Table of Contents

Sequence and Series

 Theory ............................................................................................................................................... 2

 Solved examples ............................................................................................................................... 5

 Exercise - 1 : Basic Objective Questions ..........................................................................................12

 Exercise - 2 : Previous Year JEE Mains Questions ........................................................................... 17

 Exercise - 3 : Advanced Objective Questions ................................................................................. 22

 Exercise - 4 : Previous Year JEE Advanced Questions .................................................................... 28

 Answer Key ....................................................................................................................................... 34

 2 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

SEQUENCE AND SERIES

(iii) The common difference can be zero, positive or
1. DEFINITION negative.
Sequence is a function whose domain is the set N of natural (iv) The sum of the two terms of an AP equidistant
numbers. from the beginning & end is constant and equal
to the sum of first & last terms.
Real Sequence : A sequence whose range is a subset of R
is called a real sequence. (v) Any term of an AP (except the first) is equal to
half the sum of terms which are equidistant from
Series : If a1, a2, a3, a4, ........., an, .......... is a sequence, it. an = 1/2 (an – k + an + k), k < n.
then the expression
For k = 1, an = (1/2) (an – 1 + an + 1) ;
a1 + a2 + a3 + a4 + a5 + ........ + ......... + an + ......... is a
series. For k = 2, an = (1/2) (an – 2 + an + 2) and so on.
A series if finite or infinite according as the number of (vi) tr = Sr – Sr – 1
terms in the corresponding sequence is finite or infinite. (vii) If a, b, c are in AP  2 b = a + c.
Progressions : It is not necessary that the terms of a (viii) A sequence is an AP, iff its nth terms is of the form
sequence always follow a certain pattern or they are An + B i.e., a linear expression in n. The common
described by some explicit formula for the nth term. Those difference in such a case is A i.e., the coefficient of n.
sequences whose terms follow certain patterns are called
progressions. 1.2 Geometric Progression (GP)
1.1 An Arithmetic Progression (AP)
GP is a sequence of numbers whose first term is non zero
& each of the succeeding terms is equal to the proceeding
AP is a sequence whose terms increase or decrease by a
terms multiplied by a constant. Thus in a GP the ratio of
fixed number. This fixed number is called the common
successive terms is constant. This constant factor is called
difference. If a is the first term & d the common difference,
the COMMON RATIO of the series & obtained by dividing
then AP can be written as a n th term of this AP as
any term by that which immediately proceeds it. Therefore
tn = a + (n – 1) d, where d = an – an – 1.
a, ar, ar2, ar3, ar4, ........... is a GP with a as the first term &
The sum of the first n terms the AP is given by ; r as common ratio.
n n (i) nth term = a rn – 1
Sn   2a  (n  1)d   a  .
2 2
where  is the last term. (ii) Sum of the Ist n terms i.e. Sn =

a rn 1  ,if r  1.
r 1
(iii) Sum of an infinite GP when |r| < 1 when n  
a
rn  0 if |r| < 1 therefore, S = | r | 1 .
1 r
Properties of Arithmetic Progression
(iv) If each term of a GP be multiplied or divided by the
(i) If each term of an A.P. is increased, decreased, same non-zero quantity, the resulting sequence is
multiplied or divided by the same non zero also a GP.
number, then the resulting sequence is also an AP.
(v) Any 3 consecutive terms of a GP can be taken as
(ii) 3 numbers in AP are a – d, a, a + d; a/r, a, ar ; any 4 consecutive terms of a GP can be
4 numbers in AP are a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d ; taken as a/r3, a/r, ar ar3 & so on.
5 numbers in AP are a – 2d, a – d, a, a + d, a + 2d; (vi) If a, b, c are in GP  b2 = ac.
6 numbers in AP are a – 5d, a – 3d, a – d, a + d,
a + 3d; a + 5d.
SEQUENCE AND SERIES 3

Properties of Geometric Progressions

Sum of n AM’s inserted between a & b is equal to n
1. If all the terms of a GP be multiplied or divided
n
by the same non–zero constant, then it remains a times the single AM between a & b i.e.  A r  nA where
GP with the same common ratio. r 1

2. The reciprocals of the terms of a given GP forms A is the single AM between a & b.
a GP.
3. If each term of a GP be raised to the same power, 2.3 Geometric Mean
the resulting sequence also forms a G.P.
4. In a finite GP the product of the terms equidistant If a, b, c are in GP, b is the GM between a & c. b2 = ac,
form the beginning and the end is always same
therefore b = ac ; a > 0, c > 0.
and is equal to the product of the first and the last
term. 2.4 n-Geometric Means between a & b
5. Three non–zero numbers, a, b, c are in GP, if
b2 = ac. If a, b are two given numbers & a, G1, G2, ........, Gn, b are
6. If the terms of a given GP are chosen at regular in GP. Then G1, G2, G3, ............., Gn are n GMs between a
intervals, then the new sequence so formed also & b. G1 = a (b/a)1/n + 1 = ar, G2 = a (b/a)2/n + 1 = ar2, ............,
forms a GP. Gn a (b/a)n/n + 1 = arn where r = (b/a)1/ n + 1

7. If a1, a2, a 3, .... , an, .... is a GP of non–zero

non–negative terms, then log a 1 , log a 2 , ....
log an, .... is an AP and vice versa.

2. MEANS The product of n GMs between a & b is equal to the nth

n
n
2.1 Arithmetic Mean power of the single GM between a & b i.e.  G r  (G)
r 1

where G is the single GM between a & b.

If three terms are in AP then the middle term is called the
AM between the other two, so if a, b, c, are in AP, b is AM
of a & c. 2.5 Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic
AM for any n positive number a 1, a 2, ........., a n is ;
means between two given numbers
a1  a 2  a 3  .................  a n Let A, G and H be arithmetic, geometric and harmonic
A
n means of two positive numbers a and b. Then,

2.2 n-Arithmetic Means between Two Numbers ab 2ab

A , G  ab and H 
2 ab
If a, b are any two given numbers & a, A1, A2, ....., An, b are These three means possess the following properties
in AP then A1, A2, ..... An are n AM’s between a & b.
1. A>G>H
2. A, G, H form a GP i.e., G2 = AH.
ba 2(b  a) n (b  a)
A1  a  , A2  a  ,......, A n  a  3. The equation having a and b as its roots is
n 1 n 1 n 1 x2 – 2Ax + G2 = 0
A1= a + d, A2 = a + 2d, ............, An = a + nd, where
4. If A, G, H are arithmetic, geometric and harmonic
ba means between three given numbers a, b and c, then
d
n 1 the equation having a, b, c as its roots is

3G 2
x 3  3Ax 2  x  G 3  0.
H
 4 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

n
4 n
k  (n  1)(2n  1)(3n 2  3n  1)
k 1 30

4.4 Sum of first n odd numbers

Some important properties of Arithmetic & Geometric
Means between two quantities
n
2
1. If A and G are respectively arithmetic and   2 k  1  1  3  ...  (2n  1)  n
geometric means between two positive quantities k 1

a and b, then the quadratic equation having a, b

as its roots is x2 – 2Ax + G2 = 0. 5. ARITHMETICO-GEOMETRIC SERIES
2. If A and G be the AM and GM between two
A series each term of which is formed by multiplying the
positive numbers, then the number are
corresponding term of an AP & GP is called the
A  A2  G2 . Arithmetico-Geometric Series. e.g.
1 + 3x + 5x2 + 7x3 +............... Here, 1, 3, 5, ........ are in
3. SIGMA NOTATIONS AP & 1, x, x2, x3 ......... are in GP.

5.1 Sum of n terms of an Arithmetico-

3.1 Theorems
Geometric Series
n n n
Let Sn = a + (a + d) r + (a + 2 d) r2 + ..... +
(i)   a r  b r    a r   br
r 1 r 1 r 1 [a + (n – 1) d] rn – 1
n n n
a dr (1  r n 1 )  a  (n  1) d  r
(ii) ka
r 1
r  k a r
r 1
then Sn 
1 r

(1  r) 2

1 r
, r  1.

n
5.2 Sum to Infinity
(iii)  k  k  k  k...........
r 1
n times = nk ; where k is a

constant. If |r| < 1 & n 

a dr
4. SUM TO n TERMS OF SOME then Limit r n  0. S  
n  1  r (1  r) 2
SPECIAL SEQUENCES
6. HARMONIC PROGRESSION (HP)
4.1 Sum of first n natural numbers
A sequence is said to HP if the reciprocals of its terms are
in AP.
n
n  n  1
 k  1  2  3  .....  n  2
. If the sequence a1, a2, a3, ..............., an is an HP then
k 1 1/a1, 1/a2, .........., 1/an is an AP & converse. Here we do
not have the formula for the sum of the n terms of an HP.
4.2 Sum of the squares of first n For HP whose first terms is a & second term is b, then nth
natural numbers ab
term is t n 
b  (n  1)(a  b)
n
2 n  n  1  2n  1
k  12  2 2  .....  n 2  . 2ac a ab
k 1 6 If a, b, c are in HP  b  or  .
ac c bc
4.3 Sum of the higher powers of first n
7. HARMONIC MEAN
natural numbers
If a, b, c are in HP, b is the HM between a & c, then
2 2
n
3 3 3  n  n  1   n 
3
b = 2ac/[a + c].]
 k  1  2  ........  n     k 
2   k 1 
k 1 
 SEQUENCE AND SERIES 5

SOLVED EXAMPLES

Example - 1 Example - 3

Find Find the value of n if 1 + 4 + 7 + 10 +... to n terms = 590

th
(i) 24 term of the A.P. 5, 8, 11, 14...
Sol. 1 + 4 + 7 + 10 + .... to n terms = 590 a = 1, d = 4 – 1 = 3
(ii) 15th term of the A.P. 21, 16, 11, 6,...
n
 Sn  [2a  (n  1) d]
Sol. (i) 5, 8, 11, 14... 2
 a = 5; d = 8 – 5 = 3; n = 24
 n
 tn = a + (n–1) d 590  [2(1)  (n  1)3]
2
 t24 = 5 + (24 – 1) 3
 2 × 590 = n [2 +3n – 3]
= 5 + 23 × 3
 1180 = n [3n – 1]
= 5 + 69
 3n2 – n – 1180 = 0
 t24 = 74
 3n2 – 60n + 59n – 1180 = 0
(ii) 21, 16, 11, 6...
 3n(n – 20) + 59 (n – 20) = 0
a = 21, d = 16 – 21 = – 5; n = 15
 (3n + 59) (n – 20) = 0
 t15 = 21 + (15 – 1) (–5)
= 21 + (14) (–5) 59
 n or n  20
= 21 – 70 3

t15 = –49 59

‘n’ can not be negative, n 
Example - 2 3
 n = 20
If for a sequence (tn), Sn = 4n2 – 3n, show that sequence is
an A.P. Example - 4

Sol. Sn = 4n2 – 3n If for an A.P. S16 = 784, a = 4, find d

tn = Sn + 1 – Sn
Sol. S16 = 784, a = 4
= [4 (n + 1)2 – 3 (n + 1)] – [4n2 – 3n]
n
= 4n2 + 8n + 4 – 3n –3 – 4n2 + 3n  Sn  [2a  (n  1) d]
2
tn = 8n + 1
tn–1 = 8(n – 1) + 1 16
S16  [2(4)  (16  1) d]
= 8n – 8 + 1 2
= 8n – 7 784 = 8 [8 + 15d]
tn – tn–1 = (8n + 1) – (8n – 7) 784 = 64 + 120 d
= 8 = constant  720 = 120 d
Hence as the difference between two conseuctive terms is 720
constant, it is A.P.  d
120
 d=6
 6 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

Example - 5
1 
a   1  r   35
For the following G.P.’s find tn r 

(i) 1, –4, 16, –64, ... 1 35 35

1 r  
1 1 1 r a 10
(ii) 3, , ,
3 3 3 9 3 2 (1 + r + r2) = 7r
2r2 – 5r + 2 = 0
Sol.(i) 1, –4, 16, –64,... (r – 2) (2r – 1) = 0
a=1 r – 2 = 0 or 2r – 1= 0
4 r = 2 or 2r = 1
r  4
1 If a = 10, r = 2,
 tn = a(r)n–1 1
r = 2, r 
= 1 (–4)n–1 2
= (–4)n–1
a 10
for r = 2,   5, ar = 10 × 2 = 20
1 1 1 r 2
(ii) 3, , , , .....
3 3 3 9 3 the number are 5, 10, 20

a 3 1 a 10 1
for r  ,   20; ar  10   5
2 r 1/ 2 2
1
1 the number are 20, 10, 5
r 3 
3 3 a
(ii) Let , a, ar be three numbers in G.P..
r
 tn = a (rn–1)
n 1 a 13
1  a  ar  ... (i)
 3  r 3
3
a2 91
Example - 6  a 2  a 2r2  ... (ii)
r2 9
(i) Find three numbers in G.P. such that their sum is Taking square of (i)
35 and their product is 1000.
2 2
(ii) Find three numbers in G.P. such that their sum is a   13 
  a  ar    
91 r   3
13/3 and the sum of their squares is
3
a2 2a 2 169
2
 a 2  a 2r2   2a 2  2a  r 
r r 9
a
Sol.(i) Let three number are , a, ar
r  a2 2 2 2 a  169
 2  a  a r   2a   a  ar  
 r   r  9
a
 × a × ar = 1000
r 91  13  169
3
 2a   
a = 1000 9  3 9
a = 10 ... (1)
26a 169 91
 
3 9 9
 SEQUENCE AND SERIES 7

26a 26 Example - 8

3 3
2n  2
 a=1 If for a squence, t n  , show that the sequence is a
5n  3
1 13 G.P. Find its first term and the common ratio.
1 r 
r 3

1  r  r 2 13 2n 2
 Sol. t n 
r 3 5 n 3

3 + 3r + 3r2 = 13r 2 n.52


3r2 – 10r + 3 = 0 5n.53
(r – 3) (3r – 1) = 0
n
 53   2 
1  2  
r = 3 or r  2 5
3
n
a 1 125  2 
for r = 3,  , ar = 1 ×3 = 3   
r 3 4 5

1 125  2 
n 1
 three numbers are , 1, 3 Let t (n 1)   
3 4 5

1 a 1 1 1 1
for r  ,   3; ar  1  three numbers are 3, 1, n 1
3 r 1 3 3 3 125  2 
t (n 1)   2
3 4 5
 n
 = constant
tn 125  2  5
Example - 7  
4 5

If x, y and z are pth, qth and rth terms of a G.P. respectively Hence sequence is in GP
then show that xq–r. yr–p. zp–q = 1
125 2 25
t1  a   
Sol. Let A be the first term and R be the common ratio of the 4 5 2
given G.P. Then,
t n 1 2
x = pth term x = AR(p–1)  
tn 5
y = qth term y = AR(q–1)
and z = rth term z = AR(r–1) Example - 9
L.H.S.
For a G.P.
(p 1) q  r (q 1) r  p ( r 1) p  q
 AR  .AR  . AR  (i) If a = 2, r = 3, Sn = 242, find n.
(ii) If S3 = 125, S6 = 152. find r.
= A(q–r) R(p–1) (q–r) A(r–p) R(q–1) (r–p) A(p-q) R(r–1) (p–q)
= A(q–r+r–p+q–q) R(p–1) (q–r) + (q–1) (r–p) + (r–1) (p–q)
Sol.(i) a = 2, r = 3, Sn = 242
= A° Rpq–pr–q+t+qr–pq–r+p+pr–qr–p+q
= A° R° = 1  r n  1
Sn  a  
= R.H.S.  r 1 

 3n  1 
242  2  
 3 1 
 8 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

242 = 3n – 1
243 = 3n  0.1  1 
n 1  n 
 0.9  10 
35 = 3n
n=5
(ii) S3 = 125, S6 = 152,  (10 n )  1 
 10 n 
 r3  1  r 6  1 n  
S3  a   and S6  a   9
 r 1   r 1 

 r 6  1 10 n  1 
a n n 
S6 r 1  r6 1  9(10 ) 
  3  3
S3  r  1 r  1
a 
 r 1 
1   1 
n 1   10 n 
9   
152 r 6  1

125 r 3  1 (ii) Sn = 0.5 + 0.55 + 0.555 + ....
By dividendo = 5 (0.1 + 0.11 + 0.111 + .....)

152  125 r 6  1  (r 3  1)
 5
125 r3 1  (0.9 + 0.99 + 0.999 +.....)
9
27 r 6  1  r 3  1 r 3 (r 3  1)
  3 = [0.9 + 0.99 + 0.999 + ............]
125 r3 1 (r  1)
5
3  (1  0.1)  (1  0.01)  (1  0.001)  1000
3 9
3
  r
5
 
5
3  [(1+1+1+...) – (0.1 + 0.01 + 0.001 +...)]
 r 9
5

Example - 10 5  n  sum of n terms of GP with 


9  a  0.1 and r  0.1 

Find the sum to n terms.
(i) 0.9 + 0.99 + 0.999 + ....
5   (0.1) (1  0.1n )  
(ii) 0.5 + 0.55 + 0.555 + ....  n   
9   1  0.1  

Sol. Sn = [0.9 + 0.99 + 0.999 +.....]

= [(1–0.1) + (1 – 0.01) + (1–0.001)....] 5  0.1  1  
 n   1  n   
9  0.9  10  
= [(1+1+1+...) – (0.1 + 0.01 + 0.001 + ......)
= n – (sum of n terms in GP with a = 0.1 and r = 0.1)
5 1   1  
n
 n  1   n   
 (0.1) (1  0.1 )  9 9   10   
Sn  n   
 1  0.1 
 SEQUENCE AND SERIES 9

Example - 11 n
3
 Sn  2    2
Determine whether the sum of infinity of the following 2
G.P.s exist, in the case they exist then find
(i) 1, 2, 4, 8, 16.......... 3
 r 1
2
3 9 27
(ii) 1, , , ......... Sum of infinity does not exist.
2 4 8

5
5 5 5 5
(iii) 5, , , , ......... 1
2 4 8 16 (iii) a = 5, r  2 
5 2

Sol.(i) a = 1; r = 2
 1  rn 
Sn  a  
 1  rn   1 r 
Sn  a  
 1 r 
  1  n 
n
1  (2)  1  (2) n 1    
2
1  1  5   
 1  2   1    1  
 1  2  
  
Sn = [1–(2)n]
r=2>1
 The sum of infinity does not exist.
  1  n 
1    
2
(ii) a  1; r 
3 5   
2  3 
 2 
 
 1  rn 
 Sn  a  
 1 r 
10   1 n 
 Sn  1    
3   2  
  3 n 
1    
2
1    1
 3  |r| 1
 1 2  2
 

10   1 n 
 Sn  [1  0]      0 
3   2  
  3 n 
1    
2
1   
 1  10
  Sn 
 2  3

10
 Sum of infinity is of G.P..
 3 n
 3
Sn  2 1    
  2  
 10 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

Example - 12
3  xn  x2 
Sn  (1  x)   nx n 
Find Sn of the following arithmetic geometric sequence. 1 x  x  1 
(i) 3, 6x, 9x2, 12x3, 15x4 ........
3  n xn  x2 
(ii) 1, 3x, 5x2, 7x3, 9x4 ........  Sn  (1  x  nx )  
1 x  x 1 

Sol.(i) In the given sequence AP is (ii) 1, 3x, 5x2, 7x3, 9x4 ..........
3, 6, 9, 12........ In the given sequence A.P. will be
 a = 3, d = 6 – 3 = 3 1, 3, 5, 7, 9..........
nth term will be  a = 1, d = 2
tn = a + (n – 1) d  tn = a + (n–1) d
tn = 3 + (n – 1) 3 = 1 + 2n – 2
tn = 3n = 2n –1
And, G.P. is 1, x, x2, x3, x4, ........ In the given sequence GP will be
x  1, x, x2, x3 .......
 a  1, r  x
1  a = 1, r = x
 nth term will be  tn = arn–1
tn = arn–1 tn = xn–1
= (1) (x)n–1  Sn = 1 + 3x + 5x2 + 7x3 ....... + (2n – 3)
 tn = xn–1 . xn–2 + (2n – 1) xn ... (i)
Sn = 3 + 6n + 9x2 + 12x3 + 15x4 .... + 3(n–1) . xn–2 + 3n.xn–1 multiplying both the side by x.
Sn = 3 + 6x + 9x2 + 12x3 ......... + 3 (n – 1). xn–2 + 3n.xn–1  x Sn = x + 3x2 + 5x3 + 7x4 ........ + (2n –3) xn–1 + (2n–1) xn
...... (i) ... (ii)
multiplying both the side x. subtracting (ii) from (i)
x.Sn = 3x + 6x2 + 9x3 + 12x4 ... + 3 (n–1) xn–1 + 3n.xn ... (ii)  Sn –x Sn = [(1 + 3x + 5x2 + 7x3 ...... + (2n–3)
Subtracting (ii) from (i) xn–2 + (2n –1) xn – (x + 3x2 + 5x3 ..... + (2n–3) xn–1 + (2n–1) xn]
 Sn – x Sn = (3 + 6 x + 9x2 + 12x3... + 3 (n–1) xn–2 (1–x) Sn = 1 + 2x + 2x2 + 2x3 ... + 2xn–1 – (2n –1) xn
+ 3(n) xn-1 – (3x + 6x2 + 9x3+ 12x4+....+3 (n–1) xn–1+3nxn, = 1 [2 (x + x2 + x3 +.... xn–1)] – (2n – 1) xn
(1–x) Sn = 3 + 3x + 3x2 + 9x3 .. + 3xn–1 – 3nxn
 x 
= 3 + 3x [1 + x + x2 + x3 .... + xn–2] – 3nxn
 1  2.
 x 1
 x n 1  1  (2n  1) x n


 x 
 3  3x 1  (x n 2  1)   3nx n 2x n 2x
 x 1     (2n  1) x n
x 1 x 1

 x n 1 x  n 2x n  2x
 3  3x 1     3nx   (2n  1) x n
 x  1 x  1 x 1

2x(x n 1  1)
3x n 3x 2   (2n  1) x n
(1–x) Sn = 3 + 3x +   3nx n x 1
x 1 x 1
2x(x n 1  1) (2n  1) x n
 Sn  
(x  1) 2 (x  1)
 SEQUENCE AND SERIES 11

Example - 13 Example - 14

Find the following sums For a sequence, if Sn = 7 (4n–1), find tn and show that the
1.2.3 + 2. 3.4 + 3.4.5 +....+ n(n+1) (n+2) sequence is a G.P.

Sol. Tr1 = 1, 2, 3 = 1 + (r–1) 1 = r Sol. Sn = 7 (4n – 1)

Tr2 = 2, 3, 4 = 2 + (r–1) = r + 1 tn = Sn – Sn–1 = 7 [4n–1] – 7 [4n–1 – 1]
Tr3 = 3, 4, 5 = 3 (r–1) 1 = r + 2 (4) n
 7(4n )  7  7 7
 1.2.3 + 2.3.4 + 3.4.5 + .............. n terms 4
n n
  Tr1 . Tr2 .Tr3   (r (r  1) . (r  2))  1
r 1 r 1
 7  4n 1  
 4
n n n
  r 3   3r 2   2r 3
 7  4n   21[4n 1 ]
r 1 r 1 r 1 4

n 2 (n  1) 2 3n(n  1) (2n  1) 2n(n  1) t n 1 21[4 n 11 ] 4n

   r   4
4 6 2 tn 21[4 n 1 ] 4 n 1

n(n  1)  n(n  1)  common ratio is constant. Hence the given sequence is GP.
  2  (2n  1)  2 
2 Example - 15

n(n  1)  n(n  1)  4n  4  Find the sum of 1 + (1 + x) + (1 + x + x 2) +....+

  
2 2 (1 + x + x2 + ... + xn–1)

n(n  1)  n(n  1)  4n  6  Sol. Sn = 1 + (1 + x) + (1 + x + x2) +...+ (1 + x + x2 + ... + xn–1)

  
2 2 Tr = 1 + x + x2 +... xn–1
This is GP with first term 1 and common ratio ‘x’
n(n  1)  n 2  5n  6 
  
2  2  1 1  x r 
 tr  
1 x
n(n  1) (n  2) (n  3)

4 n
1  xr 1 n
1 n
r
Sn    1  1  x  x
r 1 1  x 1  x r 1 r 1

1 1  x(1  x n ) 
 (n)   
1 x 1 x  1 x 

n x(1  x n )
 
1  x (1  x)2
 12 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

EXERCISE - 1 : BASIC OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

AP 8. The 10th common term between the two arithmetic
1. nth term of the sequence progressions 3, 7, 11, 15 ..... and 1, 6, 11, 16 ......... is
a, a + d, a + 2d, ............. is (a) 191 (b) 193
(a) n + nd (b) a + (n – 1) d (c) 211 (d) None of these
(c) a + (n + 1) d (d) none of these 9. Three numbers are in A.P, such that their sum is 18 and sum
of their squares is 158. the greatest among them is
2. Let Tr be the rth term of an A.P., for r = 1, 2, 3,....... If for some
(a) 10 (b) 11
1 1
positive integers m, n. We have Tm  and Tn  , (c) 12 (d) None of these
n m
10. If roots of the equation x – 12 x2 + 39x – 28 = 0 are in AP, then
3
then Tmn equals :
its common difference is
1 1 1
(a) (b)  (a)  1 (b)  2
mn m n
(c) 1 (d) 0 (c)  3 (d)  4

3. If (x + 1), 3x and (4x + 2) are first three terms of an AP then its 11. The sum of first ten terms of a AP is four times the sum of its
5th term is first five terms, then ratio of first term and common difference
(a) 14 (b) 19 is

(c) 24 (d) 28 (a) 2 (b) 1/2

4. If 7th and 13th terms of an A.P. be 34 and 64 respectively, (c) 4 (d) 1/4
then its 18th term is 12. The sum of all odd numbers of two digits is
(a) 87 (b) 88 (a) 2530 (b) 2475
(c) 89 (d) 90 (c) 4905 (d) none of these
th
5. If an be the n term of an AP and if a7 = 15, then the value of 13. Sum of first n odd natural numbers is
the common difference that would make a2a7a12 greatest is (a) 2n + 1 (b) n2
(a) 9 (b) 9/4 (c) 2n – 1 (d) none of these
(c) 0 (d) 18 14. The sum of integers in between 1 and 100 which are divisible
by 2 or 5 is
6. Which of the following sequences is an A.P. with common
difference 3 ? (a) 3100 (b) 3600
(c) 2950 (d) 3500
(a) a n  2n 2  3n, n  N (b) a n  3n  5, n  N
15. If first term of an AP is 5, last term is 45 and the sum of the
2 terms is 400, then the number of terms is
(c) a n  3n 2  1, n  N (d) a n  2n  3, n  N
(a) 8 (b) 10
7. If a1 ,a 2 ,a 3 ,...., a n 1 are in A.P., then (c) 16 (d) 20

1 1 1 3  5  7  ........  n terms
  ,  7, then the value of n is
a1a 2 a 2a 3 a n a n 1 is 16. If
5  8  11  ........  10 terms

(a) 35 (b) 36
n 1 1
(a) a a (b) a a (c) 37 (d) 40
1 n 1 1 n 1

n 1 n
(c) a a (d) a a
1 n 1 1 n 1
 SEQUENCE AND SERIES 13

17. If for an A.P. T3 = 18 and T7 = 30 then S17 is equal to 25. The sum of first n (odd) terms of an A.P. whose middle term
(a) 612 (b) 622 is m is

(c) 306 (d) none of these (a) mn (b) mn

(c) nm (d) none of these
n(n  1)
18. If Sn  n P  Q, where Sn denotes the sum of the GP
2
26. If x, 2x + 2 and 3x + 3 are first three terms of a G.P., then its 4th
first n terms of an A.P., then the common difference is
term is
(a) P + Q (b) 2P + 3Q
(a) 27 (b) – 27
(c) 2Q (d) Q
(c) – 27/2 (d) 27/2
19. Let Sn denote the sum of first n terms of an A.P. If S2n = 3 Sn
27. If first, second and eight terms of a G.P. are respectively
then the ratio S3n/Sn is equal to n–4, nn, n52, then the value of n is
(a) 4 (b) 6 (a) 1 (b) 10
(c) 8 (d) 10 (c) 4 (d) none of these
20. If a1 ,a 2 ,a 3 , ......... is an A.P such that
a4 1
28. Let a1 ,a 2 ,a 3 ,.........., a n ,........... be a GP such that 
a1  a 5  a10  a15  a 20  a 24  225, a6 4

then a1  a 2  a 3  ........  a 23  a 24 is equal to and a 2  a 5  216. Then, a1 =

(a) 909 (b) 75 108

(a) 12 or, (b) 10
(c) 750 (d) 900 7
21. The first, second and middle term of an AP are a, b, c
54
respectively. Sum of all terms is (c) 7 or, (d) None of these
7
2 c  a  2c  c  a 
(a) (b) c 29. If a1 ,a 2 ,a 3 (a1  0) are three successive terms of a G.P. with
ba ba
common ratio r, the value of r for which a 3  4a 2  3a1 holds
2c  b  a  2b  c  a  is given by
(c) (d)
ca ba (a) 1 < r < 3 (b) –3 < r < – 1
22. The sum of the series (c) r > 3 or r < 1 (d) None of these
a – (a + d) + (a + 2d) – (a + 3d) + .... upto (2n + 1) terms is 30. If the first and the nth terms of a G.P. are a and b respectively
2
(a) – nd (b) a + 2 nd and P is the product of the first n terms, then P =
n
(c) a + nd (d) 2nd (a) ab (b) (ab)
n/2 2n
bca ca b a bc (c) (ab) (d) (ab)
23. If , , are in A.P. then
a b c 31. The second, third and sixth terms of an A.P. are consecutive
which of the following is in A.P. terms of a G.P. The common ratio of the G.P. is

(a) a, b, c (b) a2, b2, c2 (a) 1 (b) –1

(c) 3 (d) –3
1 1 1
(c) , , (d) none of these 32. The fourth, seventh and tenth terms of a G.P. are p, q, r
a b c
respectively, then
x x
24. If log 2, log (2 – 1) and log (2 + 3) are in AP, then the value
(a) p2  q 2  r 2 (b) q 2  pr
of x is given by
(a) 5/2 (b) log2 5 (c) p2  qr (d) pqr + pq + 1 = 0
(c) log3 5 (d) log5 3
 14 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

33. If pth, qth and rth terms of an A.P. are equal to corresponding 42. If the sum of first two terms of an infinite GP is 1 and every
terms of a G.P. and these terms are respectively x, y, z, then term is twice the sum of all the successive terms, then its
xy – z . yz – x . zx – y equals first term is
(a) 0 (b) 1 (a) 1/3 (b) 2/3
(c) 2 (d) none of these (c) 1/4 (d) 3/4
34. The sum of first n terms of the series.
43. The value of .423 is
1 – 1 + 1 – 1 + ... is
(a) 1 if n is odd and 0 when n is even 419 423
(a) (b)
999 999
(b) –1
(c) (–1)n (d) ± 1 423
(c) (d) none
th
35. The n term of a GP is 128 and the sum of its n terms is 255. 100
If its common ratio is 2 then its first term is 44. Three numbers form an increasing GP. If the middle number
(a) 1 (b) 3 is doubled, then the new numbers are in AP. The common
(c) 8 (d) none of these ratio of the GP is

36. If the sum of first 6 terms of a G.P. is nine times of the sum of (a) 2  3 (b) 2  3
its first three terms, then its common ratio is
(c) 3 2 (d) 3  2
(a) 1 (b) 3/2
(c) 2 (d) – 2 45. If a, b, c, d are in G.P. then an + bn, bn + cn, cn + dn are in

37. In a G.P. of even numbers of terms, the sum of all terms is 5 (a) A.P. (b) G.P.
times the sum of odd terms. The common ration of the GP is (c) H.P. (d) none of these
46. If a, b, c, d are in G.P., then (a 3 + b 3) –1, (b 3 + c 3) –1,
4 1
(a)  (b) (c3 + d3)–1 are in
5 5
(a) A.P. (b) G.P.
(c) 4 (d) None of these
(c) H.P. (d) none of these
2
38. If S = 1 + a + a +........ to  (a  1), then the value of a is 47. If a, b, c are in G.P. and a = b1/y = c1/z then x, y, z are in
1/x

S S (a) A.P. (b) G.P.

(a) (b) (c) H.P. (d) none of these
S 1 1 S
48. The product of first n (odd) terms of a G.P. whose middle
S 1 1 S term is m is
(c) (d)
S S
(a) mn (b) mn
39. The value of 91/3  91/9  91/27 ....... to , is (c) nm (d) none of these

(a) 1 (b) 3 AGP

(c) 9 (d) None of these 49. The sum to n terms of the series

40. The sum of an infinite G.P. is 4 and the sum of the cubes of 2
 1  1
its terms is 192. The common ratio of the original G.P. is 1  2  1    3  1    .... is given by
 n   n
(a) 1/2 (b) 2/3
(c) 1/3 (d) –1/2 (a) n2 (b) n (n + 1)
2
41. If the sum of an infinitely decreasing GP is 3, and the sum of (c) n (1 + 1/n) (d) none of these
the squares of its terms is 9/2, the sum of the cubes of the 50. 1 + 2.2 + 3.2 + 4.2 + .... + 100.299 equals
2 3

terms is (a) 99.2100 (b) 100.2100

(a) 105/13 (b) 108/13 (c) 1 + 99.2100 (d) none of these
(c) 729/8 (d) none of these
 SEQUENCE AND SERIES 15

58. If A1, A2 are two A.M.S. between two numbers a and b, then
1 1
51. Sum of infinite terms of series 3  5 .  7 . 2  .... is (2A1 – A2) (2A2 – A1) is equal to
4 4
(a) 33/4 (b) 11/4 ab
(a) a + b (b)
ab
(c) 44/9 (d) 44/8
(c) ab (d) none of these
52. If r term of a series is (2r + 1) 2–r, then sum of its infinite
th

terms is 59. If 4 AM’s are inserted between 1/2 and 3 then 3rd AM is
(a) 10 (b) 8 (a) – 2 (b) 2
(c) 5 (d) 0 (c) – 1 (d) 1
th
60. Six arithmetic means are inserted between 1 and 9/2, the 4
1 1
53. If 3  (3  d)  2 (3  2d) + ......... to   8, then the arithmetic mean is
4 4
(a) 2 (b) 1
value of d is
(c) 3 (d) 4
(a) 9 (b) 5
61. n AM’s are inserted between 2 and 38. If third AM is 14 then
(c) 1 (d) None of these n is equal to
HP (a) 9 (b) 7
3 (c) 8 (d) 10
54. The fourth term of the sequence 3, , 1, ......... is
2 62. If 4 GM’s be inserted between 160 and 5, then third GM will
be
3 4
(a) (b) (a) 8 (b) 118
4 3
(c) 20 (d) 40
2 63. If g1, g2 are two G.M.S. between two numbers a and b, then
(c) (d) none of these
3
g12 g 22
55. Let the positive numbers a,b,c,d be in A.P. Then, abc, abd,  is equal to
g 2 g1
acd, bcd are
(a) not in A.P./G.P./H.P. (b) in A.P. (a) a + b (b) ab
(c) in G.P. (d) in H.P. ab
(c) (d) none of these
56. If a1 ,a 2 ,a 3 , .........., a n are in H.P. then ab
64. If A1, A2 be two AM’s and G1, G2 be two GM’s between two
a1 a2 a3
, , , A1  A 2
a 2  a 3  ...  a n a1  a 3  ...  a n a1  a 2  a 4  ...  a n
numbers a and b, then G G is equal to
1 2

an
.....,
a1  a 2  ....  a n are in (a)
ab
(b)
2ab
2ab ab
(a) A.P. (b) G.P.
(c) H.P. (d) A.G.P. ab ab
(c) (d)
ab ab
AM and GM
65. If one A.M. ‘a’ and two G.M.’s p and q be inserted between
a n  bn
57. The value of n, for which n 1 is A.M. between a and any two numbers, then the value of p3  q3 is
a  b n 1
b is
2 pq
(a) 0 (b) 1 (a) (b) 2 apq
a
(c) –1/2 (d) –1
(c) 2 ap2q 2 (d) None of these
 16 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

SIGMANOTATION 4006 4003

66. The sum of all numbers between 100 and 10,000 which are of (a) (b)
3006 3007
the form n3  n  N is equal to
4006 4006
(a) 55216 (b) 53261 (c) (d)
3008 3009
(c) 51261 (d) none of these 75. The limiting value of the sum to n terms of the series
67. Sum of n term of series 1.3 + 3.5 + 5.7 + ...... is
3 5 7
(a) 1/3n (n + 1) (2n + 1) + n    .......... as n   is
12.22 22.32 32.42
(b) 2/3n (n + 1) (2n + 1) – n
(a) 0 (b) 2
(c) 2/3n (n – 1) (2n – 1) – n
(d) none of these 1
(c) (d) 1
2
68. If 1 + 2 + 3 + ..... + n = 45, then 13 + 23 + 33 +....+ n3 is
76. The sum to n terms of the series
(a) (45)2 (b) (45)3
(c) (45)2 + 45 (d) none of these 3 5 7
 2  2  ......., is
2 2 2
69. The sum of series 1.3 + 2.5 + 3.7 + . . . upto 20 terms is 1 1  2 1  2 2  32
2 2

(a) 188090 (b) 189080

6n 9n
(c) 199080 (d) None (a) (b)
n 1 n 1
DIFFERENCEMETHOD
12n 3n
70. Sum of the series 4 + 6 + 9 + 13 + 18 + ......... n terms, is (c) (d)
n 1 n 1
n 2
(a)
6

n  3n  20  2
(b) n + 3n + 20 MISCELLANEOUS

1 3 7
n 2 77. nth term of sequence    ......... is
(c)
3

n  3n  20  (d) None of these 2 4 8

1  2(n  1) 1
71. Sum of the series 3 + 7 + 14 + 24 + 37 + .... 10 terms, is (a) (b) 1 
2n 2n
(a) 560 (b) 570 –n
(c) 2 – 1 (d) none of these
(c) 580 (d) none of these
1 1 1
72. Sum of the series 1 + 4 + 13 + 40 + 121 + ....... 16 terms, is 78. The nth term of the sequence , , , ....... is
17 17
2 6 12
(a) (3 – 35)/4 (b) 3 – 35
17 17 1 1 1
(c) (3 – 33)/2 (d) (3 – 32)/4 (a) (b) 
n2  n n n 1
CANCELLATION METHOD
1 1
1 1 1 (c) (d)
73. The sum to n terms of the series    ..... is n2 1 n 1
1.3 3.5 5.7
79. 9th term of the sequence
1 2n 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, ...... is
(a) (b)
2n  1 2n  1 (a) 13 (b) 34

n 2n (c) 21 (d) none of these

(c) (d) 80. The sum of the series
2n  1 n 1

1 1  3x  6x 2  10x3  ...... is
74. If t n  (n  2) (n  3) for n = 1, 2, 3, .........., then
4
1 1
(a) (b)
1 1 1 1 (1  x) 2 1 x
   .......  
t1 t 2 t 3 t 2003
1 1
(c) (d)
(1  x)2 (1  x)3
 SEQUENCE AND SERIES 17

EXERCISE - 2 : PREVIOUS YEAR JEE MAINS QUESTIONS

1. If 1, log9 (31–x + 2), log3 [4. 3x – 1] are in AP, then x equals   

(2002) 7. If x   n 0
an , y  
n 0
bn , z  c
n 0
n
where a, b, c are in A.P..

(a) log3 4 (b) 1 – log3 4

and |a| < 1, |b| < 1, |c| < 1 then x, y, z are in (2005)
(c) 1 – log4 3 (d) log 4 3
(a) HP
2. Sum of infinite number of terms in GP is 20 and sum of their
(b) Arithmetic–Geometric progression
square is 100. The common ratio of GP is (2002)
(c) AP
(a) 5 (b) 3/5
(d) GP
(c) 8.5 (d) 1/5
8. If a 1 , a 2 , ...., a n are in H.P., then the expression
3. The value of 21/4 . 41/8 . 81/16 . . is (2002)
a1a2 + a2a3 +....+ an–1 an is equal to (2006)
(a) 1 (b) 2
(a) n (a1 – an)
(c) 3/2 (d) 4
(b) (n – 1) (a1 – an)
4. Fifth term of an GP is 2, then the product of its first 9 terms
(c) na1 an
is (2002)
(d) (n – 1) a1 an
(a) 256 (b) 512
(c) 1024 (d) none of these a1  a 2  ...  a p p2
9. Let a1, a2, a3, ... be terms of an AP. If  ,
5. Let Tr be the rth term of an A.P. whose first term is a and a1  a 2  ...  a q q2
common difference is d. If for some positive integers m, n,
a6
1 1 p  q, then equals (2006)
m n, Tm  , and Tn  , then a – d equals a 21
n m

(2004)
7 2
(a) (b)
1 2 7
(a) (b) 1
mn
11 41
(c) (d)
1 1 41 11
(c) 0 (d) 
m n 10. If p and q are positive real numbers such that p2 + q2 = 1,
6. The sum of the first n terms of the series then the maximum value of (p + q) is (2007)

n (n  1)2 1
12 + 2.22 + 32 + 2.42 + 52 + 2.62 + ... is when n is (a) 2 (b)
2 2

even. When n is odd the sum is (2004)

1
(c) (d) 2
3n (n  1)
2
n (n  1) 2
(a) (b)
2 2

2
n (n  1) 2  n (n  1) 
(c) (d)  
4  2 
 18 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

11. In a geometric progression consisting of positive terms, 16. A man saves Rs. 200 in each of the first three months of
each term equals the sum of the next two terms. Then the his service. In each of the subsequent months his saving
common ratio of this progression, equals (2007) increases by Rs. 40 more than the saving of immediately
previous month. His total saving from the start of service
1 will be Rs. 11040 after (2011)
(a) 5 (b) ( 5  1)
2
(a) 19 months (b) 20 months
1 1 (c) 21 months (d) 18 months
(c) (1  5 ) (d) 5
2 2 17. Statement 1 The sum of the series 1 + (1 + 2 + 4) +
12. The first two terms of a geometric progression add up to (4 + 6 + 9) + (9 + 12 + 16) + ... + (361 + 380 + 400) is 8000.
12. The sum of the third and the fourth terms is 48. If the n
3
terms of the geometric progression are alternately positive Statement 2  (k  (k  1)3 )  n 3 , for any natural
k 1
and negative, then the first term is (2008)
(a) 4 (b) – 4 number n. (2012)

(c) – 12 (d) 12 (a) Statement 1 is false, statement 2 is tgrue.

13. The sum to the infinity of the series (b) Statement 1 is true, statement 2 is true;
Statement 2 is a correct explanation for statement 1.
2 6 10 14
1   2  3  4  ... is (2009) (c) Statement 1 is true, statement 2 is true;
3 3 3 3
statement 2 is not a correct explanation for statement 1.
(a) 3 (b) 4
(d) Statement 1 is true, statement 2 is false.
(c) 6 (d) 2
18. If 100 times the 100th term of an AP with non-zero common
14. A person is to count 4500 currency notes. Let an denotes difference equals the 50 times its 50th term, then the 150th
the number of notes he counts in the nth minute. If term of this AP is (2012)
a1 = a2 = .... = a10 = 150 and a10, a11,... are in AP with common
(a) – 150 (b) 150 times its 50th term
difference –2, then the time taken by him to count all notes,
is (2010) (c) 150 (d) zero

(a) 24 min (b) 34 min 19. The sum of first 20 terms of the sequence 0.7, 0.77, 0.777,...,
is (2013)
(c) 125 min (d) 135 min
15. Let a n be the nth term of an AP. If 7 7
(a) (179  10 20 ) (b) (99  10 20 )
100 100
81 9
 a 2r   and  a 2r 1  , then the common difference
r 1 r 1
7 7
(c) (179  10 20 ) (d) (99  1020 )
of the AP is (2011) 81 9

  20. If x, y and z are in AP and tan–1 x, tan–1 y and tan–1 z are also
(a) (b) –  in AP, then (2013)
200
(a) x = y = z (b) 2x = 3y = 6z
  (c) 6x = 3y = 2z (d) 6x = 4y = 3z
(c) (d) – 
100
21. Three positive numbers form an increasing G.P. If the middle
term in this G.P. is doubled, the new numbers are in A.P.
Then the common ratio of the G.P. is : (2014)

(a) 2  3 (b) 2 3

(c) 3  2 (d) 2  3
SEQUENCE AND SERIES 19

22. If (10)9 + 2(11)1 (10)8 + 3 (11)2 (10)7 +...+10 (11)9 = k (10)9, then 28. The least positive integer n such that
k is equal to : (2014)
2 2 2 1
1   .....  n 1  , is: (2014/Online Set–3)
121 3 32 3 100
(a) 110 (b)
10
(a) 4 (b) 5
441 (c) 6 (d) 7
(c) (d) 100
100
29. The number of terms in an A.P. is even; the sum of the odd
23. Given an A.P. whose terms are all positive intergers. The terms in it is 24 and that the even terms is 30. If the last
sum of its first nine terms is greater than 200 and less than
1
220. If the second term in it is 12, then its 4th term is term exceeds the first term by 10 then the number of
2
(2014/Online Set–1)
terms in the A.P. is : (2014/Online Set–4)
(a) 8 (b) 16
(a) 4 (b) 8
(c) 20 (d) 24
(c) 12 (d) 16
3 5 7
24. if then sum 2
 2 2
  .....  up to 20  1 3n 
1 1 2 1  2 2  32
2
30. Let f (n)     n, where [n] denotes the greatest
 3 100 
k
terms is equal to , then k is equal to : 56
21
integer less than or equal to n. Then  f (n) is equal to:
n 1
(2014/Online Set–1)
(2014/Online Set–4)
(a) 120 (b) 180
(a) 56 (b) 689
(c) 240 (d) 60
(c) 1, 287 (d) 1, 399
25. In a geometric progression, if the ratio of the sum of first 5
31. The sum of first 9 terms of the series
terms to the sum of their reciprocals is 49, and the sum of
the first and the third term is 35. Then the first term of this 13 13  23 13  23  33
   ....... is (2015)
geometric progression is: (2014/Online Set–2) 1 1 3 1 3  5
(a) 7 (b) 21
(a) 142 (b) 192
(c) 28 (d) 42
(c) 71 (d) 96
26. The sum of the first 20 terms common between the series
32. If m is the A.M. of two distinct real number l and n
3 + 7 + 11 + 15 + .... and 1 + 6 + 11 + 16 + ...., is
(l, n > 1) and G1, G2 and G3 are three geometric means
(2014/Online Set–2)
between l and n, then G14  2G24  G34 equals. (2015)
(a) 4000 (b) 4020
(a) 4 lmn2 (b) 4 l 2m2n2
(c) 4200 (d) 4220
(c) 4 l 2mn (d) 4 lm2n
27. Let G be the geometric mean of two positive numbers a
33. Let the sum of the first three terms of an A.P. be 39 and the
1 1 1 sum of its last four terms be 178. If the first term of this
and b, and M be the arithmetic mean of and If :G
a b M A.P. is 10, then the median of the A.P. is :
is 4 : 5, then a : b can be: (2014/Online Set–3) (2015/Online Set–1)
(a) 1 : 4 (b) 1 : 2 (a) 29.5 (b) 26.5
(c) 2 : 3 (d) 3 : 4 (c) 28 (d) 31
 20 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

34. The sum of the 3rd and the 4th term of a G.P. is 60 and the 40. If the arithmetic mean of two numbers a and b, a > b > 0, is
product of its first three terms is 1000. If the first term of
ab
this G.P. is positive, then its 7th term is : five times their geometric mean, then is equal to :
ab
(2015/Online Set–2)
(2017/Online Set–1)
(a) 7290 (b) 640
(c) 2430 (d) 320 6 3 2
(a) (b)
35. If the 2nd, 5th and 9th terms of a non-constant A.P. are in G.P, 2 4
then the common ratio of this G.P. is : (2016)
7 3 5 6
4 (c) (d)
(a) (b) 1 12 12
3
41. If the sum of the first n terms of the series
7 8
(c) (d) 3  75  243  507  ...... is 435 3, then n equal :
4 5

36. If the sum of the first ten terms of the series (2017/Online Set–1)
2 2 2 (a) 18 (b) 15
 3  2  1 2  4 16
1    2    3   4   4   ......, is 5 m, then (c) 13 (d) 29
 5  5  5  5

m is equal to : (2016) 42. If three positive numbers a, b and c are in A.P. such that
abc = 8, then the minimum possible value of b is :
(a) 101 (b) 100
(2017/Online Set–2)
(c) 99 (d) 102
37. Let x, y, z be positive real numbers such that 1
(a) 2 (b) 4 3
x + y + z = 12 and x3y4z5 = (0.1) (600)3. Then x3 + y3 + z3 is
equal to : (2016/Online Set–1) 2
(c) 4 3 (d) 4
(a) 270 (b) 258
(c) 342 (d) 216 1 1 2 1 2  3
43. Let Sn   3  3 
38. Let a1,a 2 ,a 3 ....., a n ,..... be in A.P. If 1 1  2 1  23  33
3 3

a 3  a 7  a11  a15  72, then the sum of its first 17 1  2  ...........  n

.  . If 100 S = n, then n is equal
terms is equal to : (2016/Online Set–2) 13  23  ...........  n 3 n

(a) 306 (b) 153 to : (2017/Online Set–2)

(c) 612 (d) 204 (a) 199 (b) 99
39. For any three positive real numbers (c) 200 (d) 19
2 2 2
a, b and c, 9(25a + b ) + 25 (c – 3ac) = 15b (3a + c). Then:
44. Let a1 ,a 2 , a 3 ,....., a 49 be in A.P. such that
(2017)
12
(a) b, c and a are in G.P (b) b, c and a are in A. P  a 4k 1  416 and a 9  a 43  66 . If
k 0
(c) a, b and c are in A.P (d) a, b and c are in G.P
a12  a 22  ....  a17
2
 140m, then m is equal to :

(2018)
(a) 33 (b) 66
(c) 68 (d) 34
SEQUENCE AND SERIES 21

2 3 n
1 1 1  3  3  3 n-1  3 
LetA n =   -   +   - ... +  -1    and B = 1 – A .
45. If x1, x2, . . ., xn and , ,...., are two A.P.s such that 48.
h1 h2 hn 4 4 4 4 n n

x3= h2 = 8 and x8= h7 = 20, then x5Ŕh10 equals : Then, the least odd natural number p, so that Bn > A n , for
(2018/Online Set–1) all n  p, is : (2018/Online Set–2)
(a) 2560 (b) 2650 (a) 9 (b) 7
(c) 3200 (d) 1600 (c) 11 (d) 5
46. If b is the first term of an infinite G.P. whose sum is five,
then b lies in the interval : (2018/Online Set–1) 1 1 1
49. Let , ,...,  x i  0,fori = 1,2,...,n  be in A.P. such
x1 x 2 xn
(a)  - , - 10 (b)  -10, 0 
that x1=4 and x21 =20. If n is the least positive integer for
(c)  0, 10  (d) 10,   n
1
47. If a, b, c are in A.P. and a2,b2, c2 are in G.P. such that
which xn > 50, then   x  is equal to :
i=1 i

3 (2018/Online Set–3)
a <b < c and a + b + c = , then the value of a is :
4
1
(2018/Online Set–2) (a) (b) 3
8
1 1 1 1
(a) - (b) - 13 13
4 4 2 4 3 2 (c) (d)
8 4
1 1 1 1 50. The sum of the first 20 terms of the series
(c) - (d) -
4 2 2 4 2
3 7 15 31
1 + + + + + ..., is (2018/Online Set–3)
2 4 8 16

1 1
(a) 38 + (b) 38 +
219 220

1 1
(c) 39 + (d) 39 +
220 219
 22 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

EXERCISE - 3 : ADVANCED OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

2 2
Single Type Question 6. If ,  be roots of x – 3x + a = 0 and ,  are the roots of x
– 12x + b = 0 and , , ,  (in order) form an increasing G.P.,
1. The first and last term of an A.P. are a and l respectively. If
then
s be the sum of all terms of the A.P., then common difference
is (a) a = 3, b = 12 (b) a = 12, b = 13
(c) a = 2, b = 32 (d) a = 4, b = 16
2  a 2 2  a 2
(a) (b) 7. If a, b, c are three unequal numbers such that a, b, c are in
2s  (  a ) 2s  (  a ) A.P. and b – a, c – b, a are in G.P., then a : b : c =
(a) 2 : 3 : 5 (b) 1 : 2 : 4
2  a 2 2  a 2
(c) (d) (c) 1 : 3 : 5 (d) 1 : 2 : 3
2s  (  a ) 2s  (  a )
8. The sum of n terms of the following series
2
3  5  7  ...to n terms 1 + (1 + x) + (1 + x + x ) + . . . will be
2. If  7, then n =
5  8  11  ...to 10 terms
1 x n x (1  x n )
(a) (b)
(a) 35 (b) 36 1 x 1 x
(c) 37 (d) 40
n (1  x )  x (1  x n )
3. If a1, a2, a3, . . ., an are in A.P. where ai > 0 Vi , then (c) (d) none
(1  x ) 2

1 1 1 9. If the third term of a G.P. is 4, then the product of its first 5

  ...  
a1  a 2 a 2  a3 a n 1  a n terms is
3 4
(a) 4 (b) 4
5
n 1 n 1 (c) 4 (d) None
(a) a1  a n (b) a1  a n 10. If a, b, c are three unequal numbers such that a, b, c are in
A.P. and b – a, c – b, 4a – c are in G.P. then a : b : c is
n 1 n 1 (a) 1 : 2 : 3 (b) 1 : 3 : 4
(c) a1  a n (d) a1  a n (c) 2 : 3 : 4 (d) 1 : 2 : 4
2
4. If the sum of the 10 terms of an A.P. is 4 times to the sum of 11. The least value of n for which the sum 1 + 3 + 3 + .... to n
its 5 terms, then the ratio of first term and common terms is greater than 7000. is
difference is (a) 7 (b) 9
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 2 : 1 (c) 11 (d) 13
(c) 2 : 3 (d) 3 : 2 12. If a, 4, b are in AP; a, 2, b are in G.P., then a, 1, b are in
(a) HP (b) AP
n
5. A series whose nth term is  y, the sum of r terms will be (c) GP (d) none of these
x
13. If p, q, r are in A.P., then pth, qth and rth terms of any G.P.
r (r  1) r ( r  1) are in
(a)  ry (b)
2x 2x (a) A.P. (b) G.P.
(c) H.P. (d) A.G.P.
r r (r  1)
(c) (r  1)  ry (d) 2 y  rx
2x
SEQUENCE AND SERIES 23
th th 2 2 2
14. In a G.P. if the (m + n) term be p and (m – n) term be q then 22. If a, b, c are 3 positive numbers in A.P. and a , b , c are in
th
the m term is H.P., then
(a) a = b = c (b) 2b = 3a + c
(a) pq (b) p /q
1/ 2
2  ac 
(c) q /p (d) p /q (c) b =   (d) None
8
15. The fourth, seventh and tenth terms of a G.P. are p, q, r
respectively then, ba bc
2 2 2 2
23. If a, b, c are in H.P., then the value of  is
(a) p = q + r (b) q = pr ba bc
2
(c) p = qr (d) pqr + pq + 1 = 0 (a) 0 (b) 1
16. The sum of an infinite G.P. series is 3. A series which is (c) 2 (d) 3
formed by squares of its terms have the sum also 3. First 24. The sum of three consecutive terms in G.P. is 14. If 1 is
series will be added to the first and the second term and 1 subtracted
from the third, the resulting new terms are in A.P. Then the
3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1
(a) , , , ... (b) , , , ,... lowest of the original terms is
2 4 8 16 2 4 8 16
(a) 1 (b) 2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (c) 4 (d) 8
(c) , , , ,... (d) 1, , 2 , 3 ,...
3 9 27 81 3 3 3 25. If ln (x + z) + ln (x – 2y + z) = 2 ln (x – z), then x, y, z are in
(a) A.P (b) G.P
a 1 2
17. If a, b, c are in A.P., then , . are in
bc c b (c) H.P (d) none of these
1/3 1/9 1/27
26. The value of 9 . 9 . 9 ...... will be
(a) A.P. (b) G.P.
2 3
(a) 3 (b) 3
(c) H.P. (d) None

18. If a, b, c are in H.P., then which one of the following is true (c) 3 (d) 3

1 1 1
1 1 1 ac y
(a)   (b) b 27. If ax  b  c z and a, b, c in G.P., then x, y, z are in
ba bc b ac
(a) A.P. (b) G.P.
ba bc (c) H.P. (d) none
(c)  1 (d) None
ba bc
28. The harmonic mean of roots of the equation
19. 1 + 3 + 7 + 15 + 31 + . . . to n terms =
n+1 n+1 (5  2 ) x 2  (4  5 ) x  (8  2 5 )  0 is
(a) 2 –n (b) 2 –n–2
n
(c) 2 – n – 2 (d) None (a) 2 (b) 4
20. If x, 1, z are in A.P. and x, 2, z are in G.P., then x, 4, z will be in (c) 6 (d) 8
(a) A.P. (b) G.P. 2
(c) H.P. (d) None 29. The harmonic mean between two numbers is 14 and the
5
21. If the sum of n terms of G.P. is S, product is P and sum of geometric mean is 24. The greatest number between them
2
their inverses is R, then P = is :
(a) R/S (b) S/R (a) 72 (b) 36
n n
(c) (R/S) (d) (S/R) (c) 18 (d) 60
 24 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

30. If a, b and c are positive real numbers, then the least value 37. The sum of the n terms of the series

1 1 1 1 + (1 + 3) + (1 + 3 + 5) ....
of (a + b + c)     is
a b c
2
2  n (n  1) 
(a) 9 (b) 3 (a) n (b)  
 2 
(c) 10/3 (d) none of these

a b c  n (n  1) (2n  1) 
31. If a, b and c are positive real numbers then   is (c)   (d) none of these
b c a  6 
greater than or equal to
38. The sum of the series 5.05 + 1.212 + 0.29088 + ...  is
(a) 3 (b) 6
(a) 6.93378 (b) 6.87342
(c) 27 (d) none of these
(c) 6.74384 (d) 6.64474
32. Let x be the arithmetic mean and y, z be the two geometric 2
means between any two positive number. Then value of 39. If the sum to n terms of a series be 5n + 2n, then second
term is
y3  z3
is (a) 15 (b) 17
xyz
(c) 10 (d) 5
(a) 2 (b) 3
n n
(c) 1/2 (d) 3/2
33. Six arithmetic means are inserted between 1 and 9/2, the 4
th
40. Let  r 1
r 4  f (n ), then  (2r  1)
r 1
4
is equal to

arithmetic mean is
(a) f (2n) – 16 f (n) (b) f (2n) –7 f (n)
(a) 2 (b) 1
(c) f (2n – 1) –8( f (n) (d) none of these
(c) 3 (d) 4
34.
2 2 2
The sum of series 1.3 + 2.5 + 3.7 + . . . upto 20 terms is 41. Coefficient of x99 in the polynomial (x – 1) (x – 2) ... (x – 100)
is
(a) 188090 (b) 189080
(a) 100 ! (b) – 5050
(c) 199080 (d) None
(c) 5050 (d) – 100
 n
35.  equals to: 1
n 1 4n4  1 42.
2 2 2 2
If x1  x 2  x 3  ....  x 50  50 and  A then
2 2
2
x x ...x 50
1 2
(a) 0 (b) 1
(c)  (d) 1/4 (a) Aminimum = 1 (b) Amaximum = 1
(c) Aminimum = 50 (d) Amaximum = 50
1
36. If nth term of a series is (n  1) (n  3) , then sum of infinite 43. Given p A.P.’s, each of which consists of n terms. If their
first terms are 1, 2, 3, ...., p and common differences are
terms of the series 1, 3, 5, ...., 2p – 1 respectively, then sum of the terms of all
the progressions is
(a) 3/2 (b) 1/2
(c) 5/2 (d) 5/12 1 1
(a) np (np  1) (b) n (p  1)
2 2
(c) np (n + 1) (d) none of these
SEQUENCE AND SERIES 25

44. If one G.M., g and two A.M.’s p and q are inserted between 51. A G.P. consist of even number of terms. If the sum of the
terms occupying the odd places is S1 and that of the terms
(2p  q) (p  2q)
two number a and b, then  in the even places is S2, then the common ratio of the G.P.
g2
is

(a) 1 (b) –1
S1 S2
(c) 2 (d) –3 (a) (b)
S2 S1
45. If x = 111 ... 1 (20 digits), y = 333...3 (10 digits) and z = 222...2

x  y2 2S1 S2
(10 digits), then  (c) (d)
z S2 2S1

2 2
(a) 1 (b) 2 52. If 5x – y, 2x + y, x + 2y are in A.P. and (x–1) , (xy + 1), (y+1)
are in G.P., x  0, then x + y =
1
(c) (d) 3
2 3
(a) (b) 3
4
3 5 9 17
46. The sum of the first 10 terms of     ... is (c) –5 (d) none of these
2 4 8 16
4
53. If the sum of m consecutive odd integers is m , then the
–10 –10
(a) 10 – 2 (b) 9 – 2 first integer is
–10
(c) 11 – 2 (d) none of these 3
(a) m + m + 1
3
(b) m + m – 1
3 3 3
47. The sum of the series 1 + 3 + 5 + ... to 20 terms is 3
(c) m – m – 1
3
(d) m – m + 1
(a) 319600 (b) 321760 54. The largest positive term of the H.P., whose first two terms
(c) 306000 (d) 347500
2 12
2 2 2 2 are and is
48. 1 – 2 + 3 – 4 + ... to 21 terms = 5 23
(a) 210 (b) 231

(c) –210 (d) – 231 13

(a) (b) 6
2
49. Consider the sequence 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3 ... where n occurs n
th
times. The number that occurs as 2007 term is
15
(a) 61 (b) 62 (c) (d) 8
2
(c) 63 (d) 64 2 2 2
55. Four distinct integers a, b, c d are in A.P. If a + b + c = d,
50. If the A.M. of two numbers a and b, a > b > 0 is twice their
then a + b + c + d =

a (a) 1 (b) 0
G..M., then 
b
(c) –1 (d) none of these

(a) 2  3 (b) 7  2 3

(c) 4  2 3 (d) 7  4 3
 26 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

Assertion Reason Type Question 59. Assertion : The maximum number of acute angles in a
convex polygon of n sides is 3
(A) ASSERTION is true, REASON is true, REASON is a
correct explanation for ASSERTION. Reason : The sum of internal angles of any convex polygon
is (n – 2) 180°
(B) ASSERTION is true, REASON is true, REASON is not
a correct explanation for ASSERTION. (a) A (b) B (c) C

(C) ASSERTION is true, REASON is false (d) D (e) E

(D) ASSERTION is false, REASON is true 60. Assertion : The sum of an infinite A.G.P.

(E) ASSERTION is false, REASON is false a + (a + d) x + (a + 2d) x2 + (a + 3d) x3 +.........., where

| x | < 1 always exist.
56. Assertion : If all terms of a series with positive terms are
smaller than 10–5, then the sum of the series upto infinity Reason : The sum of the infinite series
will be finite. a + ar + ar2 + ......... converges if | r | < 1.
(a) A (b) B (c) C
n
Reason : If Sn  5 then nlim S is finite.
 n (d) D (e) E
10
Multiple
(a) A (b) B (c) C
61. If the first two terms of a progression are log2 256 and log3
(d) D (e) E
81 respectively, then which of the following statements
57. Assertion : If three positive numbers in G.P. represent sides are true :
of a triangle, then the common ratio of the G.P. must lie
(a) If third term is log4 16, then the terms are in G.P.
5 1 5 1 (b) If third term is 2 log6 1, then the terms are in A.P.
between and .
2 2
2
Reason : Three positive real numbers can form sides of a (c) If third term is log2 16, then the terms are in H.P..
3
triangle if sum of any two is greater than the third.
(d) If the third term is log2 8, then terms are in A.P.
(a) A (b) B (c) C
(d) D (e) E Subjective Type Question
58. Assertion : There exists an A.P. whose three terms are 62. The value of n for which
1.21 + 2.22 + 3.23 + .......+ n.2n = 2n + 10 + 2, is
2 , 3 , 5.
15
Reason : There exists distinct real numbers p, q, r satisfying 1 1 1 135
63. If Sn    then Sn  , then the
2n n  1 2(n  2) n 1 k
2 = A + (p – 1) d, 3 = A + (q – 1) d,
numerical quantity k must be

5 = A + (r – 1) d. 64. The only integer solution of the equation

(x–1)3 + (x–2)3 + (x – 3)3 + ...... + (x – 2007)3 = 0 is ...........
(a) A (b) B (c) C
65. Two consecutive numbers from 1, 2, 3 .... n are removed.
(d) D (e) E
105
The arithmetic mean of remaining n – 2 numbers is .
4
Then n must be
SEQUENCE AND SERIES 27
4 3 2
66. The sum of the squares of three distinct real numbers, 71. If the equation x – 4x + ax + bx + 1 = 0 has four positive
2
which are in G.P., is S . If their sum is S, show that roots, then find a and b.

1  72. If a, b, c are different positive numbers prove that

 2   ,1  1, 3 . 4 4 4
a + b + c > abc (a + b + c).
3 
73. If x, y, z are positive real numbers satisfying the equation
2 2 2
1 4
2 3 4 4
n 4 x + 9y + 25z = 3xy + 15 yz + 5zx then find the progression
67. Show that 1.3  3.5  5.7  ....  2n  1 2n  1 of x, y and z.
  
Match the Column


 2
n 4n  6n  5  n
.
74. Match the conditions for the equation ax3 + bx2 + cx +d=0
having roots in
48 16  2n  1
Column - I Column - II
3 3
1 2 3 (A) AP (P) b d=ac
68. Find the sum of the series    ... n terms 3 2 3
1.3 1.3.5 1.3.5.7 (B) GP (Q) 27ad =9bcd – 2c d
3 2
69. A sequence of real numbers a1, a2, a3, ..., an is such that (C) HP (R) 2b – 9abc + 27a d = 0
a1 = 0, |a2| = |a1 + 1|, |a3| = |a2 + 1|, ...., |an| = |an – 1 + 1|. 75. Match the following. If a, b, c are in HP, then
Column - I Column - II
1 n  1
Prove that   ai    .
n  i1  2 a b c
(A) , , (P) HP
bca ca b a bc
70. For positive real numbers x, y, z prove that

 x  yz   x  y z 
1 1 1
 x 2  y2  z2   xyz (B) , , (Q) GP
 
x
X Y Z  y

z ba b bc
 xyz   3 
b b b
(C) a , ,c (R) AP
2 2 2

a b c
(D) , ,
bc ca ab
 28 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

EXERCISE - 4 : PREVIOUS YEAR JEE ADVANCED QUESTIONS

Single Type Questions 8. If a, b, c, d and p are distinct real numbers such that
1. The series of natural numbers is divided into group (a2 + b2 + c2) p2 – 2(ab + bc + dc) p + (b2 + c2 + d2) < 0, then
(1); (2, 3, 4); (5, 6, 7, 8, 9); . . . and so on. The sum of number a, b, c, d : (1987)
in the nth group is (1963) (a) are in A. P. (b) are in G. P.
3 3 3 2
(a) (n + 1) – n (b) (n + 1) – (n + 2) (c) are in H. P. (d) satisfy ab = cd
3 3
(c) (n – 1) + n (d) None 9. In a triangle the lengths of the two larger sides are 10 and
2. The sum of first three terms of a G.P. is to the sum of first six 9, respectively. If the angles are in A. P., then the length of
terms as 125 : 152. The common ratio of G.P. is the third side can be : (1987)
(1974) (a) (b) 3 3
91
1 2 (c) 5 (d) none of these
(a) (b)
5 5
1 3 7 15
10. Sum of the first n terms of the series     ......
3 4 2 4 8 16
(c) (d) is equal to : (1988)
5 5
(a) 2n – n – 1 (b) 1 – 2–n
3 3 3 3 3 3
1 1 2 1 2 3 (c) n + 2–n – 1 (d) 2n + 1
3. Sum of the series    ... to 16
1 1 3 1 3  5
11. If the first and (2n – 1)th terms of an A.P., G.P. and H.P. are
terms is (1976) equal and their nth terms are respectively a, b, c, then
(a) 346 (b) 446 (1988)
(c) 546 (d) None (a) a  b  c (b) a + c = b
2
4. The third term of a G.P. is 4. The product of the first five (c) ac – b = 0 (d) (a) and (c) both.
terms is : (1982) 12. Ths sum of first n terms of given series
(a) 43 (b) 45
2 2 2 2 2 2 n
(c) 44 (d) none of these 1 + 2.2 + 3 + 2.4 + 5 + 2.6 + . . . is (n  1) 2 , when n is
2
5. If sum of integers from 1 to 100 that are divisible by 2 or 5 even. When n is odd the sum will be (1988)
is (1984)
(a) 3000 (b) 3050 n n2
(a) (n  1) 2 (b) (n  1)
(c) 4050 (d) None 2 2
2
6. If a, b, c are in A.P., then straight line ax + by + c = 0 will (c) n (n + 1) (d) None
always pass through the point (1984)
x  7
(a) (–1, –2) (b) (1, –2) 13. If log3 2, log3 (2 – 5) and log3  2 x   are in A.P., then x =
 2
(c) (–1, 2) (d) (1, 2)
7. If a, b, c are in G. P. then the equations ax2 + 2bx + c = 0 and (1990)

d e f 1 1
dx2 + 2ex + f = 0 have a common root if , , are in : (a) 1, (b) 1,
a b c 2 3
(1985)
(a) A. P. (b) G. P. 3
(c) 1, (d) None
2
(c) H. P. (d) none of these
SEQUENCE AND SERIES 29

14. The product of n positive numbers is unity, then their sum 21. Let Tr be the rth term of an A. P., for r = 1, 2, 3........ if for some
is : (1991)
1 1
(a) positive integer (b) divisible by n positive integers m, n we have Tm  and Tn  then
n m
1 Tmn equals : (1998)
(c) equal to n  (d) never less than n
n
1 1
15. Let an be nth term of G.P. of positive numbers. Let (a) 1/mn (b) m  n
100 100
(c) 1 (d) 0
 a 2 n   and a 2 n 1   such that a  b, then
n 1 n 1 22. If x > 1, y > 1, z > 1 are in G. P.,
common ratio is (1992)
1 1 1
  then 1  n x , 1  n y , 1  n z are in : (1998)
(a) (b)
 
(a) A. P. (b) H. P.
1/ 2 1/ 2
  (c) G. P. (d) none of the above
(c)   (d)  
  23. If x1, x2, x3 as well as y1, y2, y3 are in G. P. with the same
16. The sum of first p terms of an A.P. is q and the sum of first common ratio, then the points (x1, y1), (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) :
q terms is p. The sum of first (p + q) terms is (1993) (1999)
(a) p + q (b) 0 (a) lie on a straight line (b) lie on an elipse
(c) – (p + q) (d) – 2 (p + q) (c) lie on a circle (d) are vertices of triangle
17. If ln (a + c), ln (c – a), ln (a – 2b + c) are in A.P., then 24. The harmonic mean of the roots of the equation
(1994)
(a) a, b, c are in A.P.
2 2 2
(b) a , b , c are in A.P.
5  2  x   4  5  x  8  2
2
5  0 is: (1999)

(c) a, b, c are in G.P. (d) a, b, c are in H.P. (a) 2 (b) 4

18. Let n (> 1) be a positive integer, then the largest integer m (c) 6 (d) 8
m
such that (n + 1) divides
2 127
25. Let a1, a2 ....... a10 be in A. P. and h1, h2, ........ h10 be in H. P.
(1 + n + n + . . .+ n )is (1995) If a1 = h1 = 2 and a10 = h10 = 3, then a4h7 is : (1999)
(a) 32 (b) 63
(a) 2 (b) 3
(c) 64 (d) 127
(c) 5 (d) 6
19. If p, q, r are in A.P. and are positive, then roots of the
2
quadratic equation px + qx + r = 0 are all real for (1995) 26. If a, b, c and d are positive real numbers such that
a + b + c + d = 2, then M = (a + b) (c + d) satisfies the
r p relation : (2000)
(a) p  7  4 3 (b)  7  4 3
r
(a) 0 < M < 1 (b) 1 < M < 2
(c) All p and r (d) No p and r (c) 2 < M < 3 (d) 3 < M < 4
20. For any odd integer n  1, 27. Consider an infinite geometric series with first term a and
3 3 n–1 3
n – (n – 1) + . . . + (–1) 1 = (1996) common ratio r. If its sum is 4 and the second term is 3/4,
then : (2000)
1 2 (n  1) 2
(a) (n –1) (2n – 1) (b) (2n  1)
2 4 4 3
(a) a  , r  (b) a = 2, r = 3/8
7 7
(n  1) 2 1 2
(c) (2n  1) (d) (n + 1) (2n – 1) (c) a = 3/2, r = 1/2 (d) a = 3, r = 1/4
2 4
 30 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

28. Let  be the roots of x2 – x + p = 0 and  be the roots 36. If the sum of first n terms of an A.P. is cn2, then the sum of
of x2 – 4x + q = 0 If  are in G. P., then the integer squares of these n terms is : (2009)
values of p and q respectively are : (2001)
n (4n 2  1)c 2 n (4n 2  1)c 2
(a) –2, –32 (b) – 2, 3 (a) (b)
6 3
(c) –6, 3 (d) –6, –32
2 2 2 2
29. If the sum of the first 2n terms of the A.P. 2, 5, 8, ........ is
(c) n (4n  1)c (d) n (4n  1)c
equal to the sum of the first n terms of the A. P. 57, 59, 61 3 6
......... then n equals : (2001)
37. Let a1, a2, a3,... be in a harmonic progression with a1 = 5 and
(a) 10 (b) 12 a20 = 25. The least positive integer n for which an < 0 is
(c) 11 (d) 13 (2012)
30. Let the positive numbers a, b, c, d be in A. P. Then abc, (a) 22 (b) 23
abd, acd, bcd are : (2001)
(c) 24 (d) 25
(a) in H.P. (b) in A. P.
38. Let bi > 1 for i = 1, 2, …., 101. Suppose loge b1, loge b2, …..,
(c) in G. P. (d) none of these loge b101 are in Arithmetic Progression (A.P.) with the
31. If a1, a2 .......... an are positive real numbers whose product common difference loge 2. Suppose a1, a2, …, a101 are in
A.P. such that a1 = b1 and a51 = b51. If t = b1 + b2 + … + b51
is a fixed number c, then the minimum value of
and s = a1 + a2 + … + a51, then (2016)
a1 + a2 + ........ + an–1 + 2an is : (2002)
(a) s > t and a101 > b101 (b) s > t and a101 < b101
(a) n (2c)1/n (b) (n + 1)c1/n
(c) s < t and a101 > b101 (d) s < t and a101 < b101
(c) 2nc1/n (d) (n + 1) (2c)1/n
Assertion Reason Type Questions
32. Suppose a, b, c are in A. P. and a2, b2, c2 are in G. P.
If a < b < c and a + b + c = 3/2, then the value of a is : (A) If ASSERTION is true, REASON is true, REASON is a
(2002) correct explanation for ASSERTION.
(B) If ASSERTION is true, REASON is true, REASON is
1 1 not a correct explanation for ASSERTION.
(a) (b)
2 2 2 3
(C) If ASSERTION is true, REASON is false

1 1 1 1 (D) If ASSERTION is false, REASON is true

(c)  (d) 
2 3 2 2 39. Suppose four distinct positive numbers a1, a2, a3, a4 are in
G.P. Let b1 = a1, b2 = b1 + a2, b3 = b2 + a3 and b4 = b3 + a4.
  tan 2  is always greater Assertion : The numbers b1, b2, b3, b4 are neither in AP nor
33. If    0,  then x2  x 
 2 x2  x in G. P.
than or equal to : (2003) Reason : The numbers b1, b2, b3, b4 are in HP. (2008)
(a) 2 tan  (b) 1 Paragraph Type Questions
(c) 2 (d) sec2  PASSAGE–1
34. An infinite G.P. has first term ‘x’ and sum 5, then x belongs Let Vr denote the sum of the first r terms of an arithmetic
to : (2004) progression (A.P.) whose first term is r and the common
difference is (2r – 1). Let Tr = Vr+1 – Vr – 2 and Qr = Tr+1 – Tr
(a) x < – 10 (b) –10 < x < 0
for r = 1, 2, ... (2007)
(c) 0 < x < 10 (d) x > 10
40. The sum V1 + V2 + ... + Vn is :
35. ,are roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0, a 0 and  = b2 – 4ac.
If  and  are in G. P., then : (2005) 1 1
(a) n (n  1) (3n 2  n  1) (b) n (n  1) (3n 2  n  2)
(a)  0 (b) b = 0 12 12
(c) c = 0 (d) bc 0 1 1
(c) n (2n 2  n  1) (d) (2n 3  2n  3)
2 3
SEQUENCE AND SERIES 31

41. Tr is always : 48. For a positive integer n let (1998)

(a) an odd number (b) an even number
1 1 1 1
(c) a prime number (d) a composite number a (n)  1     ....  n , then
2 3 4 (2 )  1
42. Which one of the following is a correct statement ?
(a) a (100)  100 (b) a (100) > 100
(a) Q1, Q2, Q3, ... are in A.P. with common difference 5
(c) a (200)  100 (d) a (200) > 100
(b) Q1, Q2, Q3 ... are in A.P. with common difference 6
49. Let S1, S2... be squares such that for each n  1 the length
(c) Q1, Q2, Q3 ... are in A.P. with common difference 11
of a side of Sn equals the length of a diagonal of Sn+1. If the
(d) Q1 = Q2 = Q3 = ... length of a side of S1 is 10 cm, then for which of the
following values of n is the area of Sn less than 1 sq. cm ?
PASSAGE–2
(1999)
Let A1, G1, H1 denote the arithmetic, geometric and
(a) 7 (b) 8
harmonic means, respectively, of two distinct positive
numbers. For n  2, let An–1 and Hn–1 has arithmetic, (c) 9 (d) 10
geometric and harmonic means as An, Gn, Hn respectively. 4n k (k 1)

(2007) 50. Let Sn   (1) 2

k 2 . Then, Sn can take value(s)
1
43. Which one of the following statements is correct ?
(2013)
(a) G1 > G2 > G3 > ...
(a) 1056 (b) 1088
(b) G1 < G2 < G3 < ...
(c) 1120 (d) 1332
(c) G1 = G2 = G3 = ...
Integer Answer Type Questions
(d) G1 < G3 < G5 < ... and G2 > G4 > G6 > ...
51. Let Sk, k = 1, 2, .... 100, denote the sum of the infinite
44. Which of the following statements is correct ?
(a) A1 > A2 > ... k 1
geometric series whose first term is and the common
k!
(b) A1 < A2 < A3 < ...
(c) A1 > A3 > A5 > ... and A2 < A4 < A6 < ... 1
ratio is . Then the value of
(d) A1 < A3 < A5 < ... and A2 > A4 > A6 > ... k
45. Which of the following statements is correct ?
1002 100 2
(a) H1 > H2 > H3 >...   | (k  3k  1) | Sk is... (2010)
100 ! k 1
(b) H1 < H2 < H3 < ...
(c) H1 > H3 > H5 > ... and H2 < H4 < H6 <... 52. Let a 1 , a 2 , a 3 ,..., a 11 be real numbers satisfying
a1 = 15, 27–2a2 > 0 and ak = 2ak–1 – ak – 2 for k = 3, 4,..., 11. If
(d) H1 < H3 < H5 < ... and H2 > H4 > H6 >...
Multiple Type Questions a12  a 22  ...  a11
2
a  a 2  ...  a11
 90, then the value of 1
11 11
46. If the first and the (2n – 1) th term of an AP, GP and HP are
equal and their nth terms are a, b and c respectively, then is equal to ..... (2010)

(1988) 53. Let a1, a2, a3,..., a100 be an arithmetic progression with a1 = 3
p
(a) a = b = c (b) a  b  c
and Sp   a i , 1  p  100. For any integer n with
2
(c) a + c = b (d) ac – b = 0 i 1

47. If the ratio of H.M. and G.M. between two numbers a and b Sm
is 4 : 5, then the ratio of two numbers will be (1992) 1  n  20, let m = 5n. If does not depend on n, then a2
Sn
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 2 : 1
is ...... (2011)
(c) 4 : 1 (d) 1 : 4
 32 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

54. The minimum value of the sum of real numbers 63. Let X be the set consisting of the first 2018 terms of the
–5 –4 –3 8 10 arithmetic progression 1, 6, 11, ...., and Y be the set
a , a , 3a , 1,a and a with a > 0 is ... (2011)
consisting of the first 2018 terms of the arithmetic
b progression 9, 16, 23, ... . Then, the number of elements in
55. Let a,b,c, be positive integers such that is an integer. If the set X  Y is _______. (2018)
a
a,b,c are in geometric progression and the arithmetic mean True/False
a 2  a  14 64. If three complex numbers are in AP. Then, they lie on a
of a,b,c is b + 2, then the value of is (2014)
a 1 circle in the complex plane. (1985)
56. Suppose that all the terms of an arithmetic progression Subjective Type Questions
(A.P.) are natural numbers. If the ratio of the sum of the 65. (a) The vaue of x + y + z is 15 if a, x, y, z, b are in AP while 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 1 1 1 5
value of   is if a, x, y, z, b are in HP,,
the common difference of this A.P. is. (2015) x y z 3
Fill in the Blanks
then find a and b.
57. The sum of integers from 1 to 100 that are divisible by
(b) If x, y, z are in HP, then show that
2 or 5 is.... (1984)
log (x + z) + log (x + z – 2y) = 2 log (x – z) (1978)
58. The sum of the first n terms of the series
66. If the mth, nth and pth terms of an AP and GP are equal
2
n (n  1) and are x, y, z then prove that xy–z . yz–x. zx–y = 1. (1979)
12 + 2 . 22 + 32 + 2.42 + 52 + 2.62 + ... is , when n is
2 67. The interior angles of a polygon are in arithmetic
even. When n is odd, the sum is ... . (1988) progression. The smallest angle is 120° and the common
59. Let the harmonic mean and geometric mean of two positive difference is 5°. Find the number of sides of the polygon.
numbers be in the ratio 4 : 5. Then, the two numbers are in
(1980)
the ratio... . (1992)
68. Let the angles A, B, C of a triangle ABC be in AP and let
60. Let x be the arithmetic mean and y, z be the two geometric
means between any two positive numbers, then b : c  3 : 2 . Find the angle A. (1981)

y3  z 3 69. (a) If a1, a2, ....., an are in arithmetic progression, where ai > 0 for
 ... . (1997)
xyz
1 1
61. If x is not an integral multiple of  and all i show that   ........
a1  a 2 a2  a3
cos (x – y), cos x and cos (x + y) are in HP.

y
Then find cos x sec   (1997) 1 n 1
2    
a n 1  a n a1  a n (1982)
2
62. Let p and q be the roots of the equation x – 2x + A = 0 and
let r and s be the roots of the equation x2 – 18x + B = 0. If (b) Does there exist a geometric progression containing 27,8
p < q < r < s are in arithmetic progression, then A = ... and
and 12 as three of its terms ? If it exists how many such
B = ... . (1997)
progression are possible ? (1982)
SEQUENCE AND SERIES 33

70. Find three numbers a, b, c between 2 and 18 such that (i) 77. Let a1, a2, .... be positive real numbers in geometric
their sum is 25 (ii) the numbers 2, a, b are consecutive progression. For each n, let An, Gn, Hn be respectively, the
arithmetic mean, geometric mean, and harmonic mean of
terms of an AP and (iii) the numbers b, c 18 are consecutive
a1, a2, ...., an . Find an expression for the geometric mean of
terms of a GP. (1983)
G1, G2,..., Gn in terms of A1, A2,..., An, H1, H2,..., Hn. (2001)
71. The sum of the squares of three distinct real numbers,
78. Let a, b be positive real numbers. If a,A1, A2, b are in
which are in GP, is S2. If their sum is aS then show that arithmetic progression, a,G1, G2, b are in geometric
progression and a,H1,H2,b are in harmonic progression,
2 1 
a   , 1  (1,3) (1986)
3  G1G 2 A1  A 2 (2a  b) (a  2b)
show that   (2002)
H1H 2 H1  H 2 9ab

 7 79. If a, b, c are in AP, a2, b2, c2 are in HP, then prove that either
72. If log3 2, log3 (2x – 5) and log3  2 x   are in arithmetic
 2
c
a = b = c or a, b, – form a GP (2003)
2
progression, determine the value of x. (1991)

73. Let p be the first of the n arithmetic means between two 80. If a, b, c are positive real numbers, then prove that

numbers and q be the first of n harmonic means between {(1 + a) (1 + b) (1 + c)}7 > 77 a4b4c4 (2004)
the same numbers. Show that q does not lie between 2 3 n
3 3 3 3
81. Let A n           ....  (1)n 1  
 n 1 .
2 4 4 4 4
p and   p (1991)
 n 1
Bn = 1 – An. Find a least odd natural number n0, so that
Bn>An,  n  n0. (2006)
74. If S1, S2, S3, .... , Sn are the sums of infinite geometric series,
whose first terms are 1, 2, 3, ...., n and whose common 82. The value of

1 1 1 1
ratios are , , ,......., respectively, then find the  
2 3 4 n 1 1 1 1 1
6  log 3 / 2  4 4 4 ...  is
3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 
2 2 2 2  
values of S  S  S  .....  S
1 2 3 2n 1 . (1991)

(2012)
75. The real numbers x 1, x2, x 3 satisfying the equation
x3 – x2 + x + = 0 are in AP. Find the intervals in which 83. A pack contains n card numbered from 1 to n. Two
and lie. (1996) consecutive numbered card are removed from the pack
and the sum of the numbers on the remaining cards is
76. The fourth power of the common difference of an arithmetic
1224. If the smallest of the numbers on the removed cards
progression with integer entries is added to the product
is k, then k – 20 is equal to (2013)
of any four consecutive terms of it. Prove that resulting
84. The sides of a right angled triangle are in arithmetic
sum is the square of an integer. (2000) progression. If the triangle has area 24, then what is the
length of its smallest side ? (2017)
 34 SEQUENCE AND SERIES

ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE - 1 : BASIC OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (c) 6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (a) 9. (b) 10. (c)
11. (b) 12. (b) 13. (b) 14. (c) 15. (c) 16. (a) 17. (a) 18. (d) 19. (b) 20. (d)
21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (c) 24. (b) 25. (a) 26. (c) 27. (a, c) 28. (a) 29. (c) 30. (b)
31. (c) 32. (b) 33. (b) 34. (a) 35. (a) 36. (c) 37. (c) 38. (c) 39. (b) 40. (a)
41. (b) 42. (d) 43. (b) 44. (b) 45. (b) 46. (b) 47. (a) 48. (b) 49. (a) 50. (c)
51. (c) 52. (c) 53. (a) 54. (a) 55. (d) 56. (c) 57. (b) 58. (c) 59. (b) 60. (c)
61. (c) 62. (c) 63. (a) 64. (c) 65. (b) 66. (b) 67. (b) 68. (a) 69. (a) 70. (a)
71. (b) 72. (a) 73. (c) 74. (d) 75. (d) 76. (a) 77. (b) 78. (a) 79. (b) 80. (d)

EXERCISE - 2 : PREVIOUS YEAR JEE MAINS QUESTIONS

1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (d) 9. (c) 10. (d)
11. (b) 12. (c) 13. (a) 14. (b) 15. (c) 16. (c) 17. (b) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (a)
21. (a) 22. (d) 23. (c) 24. (a) 25. (c) 26. (b) 27. (a) 28. (c) 29. (b) 30. (d)
31. (d) 32. (d) 33. (a) 34. (d) 35. (a) 36. (a) 37. (d) 38. (a) 39. (b) 40. (d)
41. (d) 42. (a) 43. (a) 44. (d) 45. (a) 46. (c) 47. (c) 48. (b) 49. (d) 50. (a)

EXERCISE - 3 : ADVANCED OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (a) 6. (c) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (c)
10. (a) 11. (b) 12. (a) 13. (b) 14. (a) 15. (b) 16. (a) 17. (d) 18. (d)
19. (b) 20. (c) 21. (d) 22. (a) 23. (c) 24. (b) 25. (c) 26. (c) 27. (a)
28. (b) 29. (a) 30. (a) 31. (a) 32. (a) 33. (c) 34. (a) 35. (d) 36. (d)
37. (c) 38. (d) 39. (b) 40. (a) 41. (b) 42. (a) 43. (a) 44. (b) 45. (a)
46. (c) 47. (a) 48. (b) 49. (c) 50. (d) 51. (b) 52. (a) 53. (d) 54. (b)
55. (d) 56. (e) 57. (a) 58. (d) 59. (b) 60. (a) 61. (a,b,c) 62. (0513) 63. (0544)
64. (1004) 65. (0050)
1 1 
68. 1   71. (a = 6, b = –4) 73. (x, y, z are in H.P.)
2  1.3.5... (2n  1) 
74. A–R; B–P; C–Q 75. A–P; B–R; C–Q; D–P

EXERCISE - 4 : PREVIOUS YEAR JEE ADVANCED QUESTIONS

1. (c) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (b) 9. (d) 10. (c)
11. (c) 12. (b) 13. (d) 14. (d) 15. (a) 16. (c) 17. (d) 18. (c) 19. (a) 20. (d)
21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (a) 24. (b) 25. (d) 26. (a) 27. (d) 28. (a) 29. (c) 30. (a)
31. (a) 32. (d) 33. (a) 34. (c) 35. (c) 36. (c) 37. (d) 38. (b) 39. (c) 40. (b)
41. (d) 42. (b) 43. (c) 44. (a) 45. (b) 46. (d) 47. (c,d) 48. (a,d) 49. (b,c,d) 50. (a,d)
2
51. 3 52 .0 53. 3, or 9 54. 8 55. (4) 56. (9) 57. 3050 58. n (n  1) 59. 4 : 1
2
60. 2 61.  2 62. A = –3, B = 77 63. (3748) 64. False 65. (a) a = 1, b = 9 67. 9 68. 75°
69. (b) infinite 70. a = 5, b = 8, c = 12 72. x = 3
1 1 1
74. (2n) (2n  1) (4n  1)  1 75.    ,  and     ,   77. Gm = (A1A2....AnH1H2...Hn)1/2n
6  3  27 
81. 7 82. 4 83. 5 84. (6)

Dream on !!
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