NCERT Solutions for Class 10

Maths
Chapter 5 – Arithmetic Progression

Exercise 5.1
1. In which of the following situations, does the list of numbers involved
make as arithmetic progression and why?
i) The taxi fare after each km when the fare is Rs 15 for the first km and
Rs 8 for each additional km.
Ans: Given the fare of first km is Rs.15 and the fare for each additional km is
Rs. 8 . Hence,
Taxi fare for 1st km is Rs. 15 .
Taxi fare for 2nd km is Rs. 15 + 8 = 23 .
Taxi fare for 3rd km is Rs. 23 + 8 = 31.
Similarly, Taxi fare for n th km is Rs. 15 + ( n − 1) 8 .
Therefore, we can conclude that the above list forms an A.P with common
difference of 8 .

ii) The amount of air present in a cylinder when a vacuum pump removes
a quarter of the air remaining in the cylinder at a time.
Ans: Let the initial volume of air in a cylinder be V liter. In each stroke, the
1
vacuum pump removes of air remaining in the cylinder at a time. Hence,
4
3V
Volume after 1st stroke is .
4
3  3V 
Volume after 2nd stroke is  .
4 4 
2
rd  3   3V 
Volume after 3 stroke is    .
4  4 
n
th 3
Similarly, Volume after n stroke is   V .
4
We can observe that the subsequent terms are not added with a constant digit
3
but are being multiplied by . Therefore, we can conclude that the above list
4
does not forms an A.P.
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 1
iii) The cost of digging a well after every meter of digging, when it costs Rs
150 for the first meter and rises by Rs 50 for each subsequent meter.
Ans: Given the cost of digging for the first meter is Rs.150 and the cost for each
additional meter is Rs. 50 . Hence,
Cost of digging for 1st meter is Rs. 150 .
Cost of digging for 2nd meter is Rs. 150 + 50 = 200 .
Cost of digging for 3rd meter is Rs. 200 + 50 = 250 .
Similarly, Cost of digging for n th meter is Rs. 150 + ( n − 1) 50 .
Therefore, we can conclude that the above list forms an A.P with common
difference of 50 .

iv) The amount of money in the account every year, when Rs 10000 is
deposited at compound interest at 8% per annum.
Ans: Given the principal amount is Rs.10000 and the compound interest is 8%
per annum. Hence,
 8 
Amount after 1st year is Rs. 10000 1 + .
 100 
2
 8 
Amount after 2 nd
year is Rs. 10000 1 +  .
 100 
3
 8 
Amount after 3 year is Rs. 10000 1 +
rd
.
 100 
n
 8 
Similarly, Amount after n year is Rs. 10000 1 +
th
 .
 100 
We can observe that the subsequent terms are not added with a constant digit but
 8 
are being multiplied by 1 +  . Therefore, we can conclude that the above list
 100 
does not forms an A.P.

2. Write first four terms of the A.P. when the first term a and the common
difference d are given as follows:
(a) a = 10,d = 10

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 2

Ans: We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common
difference d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(1)
Substituting a = 10,d = 10 in (1) we get, a n = 10 + 10 ( n − 1) = 10n …..(2)
Therefore, from (2)
a1 = 10 , a 2 = 20 , a 3 = 30 and a 4 = 40 .

i) a = −2,d = 0
Ans: We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common
difference d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(1)
Substituting a = −2,d = 0 in (1) we get, a n = −2 + 0 ( n − 1) = −2 …..(2)

Therefore, from (2)

a1 = −2 , a 2 = −2 , a 3 = −2 and a 4 = −2 .

ii) a = 4,d = −3
Ans: We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common
difference d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(1)
Substituting a = 4,d = −3 in (1) we get, a n = 4 − 3 ( n − 1) = 7 − 3n …..(2)
Therefore, from (2)
a1 = 4 , a 2 = 1 , a 3 = −2 and a 4 = −5 .

iii) a = −1,d = 1 / 2
Ans: We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common
difference d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(1)
1 n −3
Substituting a = −1,d = 1/ 2 in (1) we get, a n = −1 + ( n − 1) = …..(2)
2 2
Therefore, from (2)
1 1
a1 = −1 , a 2 = − , a 3 = 0 and a 4 = .
2 2

iv) a = −1.25,d = −0.25

Ans: We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common
difference d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(1)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 3

Substituting a = −1.25,d = −0.25 in (1) we get,
a n = −1.25 − 0.25 ( n − 1) = −1 − 0.25n …..(2)
Therefore, from (2)
a1 = −1.25 , a 2 = −1.5 , a 3 = −1.75 and a 4 = −2 .

3. For the following A.P.s, write the first term and the common difference.
i) 3,1, −1, −3,...
Ans: From the given AP, we can see that the first term is 3 .
The common difference is the difference between any two consecutive numbers
of the A.P.
Common difference = 2nd term − 1st term
 Common difference = 1 − 3 = −2 .

ii) −5, −1,3,7,...

Ans: From the given AP, we can see that the first term is −5 .
The common difference is the difference between any two consecutive numbers
of the A.P.
Common difference = 2nd term − 1st term

 Common difference = −1 − ( −5 ) = 4 .

1 5 9 13
iii) , , , ,...
3 3 3 3
1
Ans: From the given AP, we can see that the first term is .
3
The common difference is the difference between any two consecutive numbers
of the A.P.
Common difference = 2nd term − 1st term
5 1 4
 Common difference = − = .
3 3 3

iv) 0.6,1.7,2.8,3.9,...
Ans: From the given AP, we can see that the first term is 0.6 .
The common difference is the difference between any two consecutive numbers
of the A.P.
Common difference = 2nd term − 1st term

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 4

 Common difference = 1.7 − 0.6 = 1.1.

4. Which of the following are AP’s? If they form an AP, find the common
difference d and write three more terms.

i) 2,4,8,16...
Ans: For the given series, let us check the difference between all consecutive
terms and find if they are equal or not.
a 2 − a1 = 4 − 2 = 2 …..(1)

a3 − a 2 = 8 − 4 = 4 …..(2)

a 4 − a 3 = 16 − 8 = 8 …..(3)

From (1), (2), and (3) we can see that the difference between all consecutive terms
is not equal.
Therefore, the given series does not form an A.P.

5 7
ii) 2, ,3, ,...
2 2
Ans: For the given series, let us check the difference between all consecutive
terms and find if they are equal or not.
5 1
a 2 − a1 = − 2 = …..(1)
2 2
5 1
a3 − a 2 = 3 − = …..(2)
2 2
7 1
a4 − a3 = − 3 = …..(3)
2 2
From (1), (2), and (3) we can see that the difference between all consecutive terms
is equal.
Therefore, the given series form an A.P. with first term 2 and common difference
1
.
2
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
1 1 n +3
Substituting a = 2,d = in (1) we get, a n = 2 + ( n − 1) = …..(5)
2 2 2
Therefore, from (5)
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 5
 9
a5 = 4 , a6 = and a 7 = 5 .
2

iii) 1.2,3.2,5.2,7.2...
Ans: For the given series, let us check the difference between all consecutive
terms and find if they are equal or not.
a 2 − a1 = 3.2 − 1.2 = 2 …..(1)
a 3 − a 2 = 5.2 − 3.2 = 2 …..(2)
a 4 − a 3 = 7.2 − 5.2 = 2 …..(3)
From (1), (2), and (3) we can see that the difference between all consecutive terms
is equal.
Therefore, the given series form an A.P. with first term 1.2 and common
difference 2 .
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting a = 1.2,d = 2 in (1) we get, a n = 1.2 + 2 ( n − 1) = 2n − 0.8 …..(5)
Therefore, from (5)
a 5 = 9.2 , a 6 = 11.2 and a 7 = 13.2 .

iv) −10, −6, −2,2,...

Ans: For the given series, let us check the difference between all consecutive
terms and find if they are equal or not.
a 2 − a1 = −6 − ( −10 ) = 4 …..(1)
a 3 − a 2 = −2 − ( −6 ) = 4 …..(2)
a 4 − a 3 = 2 − ( −2 ) = 4 …..(3)
From (1), (2), and (3) we can see that the difference between all consecutive terms
is equal.
Therefore, the given series form an A.P. with first term −10 and common
difference 4 .
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting a = −10,d = 4 in (1) we get, a n = −10 + 4 ( n − 1) = 4n − 14 …..(5)
Therefore, from (5)
a 5 = 6 , a 6 = 10 and a 7 = 14 .

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 6

v) 3,3 + 2,3 + 2 2,3 + 3 2,...
Ans: For the given series, let us check the difference between all consecutive
terms and find if they are equal or not.
( )
a 2 − a1 = 3 + 2 − ( 3 ) = 2 …..(1)

a3 − a 2 = (3 + 2 2 ) − (3 + 2 ) = 2 …..(2)

a4 − a3 = (3 + 3 2 ) − (3 + 2 2 ) = 2 …..(3)
From (1), (2), and (3) we can see that the difference between all consecutive terms
is equal.
Therefore, the given series form an A.P. with first term 3 and common difference
2.
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting a = 3,d = 2 in (1) we get, a n = 3 + ( n − 1) 2 …..(5)
Therefore, from (5)
a 5 = 3 + 4 2 , a 6 = 3 + 5 2 and a 7 = 3 + 6 2 .

vi) 0.2,0.22,0.222,0.2222.....
Ans: For the given series, let us check the difference between all consecutive terms
and find if they are equal or not.
a 2 − a1 = 0.22 − 0.2 = 0.02 …..(1)
a 3 − a 2 = 0.222 − 0.22 = 0.002 …..(2)
a 4 − a 3 = 0.2222 − 0.222 = 0.0002 …..(3)
From (1), (2), and (3) we can see that the difference between all consecutive terms
is not equal.
Therefore, the given series does not form an A.P.

vii) 0, −4, −8, −12....

Ans: For the given series, let us check the difference between all consecutive
terms and find if they are equal or not.
a 2 − a1 = −4 − 0 = −4 …..(1)
a 3 − a 2 = −8 − ( −4 ) = −4 …..(2)
a 4 − a 3 = −12 − ( −8 ) = −4 …..(3)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 7

From (1), (2), and (3) we can see that the difference between all consecutive terms
is equal.
Therefore, the given series form an A.P. with first term 0 and common difference
−4 .
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting a = 0,d = −4 in (1) we get, a n = 0 − 4 ( n − 1) = 4 − 4n …..(5)
Therefore, from (5)
a 5 = −16 , a 6 = −20 and a 7 = −24 .

1 1 1 1
viii) − , − , − , − ....
2 2 2 2
Ans: For the given series, let us check the difference between all consecutive
terms and find if they are equal or not.
 1  1
a 2 − a1 =  −  −  −  = 0 …..(1)
 2  2
 1  1
a3 − a 2 =  −  −  −  = 0 …..(2)
 2  2
 1  1
a4 − a3 =  −  −  −  = 0 …..(3)
 2  2
From (1), (2), and (3) we can see that the difference between all consecutive terms
is equal.
1
Therefore, the given series form an A.P. with first term − and common
2
difference 0 .
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
1 1 1
Substituting a = − ,d = 0 in (1) we get, a n = − + 0 ( n − 1) = − …..(5)
2 2 2
Therefore, from (5)
1 1 1
a 5 = − , a 6 = − and a 7 = − .
2 2 2

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 8

Exercise 5.2
1. Fill in the blanks in the following table, given that a is the first term, d the
common difference and an the nth term of the A.P.

a d n an

I 7 3 8 .....
II −18 ..... 10 0
III ..... −3 18 −5
IV −18.9 2.5 ..... 3.6
V 3.5 0 105 .....

I. Ans: Given, the first Term, a = 7 ….. (1)

Given, the common Difference, d = 3 …..(2)
Given, the number of Terms, n = 8 …..(3)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common
difference d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
a n = 7 + ( 8 − 1) 3
 a n = 7 + 21
 a n = 28

II. Ans: Given, the first Term, a = −18 ….. (1)

Given, the n th term, a n = 0 …..(2)
Given, the number of Terms, n = 10 …..(3)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common
difference d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
0 = −18 + (10 − 1) d
 18 = 9d
d = 2

III. Ans: Given, the n th term, a n = −5 ….. (1)

Given, the common Difference, d = −3 …..(2)
Given, the number of Terms, n = 18 …..(3)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 9

 We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common
difference d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
−5 = a + (18 − 1)( −3)
 −5 = a − 51
 a n = 46

IV. Ans: Given, the first Term, a = −18.9 ….. (1)

Given, the common Difference, d = 2.5 …..(2)
Given, the n th term, a n = 3.6 …..(3)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common
difference d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
3.6 = −18.9 + ( n − 1)( 2.5 )
 22.5 = ( n − 1)( 2.5 )
 9 = ( n − 1)
 a n = 10

V. Ans: Given, the first Term, a = 3.5 ….. (1)

Given, the common Difference, d = 0 …..(2)
Given, the number of Terms, n = 105 …..(3)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common
difference d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
a n = 3.5 + (105 − 1)( 0 )
 a n = 3.5

2. Choose the correct choice in the following and justify

I. 30th term of the A.P 10,7,4,..., is

A. 97
B. 77
C. –77
D. –87
Ans: C. −77
Given, the first Term, a = 10 ….. (1)
Given, the common Difference, d = 7 − 10 = −3 …..(2)
Given, the number of Terms, n = 30 …..(3)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 10

We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get, a n = 10 + ( 30 − 1)( −3)
 a n = 10 − 87
 a n = −77

1
II. 11th term of the A.P −3, − ,2,..., is
2
i) 28
ii) 22
iii) –38
1
iv) –48
2
Ans: B. 22
Given, the first Term, a = −3 ….. (1)
1 5
Given, the common Difference, d = − − ( −3) = …..(2)
2 2
Given, the number of Terms, n = 11 …..(3)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
5
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get, a n = −3 + (11 − 1)
2
 a n = −3 + 25
 a n = 22

3. In the following APs find the missing term in the blanks

I. 2, __,26
Ans: Given, first term a = 2 …..(1)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d
Substituting the values from (1) we get, a n = 2 + ( n − 1) d …..(2)
Given, third term a 3 = 26 . From (2) we get,
26 = 2 + ( 3 − 1) d
 26 = 2 + 2d
d = 12 ….(3)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 11

From (1), (2) and (3) we get for n = 2
a 2 = 2 + ( 2 − 1)(12 )
 a 2 = 14
 The sequence is 2,14,26 .

II. __,13, __,3

Ans: Given, second term a 2 = 13 …..(1)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(2)
Substituting the values from (1) for n = 2 we get, 13 = a + d …..(3)
Given, fourth term a 4 = 3 . From (2) we get,
3 = a + 3d …..(4)
Solving (3) and (4) by subtracting (3) from (4) we get,
3 − 13 = ( a + 3d ) − ( a + d )
 −10 = 2d
d = −5 ….(5)
From (3) and (5) we get
13 = a − 5
 a = 18 ……(6)
Substituting the values from (5) and (6) in (2) we get,
a n = 18 − 5 ( n − 1) …..(7)
First term, a = 18 and third term a 3 = 8
 The sequence is 18,13,8,3 .

1
III. 5, __, __,9
2
Ans: Given, first term a = 5 …..(1)

We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(2)
Substituting the values from (1) in (2) we get, a n = 5 + ( n − 1) d …..(3)
1
Given, fourth term a 4 = 9 . From (3) we get,
2
1
9 = 5 + ( 4 − 1) d
2
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 12
 1
 9 = 5 + 3d
2
3
d = ….(4)
2
From (3) and (4) we get
3
a n = 5 + ( n − 1) ……(5)
2
13
Second term, a 2 = and third term a 3 = 8
2
13 1
 The sequence is 5, ,8,9 .
2 2

IV. −4, __, __, __, __,6

Ans: Given, first term a = −4 …..(1)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(2)
Substituting the values from (1) in (2) we get, a n = −4 + ( n − 1) d …..(3)
Given, sixth term a 6 = 6 . From (3) we get,
6 = −4 + ( 6 − 1) d
 6 = −4 + 5d
d = 2 ….(4)
From (3) and (4) we get
a n = −4 + 2 ( n − 1) ……(5)
Second term a 2 = −2 , third term a 3 = 0 , fourth term a 4 = 2 and fifth term a 5 = 4 .
 The sequence is −4, −2,0,2,4,6

V. __,38, __, __, __, −22

Ans: Given, second term a 2 = 38 …..(1)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(2)
Substituting the values from (1) for n = 2 we get, 38 = a + d …..(3)
Given, sixth term a 6 = −22 . From (2) we get,
−22 = a + 5d …..(4)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 13

Solving (3) and (4) by subtracting (3) from (4) we get,
−22 − 38 = ( a + 5d ) − ( a + d )
 −60 = 4d
d = −15 ….(5)
From (3) and (5) we get
38 = a − 15
 a = 53 ……(6)
Substituting the values from (5) and (6) in (2) we get,
a n = 53 − 15 ( n − 1) …..(7)
First term, a = 53 , second term a 3 = 23 , third term a 3 = 8 and fourth term a 4 = −7
 The sequence is 53,38,23,8, −7, −22 .

4. Which term of the A.P. 3,8,13,18,... is 78 ?

Ans: Given, the first Term, a = 3 ….. (1)
Given, the common Difference, d = 8 − 3 = 5 …..(2)
Given, the n th term, a n = 78 …..(3)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
78 = 3 + 5 ( n − 1)
 75 = 5 ( n − 1)
 15 = ( n − 1)
n = 16
Therefore, 16th term of this A.P. is 78 .

5. Find the number of terms in each of the following A.P.

I. 7,13,19,...,205
Ans: Given, the first Term, a = 7 ….. (1)
Given, the common Difference, d = 13 − 7 = 6 …..(2)
Given, the n th term, a n = 205 …..(3)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
205 = 7 + 6 ( n − 1)
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 14
 198 = 6 ( n − 1)
 33 = ( n − 1)
n = 34
Therefore, given A.P. series has 34 terms.

1
II. 18,15 ,13,...., −47
2
Ans: Given, the first Term, a = 18 ….. (1)
1 5
Given, the common Difference, d = 15 − 18 = − …..(2)
2 2
Given, the n term, a n = −47 …..(3)
th

We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
5
−47 = 18 − ( n − 1)
2
5
 −65 = − ( n − 1)
2
 26 = ( n − 1)
n = 27
Therefore, given A.P. series has 27 terms.

6. Check whether −150 is a term of the A.P. 11,8,5,2,...

Ans: Given, the first Term, a = 11 ….. (1)
Given, the common Difference, d = 8 − 11 = −3 …..(2)
Given, the n th term, a n = −150 …..(3)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
−150 = 11 − 3 ( n − 1)
 −161 = −3 ( n − 1)
161
 = ( n − 1)
3
164
n =
3
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 15
Since n is nor a natural number. Therefore, −150 is not a term of the given A.P.
series.

7. Find the 31st term of an A.P. whose 11th term is 38 and the 16th term is 73
Ans: Given, the 11th Term, a 11 = 38 ….. (1)
Given, the 16th Term, a 16 = 73 …..(2)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(3)
Substituting the values from (1) in (3) we get,
38 = a + (11 − 1) d
 38 = a + 10d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (2) in (3) we get,
73 = a + (16 − 1) d
 73 = a + 15d …..(5)
Solving equations (4) and (5) by subtracting (4) from (5) we get,
 73 − 38 = ( a + 15d ) − ( a + 10d )
 5 = 35d
d = 7 …..(6)
Substituting value from (6) in (4) we get,
 38 = a + 70
a = −32 …..(7)
Again, substituting the values from (6) and (7) in (3) we get,
a n = −32 + 7 ( n − 1) …..(8)
To find the 31st term substitute n = 31 in (8) we get,
a 31 = −32 + 7 ( 31 − 1)
 a 31 = −32 + 210
 a 31 = 178
Therefore, the 31st term of an A.P. whose 11th term is 38 and the 16th term is 73
is 178 .

8. An A.P. consists of 50 terms of which 3rd term is 12 and the last term is
106 . Find the 29th term.
Ans: Given, the 3rd Term, a 3 = 12 ….. (1)
Given, the 50th Term, a 50 = 106 …..(2)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 16

We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(3)
Substituting the values from (1) in (3) we get,
12 = a + ( 3 − 1) d
 12 = a + 2d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (2) in (3) we get,
106 = a + ( 50 − 1) d
 106 = a + 49d …..(5)
Solving equations (4) and (5) by subtracting (4) from (5) we get,
 106 − 12 = ( a + 49d ) − ( a + 2d )
 94 = 47d
d = 2 …..(6)
Substituting value from (6) in (4) we get,
 12 = a + 4
a = 8 …..(7)
Again, substituting the values from (6) and (7) in (3) we get,
a n = 8 + 2 ( n − 1) …..(8)
To find the 29th term substitute n = 29 in (8) we get,
a 29 = 8 + 2 ( 29 − 1)
 a 29 = 8 + 56
 a 29 = 64
Therefore, the 29th term of the A.P. is 64 .

9. If the 3rd and the 9th terms of an A.P. are 4 and –8 respectively. Which
term of this A.P. is zero.
Ans: Given, the 3rd Term, a 3 = 4 ….. (1)
Given, the 9 th Term, a 9 = −8 …..(2)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d …..(3)
Substituting the values from (1) in (3) we get,
4 = a + ( 3 − 1) d
 4 = a + 2d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (2) in (3) we get,
−8 = a + ( 9 − 1) d

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 17

 −8 = a + 8d …..(5)
Solving equations (4) and (5) by subtracting (4) from (5) we get,
 −8 − 4 = ( a + 8d ) − ( a + 2d )
 −12 = 6d
d = −2 …..(6)
Substituting value from (6) in (4) we get,
4=a−4
a = 8 …..(7)
Again, substituting the values from (6) and (7) in (3) we get,
a n = 8 − 2 ( n − 1) …..(8)
T find the term which is zero, substitute a n = 0 in (8)
0 = 8 − 2 ( n − 1)
 8 = 2 ( n − 1)
 4 = ( n − 1)
n = 5
Therefore, given A.P. series has 5th term as zero.

10. If 17th term of an A.P. exceeds its 10th term by 7 . Find the common
difference.
Ans: Given that the 17th term of an A.P. exceeds its 10th term by 7 i.e.,
a17 = a10 + 7 …..(1)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (2)
For 17th term substitute n = 17 in (2) i.e., a17 = a + 16d ….. (3)
For 10th term substitute n = 10 in (2) i.e., a10 = a + 9d ….. (4)
Therefore, from (1), (3) and (4) we get,
a + 16d = a + 9d + 7
 7d = 7
d = 1
Therefore, the common difference is 1 .

11. Which term of the A.P. 3,15,27,39,... will be 132 more than its 54th
term?
Ans: Let n th term of A.P. be 132 more than its 54th term i.e.,

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 18

a n = a 54 + 132 …..(1)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (2)
For 54th term substitute n = 54 in (2) i.e., a 54 = a + 53d ….. (3)
Therefore, from (1), (2) and (3) we get,
a + ( n − 1) d = a + 53d + 132
 ( n − 1) d − 53d = 132
132
d = ….. (4)
n − 54
Now, given A.P. 3,15,27,39,...
Common difference d = 15 − 3 = 12 ….. (5)
132
Hence, from (4) and (5) we get 12 =
n − 54
 n − 54 = 11
n = 65
Therefore, 65th term of the given A.P. will be 132 more than its 54th term.

12. Two APs have the same common difference. The difference between their
100th term is 100 , what is the difference between their 1000th terms?
Ans: Let 2 A.P.’s be
a,a + d,a + 2d,a + 3d,.... …..(1)
b,b + d,b + 2d,b + 3d,.... …..(2)
(Since common difference is same)
Given that the difference between their 100th term is 100 i.e.,
a100 − b100 = 100 …..(3)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (4)
Therefore, from (3) and (4) we get,
a + (100 − 1) d − ( b + (100 − 1) d ) = 100
 a − b = 100 ….. (5)
Similarly, the difference between their 1000th terms is,
a1000 − b1000 = a + (1000 − a ) d  −  b + (1000 − a ) d 
 a1000 − b1000 = a − b
 a1000 − b1000 = 100
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 19
Therefore, the difference between their 1000th terms is 100 .

13. How many three-digit numbers are divisible by 7 ?

Ans: First three-digit number that is divisible by 7 is 105 then the next number
will be 105 + 7 = 112 .
Therefore, the series becomes 105,112,119,....
This is an A.P. having first term as 105 and common difference as 7 .
Now, the largest 3 digit number is 999 .
Leu us divide it by 7 , to get the remainder.
999 = 142  7 + 5
Therefore, 999 − 5 = 994 is the maximum possible three-digit number that is
divisible by 7 .
Also, this will be the last term of the A.P. series.
Hence the final series is as follows: 105,112,119,...,994
Let 994 be the n th term of this A.P.
Then, a n = 105 + 7 ( n − 1)
 994 = 105 + 7 ( n − 1)
 889 = 7 ( n − 1)
 127 = ( n − 1)
n = 128
Therefore, 128 three-digit numbers are divisible by 7 .

14. How many multiples of 4 lie between 10 and 250 ?

Ans: First number that is divisible by 4 and lie between 10 and 250 is 12 . The
next number will be 12 + 4 = 16 .
Therefore, the series becomes 12,16,20,....
This is an A.P. having first term as 12 and common difference as 4 .
Now, the largest number in range is 250 .
Leu us divide it by 4 to get the remainder.
250 = 62  4 + 2
Therefore, 250 − 2 = 248 is the last term of the A.P. series.
Hence the final series is as follows: 12,16,20,....,248
Let 248 be the n th term of this A.P.
Then, a n = 12 + 4 ( n − 1)
 248 = 12 + 4 ( n − 1)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 20

 236 = 4 ( n − 1)
 59 = ( n − 1)
n = 60
Therefore, 60 multiples of 4 lie between 10 and 250 .

15. For what value of n , are the nth terms of two APs 63,65,67,.... and
3,10,17,.... equal
Ans: Given 2 A.P.’s are
63,65,67,.... …..(1)
Its first term is 63 and common difference is 65 − 63 = 2
3,10,17,.... …..(2)
Its first term is 3 and common difference is 10 − 3 = 7
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (3)
Therefore, from (1) and (3) we get the n th term of the first A.P. is
a n = 63 + 2 ( n − 1)
 a n = 61 + 2n ….. (4)
And from (2) and (3) we get the n th term of the second A.P. is
b n = 3 + 7 ( n − 1)
 b n = −4 + 7n ….. (5)
If the n th terms of two APs 63,65,67,.... and 3,10,17,.... are equal the from (4)
and (5),
a n = bn
 61 + 2n = −4 + 7n
 65 = 5n
n = 13
Therefore, the 13th term of both the A.P.’s are equal.

16. Determine the A.P. whose third term is 16 and the 7th term exceeds the
5th term by 12 .
Ans: Given the 7 th term of A.P. is 12 more than its 5th term i.e.,
a 7 = a 5 + 12 …..(1)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (2)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 21

For 5th term substitute n = 5 in (2) i.e., a 5 = a + 4d ….. (3)
For 7 th term substitute n = 7 in (2) i.e., a 7 = a + 6d ….. (4)
Therefore, from (1), (3) and (4) we get,
a + 6d = a + 4d + 12
 2d = 12
d = 6 ….. (5)
Substituting (5) in (2) we get, a n = a + 6 ( n − 1) ……(6)
Given the third term of the A.P. is 16 . Hence from (6),
16 = a + 6 ( 3 − 1)
 16 = a + 12
a = 4 ….. (7)
Hence from (6), a n = 4 + 6 ( n − 1)
Therefore, the A.P. will be 4,10,16,22,.... .

17. Find the 20th term from the last term of the A.P. 3,8,13,...,253
Ans: Given A.P. 3,8,13,...,253 . To find the 20th term from the last write the given
A.P. in reverse order and then find its 20th term.
Required A.P. is 253,...,13,8,3 ….. (1)
Its first A.P. is 253 and common difference is 8 − 13 = −5 . …..(2)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (3)
Hence from (2) and (3) we get, a n = 253 − 5 ( n − 1) …..(4)
Substitute n = 20 in (4) we get,
a 20 = 253 − 5 ( 20 − 1)
 a 20 = 158 .
Therefore, 20th term from the last is 158 .

18. The sum of 4th and 8th terms of an A.P. is 24 and the sum of the 6th and
10th terms is 44 . Find the first three terms of the A.P.
Ans: Given the sum of 4th and 8th terms of an A.P. is 24 i.e.,
a 4 + a 8 = 24 …..(1)
Given the sum of 6 th and 10th terms is 44 i.e.,
a 6 + a 10 = 44 …..(2)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 22

We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (3)
For 4th term substitute n = 4 in (3) i.e., a 4 = a + 3d ….. (4)
For 6 th term substitute n = 6 in (3) i.e., a 6 = a + 5d ….. (5)
For 8th term substitute n = 8 in (3) i.e., a 8 = a + 7d ….. (6)
For 10th term substitute n = 10 in (3) i.e., a10 = a + 9d ….. (7)
Therefore, from (1), (6) and (4) we get,
( a + 3d ) + ( a + 7d ) = 24
 2a + 10d = 24
 a + 5d = 12 ….. (8)
From (2), (5) and (7) we get,
( a + 5d ) + ( a + 9d ) = 44
 2a + 14d = 44
 a + 7d = 22 ….. (9)
Subtracting (8) from (9) we get,
 ( a + 7d ) − ( a + 5d ) = 22 − 12
 2d = 10
d = 5 ….. (10)
Substituting this value from (10) in (9) we get,
a + 35 = 22
a = −13 ….. (11)
Therefore from (10) and (11), the first three terms of the A.P. are −13, −8, −3 .

19. Subba Rao started work in 1995 at an annual salary of Rs 5000 and
received an increment of Rs 200 each year. In which year did his income
reach Rs 7000 ?
Ans: Given in the first year, annual salary is Rs 5000 .
In the second year, annual salary is Rs 5000 + 200 = 5200 .
In the third year, annual salary is Rs 5200 + 200 = 5400 .
This series will form an A.P. with first term 5000 and common difference 200 .
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d
Therefore, In the n th year, annual salary is a n = 5000 + 200 ( n − 1)
 a n = 4800 + 200n …. (1)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 23

To find the year in which his annual income reaches Rs 7000 , substitute
a n = 7000 in (1) and find the value of n i.e.,
7000 = 4800 + 200n
 2200 + 200n
n = 11
Therefore, in 11th year i.e., in 2005 his salary will be Rs 7000 .

20. Ramkali saved Rs 5 in the first week of a year and then increased her
weekly saving by Rs 1.75 . If in the nth week, her weekly savings become Rs
20.75 , find n .
Ans: Given in the first week the savings is Rs 5 .
In the second week the savings is Rs 5 + 1.75 = 6.75 .
In the third week the savings is Rs 6.75 + 1.75 = 8.5 .
This series will form an A.P. with first term 5 and common difference 1.75 .
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d
Therefore, In the n th week the savings is a n = 5 + 1.75 ( n − 1)
 a n = 3.25 + 1.75n …. (1)
To find the week in which her savings reaches Rs 20.75 , substitute a n = 20.75 in
(1) and find the value of n i.e.,
20.75 = 3.25 + 1.75n
 17.5 = 1.75n
n = 10
Therefore, in 10th week her savings will be Rs 20.75 .

Exercise 5.3
1. Find the sum of the following APs.
i) 2,7,12,.... to 10 terms.
Ans: Given, the first Term, a = 2 ….. (1)
Given, the common Difference, d = 7 − 2 = 5 …..(2)
Given, the number of Terms, n = 10 …..(3)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(4)
2
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
10
Sn =  2 ( 2 ) + (10 − 1)( 5 ) 
2
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 24
 Sn = 5 4 + 45
 Sn = 245

ii) −37, −33, −29,... to 12 terms

Ans: Given, the first Term, a = −37 ….. (1)
Given, the common Difference, d = −33 − ( −37 ) = 4 …..(2)
Given, the number of Terms, n = 12 …..(3)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(4)
2
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
12
Sn =  2 ( −37 ) + (12 − 1)( 4 ) 
2
 Sn = 6  −74 + 44

 Sn = −180

iii) 0.6,1.7,2.8,...... to 100 terms

Ans: Given, the first Term, a = 0.6 ….. (1)
Given, the common Difference, d = 1.7 − 0.6 = 1.1 …..(2)
Given, the number of Terms, n = 100 …..(3)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(4)
2
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
100
Sn =  2 ( 0.6 ) + (100 − 1)(1.1) 
2 
 Sn = 50 1.2 + 108.9

 Sn = 5505

1 1 1
iv) , , ,..... to 11 terms
15 12 10
1
Ans: Given, the first Term, a = ….. (1)
15

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 25

 1 1 1
Given, the common Difference, d = − = …..(2)
12 15 60
Given, the number of Terms, n = 11 …..(3)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(4)
2
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
11   1   1 
Sn =  2   + (11 − 1)   
2   15   60  
11  4 + 5 
 Sn = 
2  30 
33
Sn =
20

2. Find the sums given below

1
i) 7 + 10 + 14 + ..... + 84
2
Ans: Given, the first Term, a = 7 ….. (1)
1 7
Given, the common Difference, d = 10 − 7 = …..(2)
2 2
th
We know that the n term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (3)
Substituting the values from (1) and (2) in (3) we get,
7 7
a n = 7 + ( n − 1) = ( n + 1) ….. (4)
2 2
Given, last term of the series, a n = 84 …..(5)
7
Substituting (5) in (4) we get, 84 = ( n + 1)
2
 24 = ( n + 1)

n = 23 ……(6)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and last term l is
n
given by Sn =  a + l …..(7)
2
23
Substituting the values from (1), (5) and (6) in (7) we get, Sn =  7 + 84
2
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 26
 23
 Sn = ( 91)
2
1
Sn = 1046
2

ii) 34 + 32 + 30 + ..... + 10
Ans: Given, the first Term, a = 34 ….. (1)
Given, the common Difference, d = 32 − 34 = −2 …..(2)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (3)
Substituting the values from (1) and (2) in (3) we get,
a n = 34 − 2 ( n − 1) = 36 − 2n ….. (4)
Given, last term of the series, a n = 10 …..(5)
Substituting (5) in (4) we get, 10 = 36 − 2n
 2n = 26
n = 13 ……(6)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and last term l is
n
given by Sn =  a + l …..(7)
2
13
Substituting the values from (1), (5) and (6) in (7) we get, Sn = 34 + 10
2
13
 Sn = ( 44 )
2
 Sn = 286

iii) −5 + ( −8 ) + ( −11) + ..... + ( −230 )

Ans: Given, the first Term, a = −5 ….. (1)
Given, the common Difference, d = −8 − ( −5 ) = −3 …..(2)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (3)
Substituting the values from (1) and (2) in (3) we get,
a n = −5 − 3 ( n − 1) = −2 − 3n ….. (4)
Given, last term of the series, a n = −230 …..(5)
Substituting (5) in (4) we get, −230 = −2 − 3n
 −228 = −3n
n = 76 ……(6)
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 27
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and last term l is
n
given by Sn =  a + l …..(7)
2
76
Substituting the values from (1), (5) and (6) in (7) we get, Sn =  −5 + ( −230 ) 
2
76
 Sn = ( −235 )
2
 Sn = −8930

3. In an AP
i) Given a = 5 , d = 3 , a n = 50 , find n and Sn .
Ans: Given, the first Term, a = 5 ….. (1)
Given, the common Difference, d = 3 …..(2)
Given, n th term of the A.P., a n = 50 …..(3)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (4)
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (3) in (4) we get,
50 = 5 + 3 ( n − 1) = 2 + 3n
Simplifying it further we get,
50 − 2
n=
3
n = 16 …..(5)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(6)
2
Substituting the values from (1), (2) and (5) in (6) we get,
16
Sn =  2 ( 5 ) + (16 − 1)( 3) 
2
 Sn = 810 + 45

 Sn = 440

ii) Given a = 7 , a13 = 35 , find d and S13 .

Ans: Given, the first Term, a = 7 ….. (1)
Given, 13th term of the A.P., a 13 = 35 …..(2)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (3)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 28

Substituting the values from (1), (2) in (3) we get,
35 = 7 + (13 − 1) d = 7 + 12d
Simplifying it further we get,
28
d=
12
7
d = …..(4)
3
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(5)
2
Substituting the values from (1) and (4) in (5) we get,
13   7 
S13 =  2 ( 7 ) + (13 − 1)   
2  3 
13
 S13 = 14 + 28
2
 S13 = 273

iii) Given d = 3 , a12 = 37 , find a and S12 .

Ans: Given, the common difference, d = 3 ….. (1)
Given, 12th term of the A.P., a 12 = 37 …..(2)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (3)
Substituting the values from (1), (2) in (3) we get,
37 = a + 3 (12 − 1) = a + 33
Simplifying it further we get,
a = 4 …..(4)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(5)
2
Substituting the values from (1) and (4) in (5) we get,
12
S12 =  2 ( 4 ) + (12 − 1)( 3) 
2
 S12 = 6 8 + 33

 S12 = 246

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 29

iv) Given a 3 = 15 , S10 = 125 find a10 and d .
Ans: Given, 3rd term of the A.P., a 3 = 15 …..(1)
Given, the sum of terms, S10 = 125 ….. (2)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (3)
Substituting the values from (1) in (3) we get,
15 = a + ( 3 − 1) d = a + 2d …..(4)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(5)
2
10
Substituting the values from (1) in (5) we get, 125 =  2a + (10 − 1) d 
2
 125 = 5 2a + 9d 
25 = 2a + 9d …..(5)
Let us solve equations (4) and (5) by subtracting twice of (4) from (5) we get,
25 − 30 = ( 2a + 9d ) − ( 2a + 4d )
 −5 = 5d
d = −1 …..(6)
From (4) and (6) we get, a = 17 …..(7)
From (3), (6) and (7) for n = 10 we get,
a10 = 17 − (10 − 1)
 a10 = 8

v) Given S 9 = 75 , d = 5 find a and a 9 .

Ans: Given, common difference, d = 5 …..(1)
Given, the sum of terms, S9 = 75 ….. (2)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(3)
2
9
Substituting the values from (1), (2) in (3) we get, 75 =  2a + 5 ( 9 − 1) 
2
 25 = 3 a + 20
 3a = −35

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 30

 35
a = − …..(4)
3
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (5)
Substituting the values from (1), (4) in (5) we get,
35
a9 = − + 5 ( 9 − 1)
3
35
 a9 = − + 40
3
85
a9 =
3

vi) Given a = 2 , d = 8 , S n = 90 , find n and an .

Ans: Given, common difference, d = 8 …..(1)
Given, first term, a = 2 …..(2)
Given, the sum of terms, Sn = 90 ….. (3)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(3)
2
n
Substituting the values from (1), (2), (3) in (4) we get, 90 =  2 ( 2 ) + 8 ( n − 1) 
2
 45 = n  2n − 1
 2n 2 − n − 45 = 0
 2n 2 − 10n + 9n − 45 = 0
 2n ( n − 5 ) + 9 ( n − 5 ) = 0

 ( n − 5 )( 2n + 9 ) = 0

 n = 5 …..(4)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (5)
Substituting the values from (1), (2), (4) in (5) we get,
a 5 = 2 + 8 ( 5 − 1)
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 31
 a 5 = 2 + 32
 a 5 = 34

vii) Given a = 8 , S n = 210 , a n = 62 , find n and d .

Ans: Given, first term, a = 8 …..(1)
Given, the sum of terms, Sn = 210 ….. (2)
Given, the n th term, a n = 62 …..(3)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(4)
2
n
Substituting the values from (1), (2) in (4) we get, 210 =  2 (8 ) + d ( n − 1) 
2
 420 = n 16 + ( n − 1) d  …..(4)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (5)
Substituting the values from (1), (3) in (5) we get,
62 = 8 + ( n − 1) d …..(6)
Let us solve equations (4) and (6) by subtracting n times of (6) from (4) we get,
420 − 62n = (16n + n ( n − 1) d ) − (8n + n ( n − 1) d )

 420 − 62n = 8n
 420 = 70n
 n = 6 ……(7)
Substituting the values from (7) in (6) we get,
62 = 8 + ( 6 − 1) d
 54 = 5d
54
d =
5

viii) Given S n = −14 , d = 2 , a n = 4 , find n and a .

Ans: Given, common difference, d = 2 …..(1)
Given, the sum of terms, Sn = −14 ….. (2)
Given, the n th term, a n = 4 …..(3)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 32

We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(4)
2
n
Substituting the values from (1), (2) in (4) we get, −14 =  2a + 2 ( n − 1) 
2
 −14 = n  a + n − 1 …..(5)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (6)
Substituting the values from (1), (3) in (6) we get,
4 = a + 2 ( n − 1) …..(7)

Let us solve equations (5) and (7) by substituting the value of a from (7) in (5)
we get,
−14 = n ( 4 − 2 ( n − 1) ) + n − 1

 −14 = n 5 − n 

 n 2 − 5n − 14 = 0
 n 2 − 7n + 2n − 14 = 0
 ( n − 7 )( n + 2 ) = 0

 n = 7 (Since n cannot be negative) ……(8)

Substituting the values from (8) in (7) we get,
4 = a + 2 ( 7 − 1)
 4 = a + 12
a = −8

ix) Given a = 3 , n = 8 , S = 192 , find d .

Ans: Given, first term, a = 3 …..(1)
Given, the sum of terms, Sn = 192 ….. (2)
Given, the number of terms, n = 8 …..(3)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(4)
2

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 33

 8
Substituting the values from (1), (2) in (4) we get, 192 =  2 ( 3) + d (8 − 1) 
2
 192 = 4  6 + 7d 
 48 = 6 + 7d
 42 = 7d
d = 6

x) Given l = 28 , S = 144 and there are total 9 terms. Find a .

Ans: Given, last term, l = 28 …..(1)
Given, the sum of terms, Sn = 144 ….. (2)
Given, the number of terms, n = 9 …..(3)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and last term l is
n
given by Sn =  a + l …..(4)
2
9
Substituting the values from (1), (2) in (4) we get, 144 = a + 28
2
 32 = a + 28
a = 4

4. How many terms of the A.P. 9,17,25... must be taken to give a sum of 636
?
Ans: Given, common difference, d = 17 − 9 = 8 …..(1)
Given, first term, a = 9 …..(2)
Given, the sum of terms, Sn = 636 ….. (3)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(3)
2
n
Substituting the values from (1), (2), (3) in (4) we get, 636 =  2 ( 9 ) + 8 ( n − 1) 
2
 636 = n ( 5 + 4n )
 4n 2 + 5n − 636 = 0
 4n 2 + 53n − 48n − 636 = 0
 n ( 4n + 53) − 12 ( 4n + 53) = 0
 ( n − 12 )( 4n + 53) = 0
53
 n = 12 or −
4
Since n can only be a natural number n = 12
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 34
5. The first term of an AP is 5 , the last term is 45 and the sum is 400 . Find
the number of terms and the common difference.
Ans: Given, first term, a = 5 …..(1)
Given, the sum of terms, Sn = 400 ….. (2)
Given, the n th term, a n = 45 …..(3)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and last term l is
n
given by Sn =  a + l …..(4)
2
n
Substituting the values from (1), (2), (3) in (4) we get, 400 = 5 + 45
2
 400 = 25n
n = 16
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (5)
Substituting the values from (1), (3) in (5) we get,
45 = 5 + (16 − 1) d
 40 = 15d
8
d =
3

6. The first and the last term of an AP are 17 and 350 respectively. If the
common difference is 9 , how many terms are there and what is their sum?
Ans: Given, first term, a = 17 …..(1)
Given, the common difference, d = 9 ….. (2)
Given, the n th term, a n = 350 …..(3)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (4)
Substituting the values from (1), (2), (3) in (4) we get,
350 = 17 + 9 ( n − 1)

 333 = 9 ( n − 1)

 37 = ( n − 1)

n = 38 ……(5)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 35

We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and last term l is
n
given by Sn =  a + l …..(6)
2
38
Substituting the values from (1), (5), (3) in (6) we get, S38 = 17 + 350
2
 S38 = 19 ( 367 )

 S38 = 6973

7. Find the sum of first 22 terms of an AP in which d = 7 and 22nd term is

149 .
Ans: Given, the common difference, d = 7 ….. (1)
Given, the 22nd term, a 22 = 149 …..(2)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (3)
Substituting the values from (1), (2) in (3) we get,
149 = a + 7 ( 22 − 1)

 149 = a + 147
a = 2 ……(4)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and last term l is
n
given by Sn =  a + l …..(5)
2
22
Substituting the values from (1), (2), (4) in (5) we get, S22 =  2 + 149
2
 S22 = 11(151)
 S22 = 1661

8. Find the sum of first 51 terms of an AP whose second and third terms are
14 and 18 respectively.
Ans: Given, the 2nd term, a 2 = 14 ….. (1)
Given, the 3rd term, a 3 = 18 …..(2)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d ….. (3)
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 36
Substituting the values from (1) in (3) we get,
14 = a + d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (2) in (3) we get,
18 = a + 2d …..(5)
Solving equations (4) and (5) by subtracting (4) from (5) we get,
18 − 14 = ( a + 2d ) − ( a + d )

d = 4 ……(6)
Substituting the value from (6) in (4) we get a = 10 . …..(7)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(8)
2
Substituting the values from (7), (6) in (8) we get for n = 51 ,
51
S51 =  2 (10 ) + 4 ( 51 − 1) 
2
51
 S51 =  20 + 200
2
 S51 = 5610

9. If the sum of first 7 terms of an AP is 49 and that of 17 terms is 289 , find

the sum of first n terms.
Ans: Given, the sum of first 7 terms, S7 = 49 ….. (1)
Given, the sum of first 17 terms, S17 = 289 …..(2)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  ….. (3)
2
Substituting the values from (1) in (3) we get,
7
49 =  2a + ( 7 − 1) d 
2
 7 = a + 3d …..(4)
Substituting the values from (2) in (3) we get,
17
289 =  2a + (17 − 1) d 
2
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 37
 17 = a + 8d …..(5)
Solving equations (4) and (5) by subtracting (4) from (5) we get,
17 − 7 = ( a + 8d ) − ( a + 3d )
 10 = 5d
d = 2 ……(6)
Substituting the value from (6) in (4) we get a = 1 …..(7)
Substituting the values from (7), (6) in (3) we get,
n
Sn =  2 + 2 ( n − 1) 
2
 Sn = n 2

10. Show that a1 ,a 2 ...,a n ,... form an AP where an is defined as below. Also
find the sum of the first 15 terms in each case.
i) an = 3 + 4n
Ans: Consider two consecutive terms of the given sequence. Say a n ,a n +1 .
Difference between these terms will be
a n +1 − a n = 3 + 4 ( n + 1)  − 3 + 4n 
 a n +1 − a n = 4 ( n + 1) − 4n
 a n +1 − a n = 4
Which is a constant n  .
For n = 1, a1 = 3 + 4 = 7
Therefore, it is an A.P. with first term 7 and common difference 4 .
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d 
2
15
Therefore, S15 =  2 ( 7 ) + 4 (15 − 1) 
2
15
 S15 = 14 ( 5 ) 
2
 S15 = 525

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 38

ii) an = 9 − 5n
Ans: Consider two consecutive terms of the given sequence. Say a n ,a n +1 .
Difference between these terms will be
a n +1 − a n = 9 − 5 ( n + 1)  − 9 − 5n 

 a n +1 − a n = −5 ( n + 1) + 5n
 a n +1 − a n = −5

Which is a constant n  .
For n = 1, a1 = 9 − 5 = 4
Therefore, it is an A.P. with first term 4 and common difference −5 .
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d 
2
15
Therefore, S15 =  2 ( 4 ) − 5 (15 − 1) 
2
 S15 = 15 −31
 S15 = −465

11. If the sum of the first n terms of an AP is 4n − n2 , what is the first term
(that is S1 )? What is the sum of first two terms? What is the second term?
th
Similarly find the 3rd , the 10th and the n terms.
Ans: Given, the sum of the first n terms of an A.P. is 4n − n 2 .
First term = S1 = 4 − 1 = 3 . …..(1)
Sum of first two terms = S2 = 8 − ( 2 ) = 4 …..(2)
2

From (1) and (2), 2 term = S2 − S1 = 4 − 3 = 1 .

nd

Sum of first three terms = S3 = 12 − ( 3) = 3 …..(3)

2

From (3) and (2), 3rd term = S3 − S2 = 3 − 4 = −1 .

Similarly,
Sum of first n terms = Sn = 4n − n 2 …..(4)
Sum of first n − 1 terms = Sn −1 = 4 ( n − 1) − ( n − 1) = −n + 6n − 5 …..(5)
22

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 39

From (4) and (5), n term = Sn − Sn −1 = ( 4n − n 2 ) − ( −n 2 + 6n − 5 ) = 5 − 2n
th

…..(6)
From (6), 10th term is 5 − 2 (10 ) = −15 .

12. Find the sum of first 40 positive integers divisible by 6 .

Ans: First positive integer that is divisible by 6 is 6 itself.
Second positive integer that is divisible by 6 is 6 + 6 = 12 .
Third positive integer that is divisible by 6 is 12 + 6 = 18 .
Hence, it is an A.P. with first term and common difference both as 6 .
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d 
2
Therefore, for n = 40 ,
40
S40 =  2 ( 6 ) + 6 ( 40 − 1) 
2
 S40 = 120  41
 S40 = 4920

13. Find the sum of first 15 multiples of 8 .

Ans: First positive integer that is divisible by 8 is 8 itself.
Second positive integer that is divisible by 8 is 8 + 8 = 16 .
Third positive integer that is divisible by 8 is 16 + 8 = 24 .
Hence, it is an A.P. with first term and common difference both as 8 .
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d 
2
Therefore, for n = 15 ,
15
S15 =  2 ( 8) + 8 (15 − 1) 
2
 S15 = 60 16
 S15 = 960

14. Find the sum of the odd numbers between 0 and 50 .

Ans: The odd numbers between 0 and 50 are 1,3,5,...,49 .
It is an A.P. with first term 1 and common difference 2 . ….(1)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d … (2)

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 40

Substitute a n = 49 and values from (1) into (2)
49 = 1 + 2 ( n − 1)
 24 = ( n − 1)

n = 25 ……(3)
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  …..(4)
2
Substituting values from (1), (3) in (4) we get,
25
S25 =  2 + 2 ( 25 − 1) 
2
 S25 = 25 25
 S25 = 625

15. A contract on construction job specifies a penalty for delay of completion

beyond a certain date as follows: Rs. 200 for the first day, Rs. 250 for the
second day, Rs. 300 for the third day, etc., the penalty for each succeeding
day being Rs. 50 more than for the preceding day. How much money the
contractor has to pay as penalty, if he has delayed the work by 30 days.
Ans: Penalty of delay for first day is Rs. 200 .
Penalty of delay for second day is Rs. 250 .
Penalty of delay for third day is Rs. 300 .
Hence it is an A.P. with first term 200 and common difference 50 .
Money the contractor has to pay as penalty, if he has delayed the work by 30
days is the sum of first 30 terms of the A.P.
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  . Therefore,
2
30
S30 =  2 ( 200 ) + 50 ( 30 − 1) 
2
 S30 = 15  400 + 50 ( 29 ) 
S30 = 27750

Therefore, the contractor has to pay Rs 27750 as penalty.

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 41

16. A sum of Rs 700 is to be used to give seven cash prizes to students of a
school for their overall academic performance. If each prize is Rs 20 less
than its preceding prize, find the value of each of the prizes.
Ans: Let the first prize be of Rs. a then the second prize will be of Rs. a − 20 ,
the third prize will be of Rs. a − 40 .
Therefore, it is an A.P. with first term a and common difference −20 .
Given, S7 = 700
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  . Therefore,
2
7
S7 =  2a − 20 ( 7 − 1) 
2
 700 = 7  a − 60
 100 = a − 60
a = 160
Therefore, the value of each of the prizes was
Rs 160, Rs 140, Rs 120,Rs 100, Rs 80, Rs 60, and Rs 40.

17. In a school, students thought of planting trees in and around the school
to reduce air pollution. It was decided that the number of trees, that each
section of each class will plant, will be the same as the class, in which they
are studying, e.g., a section of class I will plant 1 tree, a section of class II
will plant 2 trees and so on till class XII. There are three sections of each
class. How many trees will be planted by the students?
Ans: Each section of class I will plant 1 tree each. Therefore, total trees planted
by class I are 3 .
Each section of class II will plant 2 trees each. Therefore, total trees planted by
class II are 3  2 = 6 .
Each section of class III will plant 3 trees each. Therefore, total trees planted by
class III are 3  3 = 9 .
Therefore, it is an A.P series with first term and common difference both as 3 .
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  . Therefore,
2
12
S12 =  2 ( 3) − 3 (12 − 1) 
2
 S12 = 6 39
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 42
 S12 = 234
Therefore, 234 trees will be planted by the students.

18. A spiral is made up of successive semicircles, with centers alternately at

A and B, starting with center at A of radii 0.5 , 1.0 cm, 1.5 cm, 2.0 cm, .........
as shown in figure. What is the total length of such a spiral made up of
thirteen consecutive semicircles?

Ans: Length of first semi-circle I1 =  ( 0.5 ) cm.

Length of second semi-circle I 2 =  (1) cm.
Length of third semi-circle I3 =  (1.5 ) cm.
Therefore, it is an A.P series with first term and common difference both as
 ( 0.5 ) .
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  . Therefore,
2
13
S13 =  2 ( 0.5 ) + ( 0.5 )(13 − 1) 
2
 S13 = 7  13  ( 0.5 )
1 22
 S13 = 7  13  
2 7
 S13 = 143
Therefore, the length of such spiral of thirteen consecutive semi-circles
will be 143 cm.

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 43

19. The 200 logs are stacked in the following manner: 20 logs in the bottom
row, 19 in the next row, 18 in the row next to it and so on. In how many rows
are the 200 logs placed and how many logs are in the top row?

Ans: Total logs in first row are 20 .

Total logs in second row are 19 .
Total logs in third row are 18 .
Therefore, it is an A.P series with first term 20 and common difference −1.
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  . Therefore,
2
n
200 =  2 ( 20 ) − ( n − 1) 
2
 400 = n  41 − n 

 n 2 − 41n + 400 = 0
 n 2 − 16n − 25n + 400 = 0
 n ( n − 16 ) − 25 ( n − 16 ) = 0

 ( n − 16 )( n − 25 ) = 0

For n = 25 , after 20th term, all terms are negative, which is illogical as terms are
representing the number of logs and number of logs being negative is illogical.
n = 16
Total logs in 16th row = 20 − (16 − 1) = 5
Therefore, 200 logs will be placed in 16 rows and the total logs in 16th row will
be 5 .

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 44

20. In a potato race, a bucket is placed at the starting point, which is 5 m
from the first potato and other potatoes are placed 3 m apart in a straight
line. There are ten potatoes in the line.
A competitor starts from the bucket, picks up the nearest potato, runs back
with it, drops it in the bucket, runs back to pick up the next potato, runs to
the bucket to drop it in, and she continues in the same way until all the
potatoes are in the bucket. What is the total distance the competitor has to
run?
[Hint: to pick up the first potato and the second potato, the total
distance (in metres) run by a competitor is 2  5 + 2  ( 5 + 3 ) ]

Ans: Total distance run by competitor to collect and drop first potato = 2  5 = 10
m.
Total distance run by competitor to collect and drop second potato
= 2  ( 5 + 3) = 16 m.
Total distance run by competitor to collect and drop third potato
= 2  ( 5 + 3 + 3) = 22 m.
Therefore, it is an A.P series with first term 10 and common difference 6 .
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  . Therefore, to collect and drop 10
2
potatoes total distance covered is
10
S10 =  2 (10 ) + 6 (10 − 1) 
2
 S10 = 5 74
 S13 = 370
Therefore, the competitor will run a total distance of 370 m.

Exercise 5.4
1. Which term of the A.P. 121,117,113,... is its first negative term?
[Hint: Find n for a n  0 ]
Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 45
Ans: Given A.P. 121,117,113,...
Its first term is 121 and common difference is 117 − 121 = −4 .
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d .
Therefore the n th term of the given A.P. is a n = 121 − 4 ( n − 1) ….. (1)
To find negative term, find n such that a n  0
Hence from (1),
121 − 4 ( n − 1)  0
 121  4 ( n − 1)
121
 +1 n
4
125
n
4
n  31.25
Therefore, the 32 nd term of the given A.P. will be its first negative term.

2. The sum of the third and the seventh terms of an A.P is 6 and their product
is 8 . Find the sum of first sixteen terms of the A.P.
Ans: Given the sum of third and seventh term of A.P., a 3 + a 7 = 6 …..(1)
Given the sum of third and seventh term of A.P., a 3  a 7 = 8 …..(2)
We know that the n th term of the A.P. with first term a and common difference
d is given by a n = a + ( n − 1) d . Therefore,
For n = 3,a 3 = a + 2d
For n = 7,a 7 = a + 6d
From (1), a 3 + a 7 = ( a + 2d ) + ( a + 6d )
 2a + 8d = 6
a + 4d = 3 ….. (3)
From (2), a 3  a 7 = ( a + 2d )  ( a + 6d )
a 2 + 8ad + 12d2 = 8 …..(4)
Let us now solve equations (3) and (4) by substituting the value of a from (3) into
(4).
( 3 − 4d ) + 8d ( 3 − 4d ) + 12d 2 = 8
2

 9 − 24d + 16d 2 + 24d − 32d 2 + 12d 2 = 8

 −4d2 + 1 = 0

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 46

 1
 d2 =
4
1 1
 d = , − …..(5)
2 2

1
CASE 1: For d =
2
1
Substitute d = in (6) we get, a = 1 …..(6)
2
1
Therefore, it is an A.P series with first term 1 and common difference
.
2
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  . Therefore,
2
16  1 
S16 =  2 + (16 − 1) 
2 2 
 S16 = 4 19

 S16 = 76

1
CASE 2: For d = −
2
1
Substitute d = − in (6) we get, a = 5 …..(7)
2
1
Therefore, it is an A.P series with first term 5 and common difference − and
2
hence,
n
Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d 
2
16 
(16 − 1)
1
 S16 =  2 ( 5 ) −
2 2 
 S16 = 4 5

 S16 = 20

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 47

3. A ladder has rungs 25 cm apart. (See figure). The rungs decrease
uniformly in length from 45 cm at the bottom to 25 cm at the top. If the top
1
and bottom rungs are 2 m apart, what is the length of the wood required
2
for the rungs?
250
[Hint: number of rungs = ]
25

1 5
Ans: Distance between first and last rungs is 2 m = m = 250cm .
2 2
Distance between two consecutive rungs is 25cm .
250
Therefore, total number of rungs are + 1 = 11.
25
Also, we can observe that the length of each rung is decreasing in a uniform order.
So, we can conclude that the length of rungs is in A.P. with first term 45 , common
difference −25 and number of terms 11 .
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and last term l is
n
given by Sn =  a + l . Therefore,
2
11
S11 =  45 + 25
2
 S11 = 1135
 S11 = 385
Therefore, the length of the wood required for the rungs is 385 cm.

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 48

4. The houses of a row are number consecutively from 1 to 49 . Show that
there is a value of x such that the sum of numbers of the houses preceding
the house numbered x is equal to the sum of the number of houses following
it. Find this value of x .
[Hint S x −1 = S 49 − S x ]
Ans: Given houses are numbered 1,2,3,4,....
Clearly, they are numbered in A.P. series with both first term and common
difference as 1 .
Now, there is house numbered x such that the sum of numbers of the houses
preceding the house numbered x is equal to the sum of the number of houses
following it i.e., Sx −1 = S49 − Sx

We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and last term l is
n
given by Sn =  a + l . Therefore,
2
Sx −1 = S49 − Sx

 ( x − 1)   49  x 
 1 + ( x − 1)   =  1 + 49 −  1 + x 
 2  2  2 
x ( x − 1) x ( x + 1)
 = 49 25 −
2 2
 x ( x − 1) = 2450 − x ( x + 1)

 2x 2 = 2450
 x = 35 (Since house number cannot be negative)
Therefore, house number 35 is such that the sum of the numbers of houses
preceding the house numbered 35 is equal to the sum of the numbers of the houses
following it.

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 49

5. A small terrace at a football ground comprises of 15 steps each of which
1
is 50 m long and built of solid concrete. Each step has a rise of m and a
4
1
tread of m (See figure) calculate the total volume of concrete required to
2
build the terrace.

Ans: Given that a football ground comprises of 15 steps each of which is 50 m

1 1
long and built of solid concrete. Each step has a rise of m and a tread of m.
4 2
An easy illustration of the problem is depicted below.

Here blue step is the lowermost step. Let it be known as step 1 . The volume of
1 1
step 1 is   50 m3 .
2 4
The red step is the second lowermost step. Let it be known as step 2 . The volume
1 1
of step 2 is   50 m3 .
2 2

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 50

The green step is the third lower step. Let it be known as step 3 . The volume of
1
step 3 is  1  50 m3 .
2

We can see that the height is increasing with each increasing step by a factor of
1
, length and width being constant. Hence the volume of each step is increasing
4
1 1
by   50 m3 .
2 4
Therefore, we can conclude that the volume of steps is in A.P. with first term and
1 1 25 3
common difference both as   50 = m.
2 4 4
We know that the sum of n terms of the A.P. with first term a and common
n
difference d is given by Sn =  2a + ( n − 1) d  . Therefore,
2
15   25   25  
S15 =  2   +   (15 − 1) 
2  4   4  
15  25 
 S15 =   16
2 4 
 S15 = 15  25  2
 S15 = 750
Therefore, volume of concrete required to build the terrace is 750 m3 .

Class X Maths www.vedantu.com 51