ( a + d ) r, t 3 = ( a + 2d ) r 2 , . . .
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We have, t = a, t = a + d r, t = a + 2d r2 , . . . n
 06 We know, the sum of first n terms of an AGP is given by

Sn =
a
+ -
(
dr (1 - rn- 1) a + (n - 1) d r
n
)
1- r (1 - r)2 1- r

We have, t 1 = a, t 2 = ( a + d ) r, t 3 = ( a + 2d ) r 2 , . . .

Now, as n → ∞ , rn → 0 as r < 1

Also, rn - 1 → 0

Sn→∞ =
a
+
dr ( 1 - 0 )
-
(
a + (n - 1) d ) (0 )
1- r (1 - r)2 1- r
a dr
S∞ = + ; r < 1
1- r (1 - r)2

Hence proved.

Find the sum of the series 1 - 2x + 3x2 - 4x3 + .... ; |x| < 1
(a) (1 - x) - 2 (b) (1 + x) - 2 (c) (1 + 2x) - 1 (d) (1 - 2x) - 1

Solution

Step 1 :

Splitting the given series into an AP and a GP and declaring it to be an AGP

We have, 1 - 2x + 3x2 - 4x3 + . . .
Here, we can observe that,
1, 2, 3, 4, ... are in an AP, and, 1, - x, x2, - x3, . . . are in GP
Hence, the given series is an AGP.

Step 2 :

Expressing the sum of the series as S, multiplying it by -x, and then subtracting - xS from S
Let S denote the sum of infinite terms of AGP,
S = 1 - 2x + 3x2 - 4x3 + 5x4 . . . ------ (i)
Multiplying S with - x ,
(-x) S = - x + 2x2 - 3x3 + 4x4 - 5x5 . . . ------ (ii)
Subtracting equation (ii) from (i),

S = 1 - 2x + 3x2 - 4x3 + 5x4 - 6x5 . . . .

(-) (- x) S = 0 - x + 2x2 - 3x3 + 4x4 - 5x5 . . . .

______________________________________

S + xS = 1 - x + x2 - x3 + x4 - x5 + . . .

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 07

Step 3 :

Breaking the series into a recognisable GP and applying the summation relation of the GP

⇒ S (1 + x) = 1 + (- 1) x + (- 1)2 x2 + (- 1)3 x3 + (- 1)4 x4 + (- 1)5 x5 + .....

Sum of infinite terms of the GP with a = 1, r = -x

a
S( 1+ x ) =
1- r
{ x < 1 and x = -x < 1 }
 a 
Also, S = ; r <1
 1- r 
1 1
S( 1+ x ) = =
1 - ( -x ) 1+ x

1
S= , is the required sum of the series
(1+ x)2

Option (b) is the correct answer.

Concept Check 3

1 2 3
Find the sum of 10 terms of the series: + + + ...
2 4 8

(2 10
- 12 ) (2 11
- 12 ) (2 11
- 12 ) (2 10
- 12 )
( a) 210
(b ) 211
(c) 210
( d) 211

Concept Check 4

If x < 1, then what is the sum of the series 12 + 22 x + 32 x 2 + ... ∞ ?

1+ x 1- x 1+ x 1- x
( a) (1 - x)3
(b ) (1+ x)3
(c) (1 - x)2
( d) (1+ x)2

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 08

Summation of Series

Series are often represented in compact form, using the sigma (Σ) notation.
n
Example a1 + a2 + a3 + ... + an = ∑a
i =1
i

Here, i is the index of summation.

Lower limit = 1 , Upper limit = n

Property i Property ii

n n n

∑k = nk, k is a constant ∑k ⋅ a i = ki∑ a in , k is a constant

n

∑k ⋅ a i = k ∑ a i∑ ∑ a i , k is a constant
n i n= 1 n= 1
k ⋅ a = k
∑k = nk, k is a constant
i=1
, k is ai constant
i= 1 i=1
i=1 i=1 i=1
Example n Proof
n

∑ 1 = 1+ 1+ 1+ ... + 1 = n × 1 = n ∑ i k ⋅ a = k a 1
+ kn a2 + ... + k an
k ⋅ ai = k a1 + ki∑
n i n= 1
k ⋅ a = k a1 + k a2 +n ... + k an
∑ 1 = 1+ 1+ 1+ ... + 1 = n × 1 = n ∑
i=1
a +i ... + k a
i=1 i=1 = k ( a1 + a2 + ... + ann) = k ∑ ai
= 12

= k ( a1 + a2 + ... + a(n )1 = k2 ∑ ai
n n terms = k a + a i+ n= 1
... + an ) =
∑ 3 = 3 + 3 + 3 + ...+ 3 = n × 3 = 3n
n
n n
i=1

∑ 3 = 3 + 3 + 3 + ...+ 3 = n × 3 = 3n
i=1
∑ 2x = 2 ∑ x n n

2x = 2 ∑ x ∑ ∑x
i=1
i n= 1 i n= 1
2x =2
n terms ∑Example
i=1 i=1
i=1 i=1

Property iii Property iv

( Σ operator is distributive over ( Σ operator is not distributive over

addition and subtraction ) multiplication and division )

n n n n
 n   n '
∑ (a i
± bi ) = ∑ ai ± ∑ bi ∑ TT
r r
'
≠  ∑ Tr   ∑ Tr 
i=1 i=1 i=1 r =1  r =1   r =1 
n n n

∑ (a i
± bi ) = ∑ ai ± ∑ bi
∑T
n

n1
i= i=n1
Example i=
n1 n
Tr r

∑( )
x + x2 = ∑ x + ∑ x2 ∑ Tr'
≠ r =1
n
x =1
n
x =1
n
x =1
n
r =1
∑T r
'

∑(x + x ) = ∑ x + ∑ x
2 2 r =1

x =1 x =1 x =1

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 09

Some Special Series

n n (n + 1)
Sum of first n natural numbers i.e., 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n = ∑ x=
x=1 2

Proof

We have, 1, 2, 3, ... , n is an AP with the first term ( a) = 1,

common difference ( d) = 1,
and last term (l ) = n

n
We know, the sum of n terms of an AP is, S = ( a + l )
2
n

∑x
x =1
= 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n

Sum of n terms of an AP

n
n n (n + 1)
⇒ ∑x = ( a + l) =
x =1 2 2

n n (n + 1)( 2n + 1)
Sum of squares of first n natural numbers i.e., 12 + 22 + 32 + ... + n2 = ∑x
x=1
2
=
6

Proof

Consider,

( )
n

∑ ( 1+ x ) ( ) ( )
- x 3  = 23 - 13 + 33 - 23 + ... + ( 1+ n) - n3
3 3

x =1

n

∑ ( 1+ x ) - x 3  = ( 1+ n) - 13
3 3
⇒
x =1 
n
⇒ ∑ 1+ x
x =1
3
(
+ 3x 2 + 3x - x 3  = 1+ n3 + 3n2 + 3n - 1 )
n
⇒ ∑ ( 3x
x =1
2
)
+ 3x + 1 = n3 + 3n2 + 3n

Since the sigma operator is distributive over addition,

n n n
⇒ 3 ∑ x2 + 3
x =1
∑x +
x =1
∑1 =
x =1
n3 + 3n2 + 3n

n n n
⇒ 3 ∑ x2 = n3 + 3n2 + 3n - 3
x =1
∑x -
x =1
∑1
x =1

n 3n (n + 1)  n n (n + 1) n 
⇒ 3 ∑ x2 = n3 + 3n2 + 3n - 2
-n  ∑x = 2
and ∑ 1 = n 
x =1  x =1 x =1 
n 3n (n + 1) 2n (n2 + 3n + 2 ) - 3n (n + 1)
⇒ 3 ∑x
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= n + 3n + 2n - 2
=
 n n n

10 ⇒ 3 ∑ x2 = n3 + 3n2 + 3n - 3
x =1
∑x -
x =1
∑1
x =1

n 3n (n + 1)  n n (n + 1) n 
⇒ 3 ∑ x2 = n3 + 3n2 + 3n - 2
-n  ∑x = 2
and ∑ 1 = n 
x =1
 x =1 x =1

n 3n (n + 1) 2n (n2 + 3n + 2 ) - 3n (n + 1)
⇒ 3 ∑x
x =1
2 3
= n + 3n + 2n - 2

2
=
2
n
n [2n2 + 6n + 4 - 3n - 3] n [2n2 + 3n + 1]
⇒ 3 ∑ x2 =
x =1 2
=
2
n n (n + 1) ( 2n + 1)
⇒ 3 ∑x
x =1
2
=
2

n n (n + 1) ( 2n + 1)
⇒ ∑ x2 =
x =1 6
Hence proved.

Sum of the cubes of the first n natural numbers, i.e.,

 n (n + 1) 
2
n
1 +2 +3 +... +n = ∑x = 
3 3 3
 3 3

x=1  2 

This can be proved like the previous one.

 n (n + 1) 
2

n (n + 1)( 2n + 1) 3n + 3n - 1 ( )
n
13 + 23 + 343 + .4. . +4n3 = ∑ x43 = n 4
2

1 + 2 + 3 + . . .x =+1n = ∑  x 2 = 
x=1 30
Sum of the fourth powers of the first n natural numbers, i.e.,
n (
n (n + 1)( 2n + 1) 3n2 + 3n - 1 )
4 4
1 +2 +3 +... +n = 4 4
∑x
x=1
4
=
30

3 3 3
3  1  1
If the sum of the first 15 terms of the series   +  1  +  2  + 3 3 + . . .
4  2  4
is equal to 225 k, then find the value of k.  
(a) 27 ( b) 9 (c) 108 (d) 54

Solution

Step 1 : Converting the mixed fractions into proper fractions and finding the pattern in the series,
3 3 3
We have, 3  1  1 3
  +  1  +  2  + 3 + . . . = 225 k
4  2  4

15 terms

3 3 3 3
3 6 9  12 
⇒   +   +   +   + . . . = 225 k
4 4 4 4

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 3 3 3 3
11 3 6 9  12 
⇒   +   +   +   + . . . = 225 k
4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3 3
3  2× 3   3× 3   4×3   15 × 3 
⇒   +  +  +  + ...   = 225 k
4  4   4   4   4 

Step 2 : We can write the series as -

3   n (n + 1) 
2

3  n

⇒   13 + 23 + 33 + 43 + ... + 15 3  = 225 k  ∑ x 3
=   
4  x=1  2  
 
 n (n + 1) 
2
3 3 2
3  3   15 × 16 
⇒     =    = 225 k
4  2  4  2 
3 ⋅ 3 ⋅ 3 ⋅ 15 ⋅ 15 ⋅ 8 ⋅ 8
⇒ 225 k = = 3 ⋅ 3 ⋅ 3 ⋅ 15 ⋅ 15
4 ⋅ 4 ⋅ 4
⇒ 225 k = 33 ⋅ 152

⇒ 152 ⋅ k = 33 ⋅ 152

⇒ k = 27

Option ( a) is the correct answer.

Summary sheet

Key Takeaways

• Arithmetic-geometric progression (AGP) is the combination of AP and GP.

• Follow the mechanism while finding the sum of n terms and infinite terms of the AGP. Use
the formulae of the sum of n terms of AP and the sum of n terms of GP wherever applicable.

Key Definitions

• An arithmetic-geometric progression (AGP) is a progression in which each term can be

represented as the product of the terms of an arithmetic progression (AP) and a geometric
progression (GP).
• Mechanism to find sum of n terms of an AGP are as follows:

Step 1 : Split the nth term of the AGP into the nth term of the AP and the nth term of the GP.

Step 2 : Multiply r to the series, so that when we compute (Sn - r Sn ), cancellation of terms
simplifies the series

Step 3 : Apply simple rearrangement in the series and then apply the AP, GP sum formula
wherever required.

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 12

Key Formulae

Some Special Series

n n (n + 1)
1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n = ∑x
x=1
=
2
n n (n + 1)( 2n + 1)
12 + 22 + 32 + ... + n2 = ∑x
x =1
2
=
6

 n (n + 1) 
2
n
13 + 23 + 33 + ... + n3 = ∑ x 3 =  
x =1  2 

n n (n + 1)( 2n + 1) 3n2 + 3n - 1 ( )
4 4
1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n = 4 4
∑x
x =1
4
=
30

Key Results

Let a, (a + d) r, (a + 2d) r2, ... be an AGP

• Then, the sum of first n terms is given by,

Sn =
a
+
dr (1 -rn - 1)
-
(a + (n - 1) d)r n

;r≠1

Sn =
1- r
a
+
(1 - r)n2- 1
dr (1 -r )
-
(a + (n1 -- r1) d)r n

;r≠1
• And, the sum of infinite 1a- r is given
terms dr )2
(1 - rby, 1- r
Sn = + ; r ≠ 1, - 1 < r < 1
1- r (1 - r)2
a dr
Sn = + ; r ≠ 1, - 1 < r < 1
1- r (1 - r)2

Summation of series
n

Property i ∑kk == nk
n ; k is a constant
∑ n

∑k = nk
i =1
i =1
nk ; k is a constant
; k is a constant
i=n1 n

∑kk .. aa == kk ∑ aa ;; kk isis aa constant

n n

∑
∑k . a = k ∑
Property ii i i
n n
constant
∑ a ; k is a constant
i =1 i i =1 i
i =1 i i =1 i
i=n1 i =1n n

∑ ( aa ±± bb ) == ∑ aa ±± ∑bb
n n n

∑ (( a ± b )) = ∑
∑ ∑a ± ∑
n i i n i n i
Property iii
∑b
i =1 i i i =1 i i =1 i
i =1 i i i =1 i i =1 i
i=n1 ni = 1 i =1
   n

∑ TT T'
n T' ≠  ∑ T   ∑ T'  n n

∑
∑ T T' ≠  ∑
 ∑ T' 
r r r r
n
≠  T  n n

∑ T 
 ∑ T' 
r =1 r r r =1 r r =1 r
Property iv r =1 r r  r =1 r r =1 r
r =1  r =1  r =1 

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 13

Mind map

Apply simple re-arrangement in the series and then

apply the AP, GP sum formulae wherever required.

Multiply r to the series, so that when we compute (Sn- rSn),

cancellation of terms result in simpler series.

Split the nth term of AGP into nth term

of AP and nth term of GP

Sum of n terms Sum of infinite

Arithmetic of an AGP terms of an AGP
Progression
(AP)

Geometric Arithmetic Geometric

Progression Progression Progression (AGP)
(GP)

Harmonic
Progression Series
(HP)
Representation of
summation of series Some special series

Sum of first n Sum of squares Sum of cubes of n

natural numbers of first n natural natural numbers
numbers

Self-Assessment 1

20
1. The sum ∑ ( 1+ 2 + 3 + ... + k ) is equal to ______ . JEE MAIN 2020
k=1

2. Let A be the sum of the first 20 terms and B be the sum of the first 40
terms of the series 12 + 2 ∙ 22 + 32 + 2 ∙ 42 + 52 + ... . If B - 2A = 100 λ, then JEE MAIN 2018
what is λ equal to?

(a) 232 (b) 248 (c) 464 (d) 496

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 14

Answers

Concept Check 1

Step 1 : Recall the condition for applying the relation between means.
As, x, y, z > 0
So, we can apply the relation between the means, i.e., A ≥ G ≥ H

Step 2 : Using the relation between means

Dividing x, y, z into the number of parts equal to their power
We need to find the maximum value of x2 y3 z2 ,
So, let us divide x into 2 parts, y into 3 parts, and z into 2 parts as follows:
x x y y y z z
+ , + + , +
2 2 3 3 3 2 2
We have 7 numbers in a sequence,
x x y y y z z
, , , , , ,
2 2 3 3 3 2 2
∵ A≥G
x x y y y z z
+ + + + + + x x y y y z z
⇒ 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 ≥ 7              
7 2 2 3 3 3 2 2

x +y +z 7 x 2 y 3 z2
⇒ ≥
7 4 × 27 × 4
1
7
⇒
7
 2 3 2 7
≥  x y z 
 16 × 27 
{∴ x + y + z = 7 ( Given)}
x 2 y 3 z2
⇒ ≤ 1 ⇒ x 2 y 3 z2 ≤ ( 16 × 27)
16 × 27

⇒ x 2 y 3 z2 ≤ 432 ∀ x, y, z > 0

Hence, the maximum value of x2 y3 z2 is 432.

Option (b) is the correct answer.

Concept Check 2

Step 1 : Finding relation between b and a, c

Given a, b, c are in HP
⇒ b is HM of a, c

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 15

Step 2 : Using the relation between means for a, b, c

As, a, b, c > 0 and a ≠ b ≠ c

⇒ A > G> H
⇒ GM of a, c > HM of a, c
⇒ ac > b ............( 1)

Step 3 : Using the relation between means for an , bn , cn

Now, as a, b, c > 0, then, an > 0, bn > 0, cn > 0
⇒ ancn > 0 and bn > 0

Raising both the sides in equation 1, by the power of n, we get,

⇒ ancn > bn ............ ( 2 )

GM of an and cn : GM = ancn

Using, AM > GM

an + cn
⇒ > ancn > bn ... from ( 2 )
2
an + cn
⇒ > bn
2
⇒ an + cn > 2bn

Hence, option ( c) is the correct answer.

We have,
Concept Check 3
1 2 3 4
S=
+ + + + ...
2 4 8 16
Step 1 : Splitting the given series into an AP and a GP and declaring it to be an AGP
 1  1  1  1
Let the sum of infinite terms of the⇒
series
S = be
1 denoted
 + 2 by S+ 3   + 4   + ...
2 4 8  16 
We have,
1 2 3 4
S= + + + + ...
2 4 8 16
 1  1  1 1, 2, 3, 4,1 ...
 are in an AP
⇒ S = 1   + 2   + 3   + 4   + ...
2 4  8 With a =1, d = 1
 16

1 1 1 1
1, 2, 3, 4, ... are in an AP , , , , ... are in a GP
2 4 8 12
With a = 1, d = 1 1 1
With b = , r =
2 2

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1 1 1 1
 16

Step 2 : Finding the nth term of the AGP
Then, the nth term is given as, t n = a + (n - 1) d brn-1
n
 1
⇒ t n =  1 + (n - 1) 1  
2
n
⇒ tn = n
2
1
Step 3 : Multiplying the sum of 10 terms by and subtracting from the sum of 10 terms
2
The sum of 10 terms can be written as,

S10 = t1 + t 2 + t 3 + ... + t10

1 2 3 4 10
⇒ S10 = + + + + ... + 10 …………( i )
2 4 8 16 2
1
Multiplying S10 with ,
2
1 1 2 3 4 10
⇒ S10 = + + + + ... + 11 …………( ii )
2 4 8 16 32 2

Subtracting equation ( ii ) from ( i ) ,

1 2 3 4 10
S10 = + + + + ... + 10
2 4 8 16 2
1 1 2 3 9 10
( -) 2
S10 = 0 + + +
4 8 16
+ ... + 10 + 11
2 2
__________________________________________

S10 1 1 1 1 1  10
S10 - = + + + + ... + 10  - 11
2 2 4 8 16 2  2

1  1 
10

1 -    1
2 Finite GP with the first term =
S10 
  2   10 2
⇒ = - 11 1
2 1 2 and the common ratio =
1 - 2
2
10
S 1 10
⇒ 10 = 1 -   - 11
2 2 2

S10 211 - 2 - 10
⇒ =
2 211

211 - 12
⇒ S10 = Option ( c ) is the correct answer.
210
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 17

Concept Check 4

Step 1 : Multiplying the series by x and subtracting from the series,

Let the sum of the infinite terms of the series be denoted by S

We have, S = 12 + 22 x + 32 x 2 + 42 x 3 + ...
S = (1 ) x + (2 ) x + (3 ) x + (4 ) x 3 + ...
2 0 2 2 2 2
.................( i )

Multiplying S with x,

x S = (12 ) x 1 + (22 ) x 2 + (32 ) x 3 + (42 ) x 4 + ... .................( ii )

Subtracting equation ( ii ) from ( i ) ,

S = (12 ) x 0 + (22 ) x + (32 ) x 2 + (42 ) x 3 + (52 ) x 4 + ...

( -) xS = 0 + ( 12 ) x 1 + (22 ) x 2 + (32 ) x 3 + (42 ) x 4 + ...
________________________________________________
S (1 - x) = 1 + 3x + 5x2 + 7x 3 + 9x 4 + ...

Step 2 : Observing the resulting series, we get an AGP

We get an AGP as,

S (1 - x) = 1 + 3 x + 5 x2 + 7 x3 + 9 x4 + ... ------------- ( iii)

1, 3, 5, 7, ... are in an AP x0, x, x2, x3, ... are in a GP

Step 3 : Multiply the S ( 1 - x ) with x and subtract from S ( 1 - x ) .

Multiplying S ( 1 - x ) with x,
x S( 1 - x ) = 1 x + 3 x 2 + 5 x 3 + 7 x 4 + 9 x5 + ... ----------- ( iv )

Subtracting equation ( iv ) from ( iii ) ,

S (1- x ) = 1 + 3 x + 5 x 2 + 7 x 3 + 9 x 4 + 11 x5 + ...
( -) x S (1- x ) = 0 + x + 3 x 2 + 5 x 3 + 7 x 4 + 9 x5 + ...
__________________________________________________ _
S ( 1 - x ) - x S ( 1 - x ) = 1 + 2x + 2x 2 + 2x 3 + 2x 4 + 2 x5 + ...

Step 4 : Identify the GP series and apply the relation of the sum of infinite terms of the GP.

S (1 - x)2 = 1 + 2 (x + x 2 + x 3 + x 4 + x5 + ...)
 a 
 S = ; r < 1
Sum of infinite GP with the  1- r 
first term = x and the common ratio = x
 x 
⇒ S (1 - x)2 = 1 + 2 
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1- x
 2 2 3 4 5
18 S (1 - x) = 1 + 2 (x + x + x + x + x + ...)
 a 
 S = ; r < 1
 1- r 

 x 
⇒ S (1 - x)2 = 1 + 2  
1- x
1 - x + 2x 1+ x
⇒ S (1 - x)2 = =
1- x 1- x
1+ x
⇒ S=
(1- x )
3

Option ( a) is the correct answer.

Self-Assessment

1. Recall the summation of the typical series and distribute the sigma over addition

20  n n (n + 1) 
Let, S = ∑ ( 1+ 2 + 3 + ... + k )  ∑x = 2

k=1  x=1 
20 k (k + 1)
⇒ S= ∑
k=1 2
1 20
⇒ S=
2
∑ (k
k=1
2
+k )
1  20 2 20
  n n (n + 1)( 2n + 1) 
⇒ S= ∑ k + ∑ k  ∑ x2 = 
2 k = 1 k=1  6
 x=1

1  20 × 21 × 41 20 × 21
⇒ S=  + 
2  6 2 
⇒ S = 1540 , is the required sum

2. Step 1 :

Define the series A and find the value of A

Recall the summation of series

We have,

A = Sum of first 20 terms of the series

⇒ A = 12 + 2 ⋅ 22 + 32 + 2 ⋅ 42 + 52 + . . . + 2 ⋅ 20 2

 n n (n + 1)( 2n + 1) 
⇒ A = 12 + 22 + 22 + 32 + 42 + 42 + 52 + ... + 20 2 + 20 2  ∑ x2 = 6

 x =1

(
⇒ A = 12 + 22 + 32 + ... + 20 2 ) + 2 (1
2 2
+ 22 + 32 + ... + 10 2 )
 20 × 21 × 41  10 × 11 × 21
⇒ A =   +4  

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 ⇒ A = 12 + 2 ⋅ 22 + 32 + 2 ⋅ 42 + 52 + . . . + 2 ⋅ 20 2
19  n n (n + 1)( 2n + 1) 
⇒ A = 12 + 22 + 22 + 32 + 42 + 42 + 52 + ... + 20 2 + 20 2  ∑ x2 = 6

 x =1 

⇒ A = ( 12 + 22 + 32 + ... + 20 2 ) + 22 ( 12 + 22 + 32 + ... + 10 2 )

 20 × 21 × 41  10 × 11 × 21
⇒ A =   +4  
 6   6 

⇒ A =
( 20 × 21) 41 + (2 × 11 × 1)
=
20 × 21 × 63
6 6
20 × 21 × 63
⇒ A = …............ ( i)
6

Step 2 :

Define the series B and find the value of B

Recall the summation of series

Similarly,
B = Sum of first 40 terms of the series

( )
⇒ B = 12 + 22 + 32 + ... + 40 2 + 22 12 + 22 + 32 + ... + 20 2 ( )
40 × 41 × 81  20 × 21 × 41
⇒ B= +4 
6  6 

⇒ B=
( 40 × 41) 81 + (2 × 21 × 1)
6

⇒ B=
( 40 × 41 × 123) …............ ( ii )
6

Step 3 :

Use the given relation between A, B, and λ , and find λ

Given, B - 2A = 100 λ ............ ( iii )

Substituting the values of A and B in ( iii ) , we get,

40 × 41 × 123  20 × 21 × 63 
-2   = 100 λ
6  6 
40
6
(5043 - 1323) = 100 λ
100 λ = 24800

λ = 248

Option ( b ) is the correct answer.

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