Math Problem Statement

the eleventh term of an arithmetic sequence is 30 and the sum of the first eleven terms is 55. what is the common difference?

Solution

Let's denote the following variables:

  • aa as the first term of the arithmetic sequence.
  • dd as the common difference.
  • nn as the number of terms in the sequence.

The formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence is:

Tn=a+(n1)dT_n = a + (n-1)d

We know that the eleventh term (T11T_{11}) is 30. Using the formula for the nn-th term:

T11=a+10d=30(1)T_{11} = a + 10d = 30 \quad \text{(1)}

Next, the formula for the sum of the first nn terms of an arithmetic sequence is:

Sn=n2×(2a+(n1)d)S_n = \frac{n}{2} \times (2a + (n-1)d)

We know the sum of the first eleven terms (S11S_{11}) is 55. Substituting into the formula:

S11=112×(2a+10d)=55(2)S_{11} = \frac{11}{2} \times (2a + 10d) = 55 \quad \text{(2)}

Now, let's solve these two equations:

  1. From equation (1): a+10d=30a + 10d = 30.
  2. From equation (2): 112×(2a+10d)=55\frac{11}{2} \times (2a + 10d) = 55.

We can solve this system of equations to find the common difference dd.

Solving the system

First, simplify equation (2):

112×(2a+10d)=55\frac{11}{2} \times (2a + 10d) = 55

Multiply both sides by 2 to get rid of the fraction:

11(2a+10d)=11011(2a + 10d) = 110

Now divide both sides by 11:

2a+10d=10(3)2a + 10d = 10 \quad \text{(3)}

Now we have the system:

  1. a+10d=30a + 10d = 30
  2. 2a+10d=102a + 10d = 10

Subtract the first equation from the second:

(2a+10d)(a+10d)=1030(2a + 10d) - (a + 10d) = 10 - 30

This simplifies to:

a=20a = -20

Now substitute a=20a = -20 into equation (1):

20+10d=30-20 + 10d = 30

Solving for dd:

10d=5010d = 50 d=5d = 5

Final Answer:

The common difference dd is 5\boxed{5}.

Would you like further details or explanations?

Here are five related questions you can explore:

  1. How do you calculate the sum of the first nn terms in an arithmetic sequence?
  2. What happens if the common difference in an arithmetic sequence is negative?
  3. How do you find the first term of an arithmetic sequence given other terms?
  4. What is the formula for the nn-th term in an arithmetic sequence?
  5. Can the sum of an arithmetic sequence be negative if all terms are positive?

Tip: Always double-check your work by substituting your values back into the original equations to ensure consistency!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Sequences
Linear Equations
Systems of Equations

Formulas

n-th term formula: T_n = a + (n-1)d
Sum of the first n terms: S_n = (n/2) × (2a + (n-1)d)

Theorems

None (Basic properties of arithmetic sequences and linear systems)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10