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Mathematics

If the third and the 9th terms of an A.P. be 4 and -8 respectively, find which term is zero?

AP

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Answer

Let the first term be a and common difference be d of the A.P.

Given,

⇒ a3 = a + (3 - 1)d

⇒ a + 2d = 4 ……..(i)

⇒ a9 = a + (9 - 1)d

⇒ a + 8d = -8 ……..(ii)

Subtracting (i) from (ii) we get,

⇒ a + 8d - (a + 2d) = -8 - 4

⇒ 8d - 2d = -12

⇒ 6d = -12

⇒ d = -2.

Substituting value of d in (i) we get,

⇒ a + 2(-2) = 4

⇒ a - 4 = 4

⇒ a = 8.

Let nth term be zero.

⇒ an = 0

⇒ a + (n - 1)d = 0

⇒ 8 + (n - 1)(-2) = 0

⇒ 8 - 2n + 2 = 0

⇒ 2n = 10

⇒ n = 5.

Hence, 5th term = 0.

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