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Sequence and Series

If the 12𝑡ℎ term of an A.P. is 25 and the 7𝑡ℎ term is 10, then find
the 20𝑡ℎ term

𝑇12 = 𝑎 + 11𝑑 = 25
𝑇7 = 𝑎 + 6𝑑 = 10

⇒ 5𝑑 = 15 ⇒ 𝑑 = 3
⇒ 𝑎 + 33 = 25 ⇒ 𝑎 = −8

𝑇20 = 𝑎 + 19𝑑 = −8 + 19 × 3

= 57 − 8 = 49
Key Takeaways

• A sequence whose terms follow a certain pattern is called progressions

• Progressions are described by some explicit formula for 𝑛𝑡ℎ term

• Different types of progressions:

I. Arithmetic Progression (A.P.)
II. Geometric progression (G.P.)
III. Harmonic progression (H.P.)
IV. Arithmetic Geometric progression (A.G.P)
Key Takeaways

• Arithmetic Progression (A.P.) : A sequence whose terms follow a certain

pattern is called progressions

• 𝑡1 = 𝑎 is the first term of A.P.

• 𝑡𝑛 − 𝑡𝑛−1 = 𝑑, where 𝑑 is common difference

• 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of an 𝐴. 𝑃. Is given by 𝑡𝑛 = 𝑎 + 𝑛 − 1 𝑑

Given Two A.P.’s 3, 7, 11, ⋯ and 2, 9, 16, ⋯, find the 21𝑠𝑡 common term
of these two A.P.s.

𝐴. 𝑃1 = 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, ⋯ , 407

𝐴. 𝑃2 = 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 , ⋯ , 709
Now for common difference of common terms of A.P.’s is LCM 4, 7 = 28.
Now the A.P. with common terms will have first term as 23
and common difference as 28.

Hence 𝑇21 = 23 + 21 − 1 28 = 583

Key Takeaways

Sum of first 𝑛 terms in A.P.

• Sum of 𝑛 terms of an A.P. is 𝑆𝑛 =

𝑛
2
2𝑎 + 𝑛 − 1 𝑑
𝑛
or 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎 + 𝑙 where 𝑙 is last term.
2
If 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of an A.P. is given by 𝑇𝑛 = 4𝑛 + 1, then the sum of 10 terms
is ________.

Given: 𝑇1 = 𝑎 = 5, 𝑇10 = 𝑙 = 41
10
Now, 𝑆10 = 5 + 41 = 230
2
Properties of A.P.

If a fixed number is added or subtracted to each term of a given A.P., then

• the resulting sequence will be an A.P. with the same common difference.

If each term of an A.P. is multiplied or divided by a fixed non-zero

• constant, then the resulting sequence will be an A.P.

In a finite A.P., the sum of the terms equidistant from the

• beginning and from the end is constant.

The sequence obtained by adding or subtracting the

• corresponding terms of two A.P.’s is also an A.P.
Properties of A.P.

• Supposition of terms in A.P.

➢ 3 terms in A.P. : 𝑎 − 𝑑, 𝑎, 𝑎 + 𝑑 .
➢ 4 terms in A.P. : 𝑎 − 3𝑑, 𝑎 − 𝑑, 𝑎 + 𝑑, 𝑎 + 3𝑑
➢ 5 terms in A.P. : 𝑎 − 2𝑑, 𝑎 − 𝑑, 𝑎 + 𝑑, 𝑎 + 2𝑑

Use this whenever sum of terms are given in questions.

• Common difference of an A.P. can be negative, positive or zero

Properties of A.P.

A sequence 𝑡𝑛 is an A. P. if and only if the 𝑛𝑡ℎ term ′𝑡𝑛 ′ is a linear

• expression in 𝑛. i.e. 𝑡𝑛 = 𝐴𝑛 + 𝐵
Note: Here, the coefficient of 𝑛 i.e., 𝐴 = Common difference of an A.P.

A sequence is an A.P. if the sum of the first 𝑛 terms S𝑛 is a

• quadratic expression in 𝑛 with the constant term as zero.
i.e. 𝑆𝑛 = 𝐴𝑛2 + 𝐵𝑛
Note: Here, 2𝐴 = Common difference of an A.P.
If the sum and product of the first three terms is an A.P. are 33 and
1155 respectively, then the value of its 11𝑡ℎ term is

Let the terms be 𝑎 − 𝑑, 𝑎, 𝑎 + 𝑑

Now according to the question

𝑎 − 𝑑 + 𝑎 + 𝑎 + 𝑑 = 33 ⇒ 𝑎 = 11

And 𝑎 𝑎2 − 𝑑 2 = 1155 ⇒ 121 − 𝑑 2 = 105

⇒ 𝑑 = ±4

Hence first term 𝑇1 = 15 or 7

Now 𝑇11 = 15 + 11 − 1 −4 or 7 + 11 − 1 4

⇒ 𝑇11 = −25 or 47
If the sum and product of the first three terms is an A.P. are 33 and
1155 respectively, then the value of its 11𝑡ℎ term is

A −36

B −25

C 25

D −35
Suppose that all the terms of an arithmetic progression (A.P.) are
natural numbers. If the ratio of the sum of the first seven terms to the
sum of first eleven terms 6: 11 and the seventh term lies in between
130 and 140, then the common difference of this A.P. is:
7
𝑆7
= 2
2𝑎+6𝑑 6
= 11 Given, 130 < 𝑇7 < 140
11
𝑆6 (2𝑎+10𝑑)
2
130 < 𝑎 + 6𝑑 < 140
𝑆 7 2𝑎+6𝑑
⇒ 𝑆7 = =6
6 (2𝑎+10𝑑) 130 < 9𝑑 + 6𝑑 < 140
𝑆 7 2𝑎+6𝑑
⇒ 𝑆7 = =6 8.6 < 𝑑 < 9.3
6 (2𝑎+10𝑑)

As terms of the A.P. are natural numbers

⇒ 14𝑎 + 42𝑑 = 12𝑎 + 60𝑑

⇒ 2𝑎 = 18𝑑 ⇒ 𝑎 = 9𝑑 Hence, 𝑑 = 9
Arithmetic Mean:

• One A.M. between two numbers 𝑎, 𝑏; If 𝑎, 𝐴, 𝑏 are in A.P.⇒ 𝐴 =A.M.

𝑎+𝑏
of 𝑎&𝑏 i.e. 𝐴 = 2 .

• Insertion of 𝑛 A. M.’s Between Two Given Numbers

𝑎, 𝐴1 , 𝐴2 , 𝐴3 , 𝐴4 , ⋯ ⋯ 𝐴𝑛 , 𝑏 is an A.P.

•
𝑏−𝑎
Number of terms= 𝑛 + 2 • 𝑑 = 𝑛+1

• 𝑏 is 𝑛 + 2 𝑡ℎ term
• 𝑘 𝑡ℎ A.M. is= 𝑎 + 𝑘 − 1 𝑑
𝑏−𝑎
Where 𝑑 = 𝑛+1
• 𝑏 =𝑎+ 𝑛+1 𝑑

•
𝑛 𝑛
Sum of 𝐴1 + 𝐴2 + 𝐴3 + 𝐴4 + ⋯ ⋯ + 𝐴𝑛 = 𝐴1 + 𝐴𝑛 = 2 (𝑎 + 𝑏)
2

•
𝐴1 +𝐴2 +⋯𝐴𝑛
Random numbers of A.M.=
𝑛
 If 11 Arithmetic means are inserted between 10 & 28. Then the
8th arithmetic mean is.

We have to find 8th arithmetic mean

Here 𝑏 = 28 = 10 + 11 + 1 𝑑
3
⇒𝑑=2
Now 𝐴8 = 10 + 8𝑑
3
⇒ 𝐴8 = 10 + 8 ⋅ 2 = 22
If 11 Arithmetic means are inserted between 10 & 28. Then the
sum of all arithmetic means inserted will be.

Sum of all arithmetic means inserted A 209

𝑛
= (𝑎 + 𝑏)
2
11 B 247
= (28 + 10)
2
= 11 ⋅ 19
= 209 C 171

D 228
If 11 Arithmetic means are inserted between 10 & 28. Then the
sum of all arithmetic means inserted will be.

A 209

B 247

C 171

D 228
Key Takeaways

Geometric Progression (G.P.):

• It is a sequence of non zero numbers in which the ratio of any term to the terms
preceding is a constant and constant ratio is called the common ratio G.P.

Example:
1 1 1 −1 −1 −1
2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × × × ×
3 3 3 2 2 2

3
1, 2, 4, 8, 16, ⋯ 162, 54, 18, 6, ⋯ 12, −6, 3, −2,⋯
First term = 𝑎 = 1 First term = 𝑎 = 162 First term = 𝑎 = 12
Common ratio = 𝑟 = 2 Common ratio = 𝑟 = 3
1
Common ratio = 𝑟 = − 2
1

Note:

• When we have alternate + 𝑣𝑒 and − 𝑣𝑒 terms in a

series then it is most likely to be G.P.
Key Takeaways

General Term of a G.P.

𝑙 𝑙
• In general terms of a G.P. are taken as 𝑎, 𝑎𝑟, 𝑎𝑟 2 , ⋯ 𝑟 2 , 𝑟 , 𝑙

• 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1

• Term from end 𝑇𝑚 = 𝑟 𝑚−1

𝑙
The fourth, seventh and the last term of a G.P. are 10, 80 and 2560
respectively. Find the first term and the number of terms in the G.P.

𝑡4 = 𝑎𝑟 3 = 10 … (𝑖)

𝑡7 = 𝑎𝑟 6 = 80 … (𝑖𝑖)

𝑡𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 = 2560 … (𝑖𝑖𝑖)

𝑡7 𝑎𝑟 6 80
= = ⇒ 𝑟3 = 8 ⇒ 𝑟 = 2
𝑡4 𝑎𝑟 3 10

5
Putting in 𝑖 ⇒ 𝑎 × 23 = 10 ⇒ 𝑎 = 4

5
Putting in 𝑖𝑖𝑖 ⇒ 𝑡𝑛 = 4
× 2𝑛−1 = 2560

2560×4
⇒ 2𝑛−1 = 5
= 2048

⇒ 2𝑛−1 = 211

⇒ 𝑛 = 12
If each term of a G.P. is positive and the 𝑝 + 𝑞 𝑡ℎ
term of a G.P. is
𝑎 and the 𝑝 − 𝑞 𝑡ℎ
term is 𝑏, show that 𝑝𝑡ℎ term is 𝑎𝑏.

𝑇𝑝+𝑞 = 𝐴𝑟 𝑝+𝑞−1 = 𝑎
𝑇𝑝−𝑞 = 𝐴𝑟 𝑝−𝑞−1 = 𝑏
Multiplying 𝑇𝑝+𝑞 and 𝑇𝑝−𝑞
𝑇𝑝+𝑞 × 𝑇𝑝−𝑞 = 𝐴2 𝑟 𝑝+𝑞−1+𝑝−𝑞−1 = 𝑎𝑏
⇒ 𝐴2 𝑟 2 𝑝−1 = 𝑎𝑏
⇒ 𝐴𝑟 𝑝−1 2 = 𝑎𝑏
⇒ 𝐴𝑟 𝑝−1 = 𝑎𝑏
⇒ 𝑇𝑝 = 𝑎𝑏
Sum of 𝑛 terms of a G.P.

Proof:
𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎 + 𝑎𝑟 + 𝑎𝑟 2 + 𝑎𝑟 3 + ⋯ + 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−2 + 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1
𝑟𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 + 𝑎𝑟 2 + 𝑎𝑟 3 + ⋯ + 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−2 + 𝑎𝑟 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑟 𝑛
−
𝑆𝑛 1 − 𝑟 = 𝑎 + 0 + 0 + 0 + ⋯ + 0 + 0 − 𝑎𝑟 𝑛

𝑆𝑛 1 − 𝑟 = 𝑎 − 𝑎𝑟 𝑛
1−𝑟 𝑛
⇒ 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎 1−𝑟
;𝑟 ≠ 1

• If 𝑟 = 1 then, 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛𝑎

• If 𝑟 = 1 then, G.P. becomes a constant sequence

⇒ 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎 + 𝑎 + 𝑎 + 𝑎 + ⋯ + 𝑎 (𝑛 times )
⇒ 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑛𝑎
Sum of 𝑛 terms of a G.P.

Let 𝑎, 𝑎𝑟, 𝑎𝑟 2 , 𝑎𝑟 3 , ⋯ be a G.P.

𝑟 𝑛 −1
• 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎 𝑟−1
;𝑟 ≠ 1

Or
1−𝑟 𝑛
• 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑎
1−𝑟
;𝑟 ≠ 1

•
𝑎−𝑙𝑟
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟
Sum of infinite terms of a G.P.

Let 𝑎, 𝑎𝑟, 𝑎𝑟 2 , 𝑎𝑟 3 , ⋯ be a G.P.

𝑎
𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟 ; 𝑟 < 1

σ 𝑓 + 𝑔 = σ𝑓 + σ𝑔
 1 1 1
Find the sum of the progression 1 + + + + ⋯ + 𝑛 terms .
2 4 8

1
2 1
𝑎 = 1, 𝑟 = =2
1

We know
𝑎 1−𝑟 𝑛
𝑆𝑛 =
1−𝑟

1 𝑛
1 1−
2
⇒ 𝑆𝑛 = 1
1− 2

1
⇒ 𝑆𝑛 = 2 1 − 2𝑛
 Area of an equilateral triangle is 1 sq. unit. The mid points of its sides
are joined to form another triangle 𝑃1, hence dividing the original triangle
into 4 smaller triangles. The mid points of the sides of one of these smaller
triangles are joined to form another triangle 𝑃2. This process continues
infinitely. Find the sum of areas of triangles 𝑃1, 𝑃2, 𝑃3 …
Solution:
Theorem: If X, Y and 𝑍 are the middle points of sides PQ, PR and QR 𝑃
respectively of the ∆𝑃𝑄𝑅.
1
⇒ 𝑎𝑟 ∆𝑋𝑌𝑍 = 4 𝑎𝑟 ∆𝑃𝑄𝑅
∞ 𝑛 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 𝑋 𝑌
෍ = + + + + + + +⋯ =
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
𝑛=1
1
4 1
= 1 =3
1−4 𝑄 𝑍 𝑅
 Find the sum of 6 + 66 + 666 + 6666 + ⋯ + 𝑛 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠 .

Solution:
6 1 + 11 + 111 + ⋯ + 𝑛 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠
6
9 + 99 + 999 + ⋯ + 𝑛 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠
9
6
൫(10 − 1) + 102 − 1 + (103 − 1) +
9
𝑛
⋯ + 10 − 1 ൯
6
10 + 102 + 103 + ⋯ + 10𝑛 − 𝑛
9

𝑛 term G.P.
6 10 10𝑛 −1 6
9 10−1
− 𝑛 = 81 10𝑛+1 − 10 − 9𝑛
 If sum of 3 consecutive term of a
G.P. = 19 and product = 216. Then find 𝑆𝑛 and 𝑆∞ .

Solution:
𝑎
𝑖 Let G.P. → , 𝑎, 𝑎𝑟 ⇒ Prod = 𝑎3 = 216 ⇒ 𝑎 = 6
𝑟

𝑎
𝑖𝑖 Sum ⇒ 𝑟 + 𝑎 + 𝑎𝑟 = 19
1 𝑟 2 +𝑟+1 19
6 + 1 + 𝑟 = 19 ⇒ =
𝑟 𝑟 6

6𝑟 2 − 13𝑟 + 6 = 0

6𝑟 2 − 9𝑟 − 4𝑟 + 6 = 0

2𝑟 − 3 3𝑟 − 2 = 0
3 2
𝑟 = 2,3

2
𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑎 = 6, 𝑟 = 3
2 𝑛
6 6 1− 3
𝑆∞ = 2 𝑆𝑛 = 2
1−3 1−3
Key Takeaways

Selection of terms in a G.P.

𝑎
• 3 consecutive terms can be taken as ∶ 𝑟 , 𝑎, 𝑎𝑟

𝑎 𝑎
• 4 consecutive terms can be taken as ∶ 𝑟 3 , 𝑟 , 𝑎𝑟, 𝑎𝑟 3

•
𝑎 𝑎
5 consecutive terms can be taken as ∶ 𝑟 2 , 𝑟 , 𝑎, 𝑎𝑟, 𝑎𝑟 2

Note: Use only when product of term is given

I. Three non-zero terms 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are in G.P., iff 𝑏 2 = 𝑎𝑐

Proof:
𝑏 𝑐
Common ratio 𝑟 = 𝑎 = 𝑏 ⇒ 𝑏 2 = 𝑎𝑐
Example: Consider 9, 𝑥, 4 are in G.P. then value of 𝑥 is
⇒ 𝑥 2 = 9 × 4 ⇒ 𝑥 = ± 36 ⇒ 𝑥 = ±6

II. The reciprocal of the terms of a given G.P.

also forms a G.P. and common ratio will also be the reciprocal

Example: Consider 2, 4, 8, 16 ⋯ are in G.P.

4 8 16
⇒ Common ratio 𝑟 = 2 = 4 = 2
=2
1 1 1 1
⇒ 2 , 4 , 8 , 16 ⋯ are also in G.P.
III.
If each term of a G.P. are raised to the same power, then the resulting
sequence also forms a G.P. and ratio will also be raised by the same power.

IV. If all the terms of a G.P.’s multiplied or divided by the same non-zero constant,
then it remains the G.P. with the same common ratio

V. The sequence obtained by multiplying or dividing terms of two G.P.’s is

also G.P. and common ratio will be the division or multiplication of given
common ratios
2 2 2
Example: Consider 1, −2, 4, −8 ⋯ & 2, 3 , 9 , 27 , ⋯ are in G.P.
2 2 1 2 4 −8
⇒ 1 ⋅ 2, −2 ⋅ 3 , 4 ⋅ 9 , ⋯ ⇒ 2,− 2 , 2 , 2 ,⋯
3 9 27
4 8 2 1
⇒ 2, − 3 , 9 , ⋯ ⇒ 𝑟 = − ⇒ 2 , −3, 18, −108, ⋯ ⇒ 𝑟 = −6
3
VI. In a finite G.P.’s the product of the terms equidistant from the beginning
and the end is always same is equal to the product of the first and the
last term

VII. If the terms of a given G.P. are chosen at regular intervals, then the new
sequence so formed is also a G.P.

VIII. If 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , is in G.P. of (+)ve term then log 𝑎1 , log 𝑎2 , log 𝑎3 ,will be in A.P.
 Let 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , . . . be a G. P. such that 𝑎1 < 0, 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 = 4 and 𝑎3 + 𝑎4 = 16
If σ9𝑖 =1 𝑎𝑖 = 4𝜆 then the value of 𝜆 is equal to:
511
a.) 171 b.) −513 c.) d.) −171
3

Solution:
𝑎1 𝑟 2 + 𝑎1 𝑟 3 = 16
𝑎1 + 𝑎1 𝑟 = 4
𝑎1 𝑟 2 +𝑎1 𝑟 3 16
⇒ =
𝑎1 +𝑎1 𝑟 4

⇒ 𝑟 2 = 4 ⇒ 𝑟 = ±2
4
⇒ 𝑟 = 2 ⇒ 𝑎1 + 𝑎1 2 = 4 ⇒ 𝑎1 = 3

⇒ 𝑟 = −2 ⇒ 𝑎1 + 𝑎1 −2 = 4 ⇒ 𝑎1 = −4
∴ 𝑟 = −2, 𝑎1 = −4 as 𝑎1 < 0
𝑎1 1−𝑟 9 4
⇒ = 4𝜆 ⇒ 4𝜆 = − 513 ⇒ 𝜆 = −171
1−𝑟 3
• If 𝑎, 𝐺, 𝑏 are in G.P then 𝐺 is the geometric mean between 𝑎 and 𝑏

1
𝑏 𝑛+1
• If n G.M’s are inserted between 𝑎 and 𝑏, then 𝑟 =
𝑎

• Product of 𝑛 G.M’s between two numbers equals to the 𝑛𝑡ℎ power of the
single G.M. between them
1
• 1. G.M of 𝑎, 𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏 2
1
2. G.M of 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 = 𝑎𝑏𝑐 3
1
3. G.M of 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑 = 𝑎𝑏𝑐𝑑 4
1
4. G.M of 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , … , 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 … 𝑎𝑛 𝑛
 Insert 4 G.M.’s between 3 and 3072.

Solution: 3, 𝐺1 , 𝐺2 , 𝐺3 , 𝐺4 , 3072 are in G. P.

𝑎 4 G.M.’s 𝑏
1
3072 1
5
⇒𝑟= ⇒𝑟=4 𝑟=
𝑏 𝑛+1
3
𝑎

∴ 𝐺1 = 12
𝐺𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑛
𝐺2 = 48

𝐺3 = 192

𝐺4 = 768
Important Points

• The Equation 𝑥 2 − 𝛼 + 𝛽 𝑥 + 𝛼𝛽 = 0 used normally in questions when A.M, G.M of 2

numbers is given.

• Those 2 numbers will be 𝛼, 𝛽

Where, 𝛼 = 𝐴 + 𝐴2 − 𝐺 2 , 𝛽 = 𝐴 − 𝐴2 − 𝐺 2
Arithmetic Geometric Progression(A.G.P).

• A Progression which is the result of term-by-term multiplication of a G.P. with

the corresponding terms of an A.P.

Example: 1 , 3𝑥 , 5𝑥 2 , 7𝑥 3 , ⋯

• 𝑇𝑛 term of an A.G.P = 𝑎 + 𝑛 − 1 𝑑 𝑏𝑟 𝑛−1

 2 6 10 14
1+ + + + + ⋯ (∞ terms)
3 32 33 34

Solution:
2 6 10 14
𝑆 = 1 + 3 + 32 + 33 + 34 + ⋯
𝑆 1 2 6
= + 2 + +⋯
3 3 3 33

2𝑆 1 4 4 4
= 1 + 3 + 32 + 33 + 34 + ⋯
3

2𝑆 4 4 4 4
⇒ = 3 + 32 + 33 + 34 + ⋯
3
2𝑆 1 1 1 1
⇒ =4 + 32 + 33 + 34 + ⋯
3 3
2𝑆 1
⇒ =4
3 3−1

⇒𝑆=3
 Find the sum of the series 1 + 2.2 + 3.22 + 4.23 + ⋯ + 100.299 .

Solution:
𝑆 = 1 + 2.2 + 3.22 + 4.23 + ⋯ + 100.299
2𝑆 = 21 + 2.2 + 3.23 + ⋯ + 99.299 + 100.2100

−𝑆 = 20 + 21 + 22 + 23 + ⋯ + 299 − 100.2100

2100 −1
⇒ −𝑆 = − 100.2100
2−1

⇒ −𝑆 = 2100 − 100.2100 − 1

⇒ 𝑆 = 1 + 99.2100
 𝑑𝑟 1−𝑟 𝑛−1 𝑎+ 𝑛−1 𝑑 𝑟 𝑛
•
𝑎
Sum of first 𝑛 terms of an A.G.P: 𝑆𝑛 = + −
1−𝑟 1−𝑟 2 1−𝑟

𝑎 𝑑𝑟
• Sum of infinite terms of an A.G.P: S∞ = 1−𝑟 + 1−𝑟 2
Harmonic Progression

• A sequence of non-zero terms are said to be in H.P if the sequence of it’s

reciprocals are in A.P.

𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , . . . , 𝑎𝑛−1 1 1 1 1 1
, ,
𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3
, . . . , ,
𝑎𝑛−1 𝑎𝑛

H.P. A.P.

Example: Reciprocal
1 1 1 1
, , , ⋯ 2, 4, 6, 8, …
2 4 6 8
1 1 1 1
, , , ⋯ 5, 10, 15, 20, …
5 10 15 20
−1 −1 −1
−1 , , , 10 ⋯ −1, −4, −7, −10, …
4 7
Harmonic Progression

𝑛𝑡ℎ term of a H.P

𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , . . . , 𝑎𝑛−1 1 1 1 1 1
, ,
𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3
, . . . , ,
𝑎𝑛−1 𝑎𝑛

H.P. A.P.
1 1
⇒𝑎 =𝑎 + 𝑛−1 𝑑
𝑛 1 1 1
where 𝑑 = −
1 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛−1
⇒ 𝑎𝑛 = 1
+ 𝑛−1 𝑑
𝑎1

∴ 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of a H.P. = reciprocal of 𝑛𝑡ℎ term of it’s corresponding A.P.

Harmonic Progression

• No term of H.P can be 0

• 1 1
H.P → 𝑎 , 𝑎+𝑑 , 𝑎+2𝑑 , …
1

1
• 𝑛𝑡ℎ term ⇒ 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎+ 𝑛−1 𝑑

• There is no general formula for sum of H.P

1 1 1
• If 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are in H.P ⇒ 𝑎 , 𝑏 , 𝑐 are in A.P
2 1 1 2 𝑎+𝑐 2𝑎𝑐
⇒𝑏=𝑎+𝑐 ⇒𝑏= 𝑎𝑐
⇒ 𝑏 = 𝑎+𝑐

2 1 1 1 1 1 1 𝑎 𝑎−𝑏
• 𝑏
=𝑎+𝑐 ⇒𝑏−𝑎 = 𝑐−𝑏 ⇒
𝑐
=
𝑏−𝑐
Relation between A.M., G.M. & H.M.

I. 𝐴 ≥ 𝐺 ≥ 𝐻
Proof: To show: 𝐴 ≥ 𝐺 Proof: To show: 𝐺 ≥ 𝐻
Let 𝐴, 𝐺, 𝐻 are A.M., G.M., and H.M. Consider,
between two positive numbers 𝑎 & 𝑏 2𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏
𝐺 − 𝐻 = 𝑎𝑏 − 𝑎+𝑏 = 𝑎+𝑏 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 2 𝑎𝑏
𝑎+𝑏 1
𝐴−𝐺 = − 𝑎𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 − 2 𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏 2
2 2 = 𝑎+𝑏 𝑎− 𝑏 ≥0⇒𝐺−𝐻 ≥0⇒𝐺 ≥𝐻
2
𝑎− 𝑏
𝐴−𝐺 = 2
≥0⇒𝐴−𝐺 ≥0⇒𝐴 ≥𝐺 ∴𝐴≥𝐺≥𝐻

𝑎+𝑏 2𝑎𝑏
A.M. = ≥ G.M. = 𝑎𝑏 ≥ H.M.= 𝑎+𝑏
2
Note: 𝐴 = 𝐺 = 𝐻 if 𝑎 = 𝑏
Relation between A.M., G.M. & H.M.

I. 𝐴 ≥ 𝐺 ≥ 𝐻
A.M., G.M., and H.M. of 𝑛 positive quantities 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , ⋯ , 𝑎𝑛
𝑎1 +𝑎2 +𝑎3 +⋯+𝑎𝑛
𝐴=
𝑛
1
𝐺 = 𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 ⋯ 𝑎𝑛 𝑛

𝑛
𝐻= 1 1 1 1
+ + +⋯+
𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 𝑎𝑛

𝐴≥𝐺≥𝐻

Note: 𝐴 = 𝐺 = 𝐻 if 𝑎1 = 𝑎2 = 𝑎3 ⋯ = 𝑎𝑛
Key Takeaways

Relation between A.M., G.M. & H.M.

I. For two positive numbers 𝑎, 𝑏 :

𝐴≥𝐺≥𝐻
𝑎+𝑏 2𝑎𝑏
𝐴. 𝑀. = ≥ 𝐺. 𝑀. = 𝑎𝑏 ≥ 𝐻. 𝑀. =
2 𝑎+𝑏
Note: 𝐴 = 𝐺 = 𝐻 if 𝑎 = 𝑏

II. For given positive numbers 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , ⋯ , 𝑎𝑛 :

𝐴≥𝐺≥𝐻
Note: 𝐴 = 𝐺 = 𝐻 if 𝑎1 = 𝑎2 = 𝑎3 ⋯ = 𝑎𝑛
Key Takeaways

Relation between A.M., G.M., & H.M.

III. 𝐴, 𝐺, 𝐻 form a G.P. i.e. 𝐺 2 = 𝐴𝐻

𝑎+𝑏 2𝑎𝑏 2
Proof: 𝐴𝐻 = × = 𝑎𝑏 = 𝑎𝑏 = 𝐺2
2 𝑎+𝑏

• The inequality 𝐴 ≥ 𝐺 ≥ 𝐻 can be applied only if all numbers are positive

• If the signs of the numbers is unknown or non-positive then the inequality

cannot be applied

• For 𝐴 ≥ 𝐺 ≥ H, the equality holds when all the numbers are equal
If 𝑥, 𝑦 ≥ 0, then prove the following
1
a) 𝑥 + ≥ 2 b) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ≥ 2𝑥𝑦 c) 2 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ≥ 𝑥 + 𝑦 2
𝑥

1
a) 𝑥, → A.M. ≥ G.M.
𝑥

1
𝑥+𝑥 1 1
≥ 𝑥×𝑥 ⇒ 𝑥+𝑥 ≥2
2

b) 𝑥 2 , 𝑦 2 → A.M. ≥ G.M.
𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
≥ 𝑥 2 𝑦 2 ⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ≥ 2𝑥𝑦
2

c) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ≥ 2𝑥𝑦

Adding 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 on both sides we get

2 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 ≥ 𝑥 + 𝑦 2
 For 𝑥 ≥ 0 which of the following is true ?

Solution:
Using A.M. ≥ G.M. for 1, 𝑥 A 1+𝑥 ≥ 𝑥
1+𝑥
⇒ 2
≥ 𝑥 ⇒1+𝑥 ≥2 𝑥
B 1+𝑥 ≥2

C 1+𝑥 ≥2 𝑥

D 1+𝑥 ≥4 𝑥
For 𝑥 ≥ 0 which of the following is true ?

A 1+𝑥 ≥ 𝑥

B 1+𝑥 ≥2

C 1+𝑥 ≥2 𝑥

D 1+𝑥 ≥4 𝑥
 If 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 are positive and 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 7 then the greatest value of 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 𝑧 2 is:

Solution:
We can express 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 as
𝑥 𝑥 𝑦 𝑦 𝑦 𝑧 𝑧
+2+3+3+3+2+2
2

𝐴≥𝐺
𝑥 𝑥 𝑦 𝑦 𝑦 𝑧 𝑧 1
+ + + + + + 𝑥 𝑥 𝑦 𝑦 𝑦 𝑧 𝑧 7
2 2 3 3 3 2 2
⇒ 7
≥ ⋅
2 2
⋅ 3
⋅3 ⋅ 3
⋅2⋅2
1
𝑥+𝑦+𝑧 𝑥2 𝑦3 2
𝑧 7
⇒ ≥ ⋅ 27 ⋅
7 4 4
1
𝑥2 𝑦3 2
𝑧 7
⇒1≥ ⋅ 27 ⋅ ∵𝑥+𝑦+𝑧 =7
4 4

𝑥2 𝑦3 𝑧2
⇒ 4
⋅ 27
⋅ 4
≤ 1 ⇒ 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 𝑧 2 ≤ 432
If 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 are positive and 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 7 then the greatest value of 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 𝑧 2 is:

A 423

B 432

C 342

D 324
 Find the sum of ′𝑛′ terms of the series:
1 2 3
+ + …𝑛 terms.
1+12 +14 1+22 +24 1+32 +34

Solution:
𝑛
𝑇𝑛 = 1+𝑛2+𝑛4 𝑆𝑛 =
1 1
−
1
+
1
−
1
+
1
−
1
⋯
1
−
1
2 1 3 3 7 7 13 𝑛2 −𝑛+1 𝑛2 +𝑛+1
𝑛
𝑇𝑛 = (𝑛2+𝑛+1)(𝑛2−𝑛+1) 1 1
𝑆𝑛 = 2 1 − 𝑛2 +𝑛+1
1 2𝑛 1 𝑛2 +𝑛
𝑇𝑛 = 𝑆𝑛 =
2 𝑛2 +𝑛+1 𝑛2 −𝑛+1 2 𝑛2 −𝑛+1

1 𝑛2 +𝑛+1 −(𝑛2 −𝑛+1)

𝑇𝑛 =
2 𝑛2 +𝑛+1 𝑛2 −𝑛+1

1 1 1
𝑇𝑛 = 2 −
𝑛2 −𝑛+1 𝑛2 +𝑛+1

1 1 1
𝑆𝑛 = 2 σ 𝑛2 −𝑛+1
− 𝑛2 +𝑛+1
Key Takeaways

Steps:

• Factorize the denominator

• Find the difference between both the factor
• Then write the 𝑛th term as
1 1 1
𝑇𝑛 = difference −
smaller factor bigger factor

• Now 𝑆𝑛 = 𝑇1 + 𝑇2 + 𝑇3 + ⋯ + 𝑇𝑛
 Find the sum till "𝑛" terms of the series:
3 + 7 + 13 + 21 + ⋯

Solution:
𝑆 = 3 + 7 + 13 + 21 + ⋯

4 6 8 ⋯ A.P.

2 2 ⋯ → 2𝑛𝑑 order difference } Constant

2 𝑛−1 𝑛−2
∴ 𝑡𝑛 = 3 + 4 𝑛 − 1 + 1⋅2

⇒ 𝑡𝑛 = 3 + 4 𝑛 − 1 + 𝑛 − 1 𝑛 − 2
⇒ 𝑡𝑛 = 3 + 4𝑛 − 4 + 𝑛2 − 3𝑛 + 2

∴ 𝑆𝑛 = σ 𝑛2 + 𝑛 + 1
𝑛 𝑛+1 2𝑛+1 𝑛 𝑛+1
= + +𝑛
6 2
 Find the sum till "𝑛" terms of the series:
1 + 4 + 10 + 22 + ⋯

Solution:
𝑆 = 1 + 4 + 10 + 22 + ⋯

3 6 12 ⋯ → 1𝑠𝑡 order difference } G.P.

Common ratio of the G.P. 𝑟 = 2

∴ 𝑡𝑛 = 𝑎 2 𝑛−1 + 𝑏 ⋯ 𝑖 where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constant

Now, 𝑡1 = 1 = 𝑎 2 1−1 +𝑏 ⇒ 1 = 𝑎 +𝑏⋯ 1

Similarly, 𝑡2 = 4 = 𝑎 2 2−1
+ 𝑏 ⇒ 4 = 2𝑎 + 𝑏 ⋯ 2

From 1 & 2 we get, 𝑎 = 3 & 𝑏 = −2

𝑡𝑛 = 3 ⋅ 2𝑛−1 − 2 ∴ 𝑆𝑛 = 3 ⋅ 2𝑟−1 − 2
= 3 1 + 2 + 22 + 23 + ⋯ + 2𝑛−1 − 2𝑛
1−2𝑛−1
=3× − 2𝑛
1−2
Thank you!