Math Problem Statement

the sum of first n terms of an arithmetic progression is n²-3n. write down the 10th term

Solution

To find the 10th term of the arithmetic progression, let's break down the problem step by step.

Step 1: Formula for the sum of the first nn terms

The sum of the first nn terms of an arithmetic progression (AP) is given by the formula:

Sn=n2(2a+(n1)d)S_n = \frac{n}{2} \left( 2a + (n-1)d \right) where:

  • SnS_n is the sum of the first nn terms,
  • aa is the first term,
  • dd is the common difference,
  • nn is the number of terms.

However, the sum of the first nn terms is already given as:

Sn=n23nS_n = n^2 - 3n

Step 2: Deriving the nn-th term

The nn-th term of an AP is given by:

Tn=SnSn1T_n = S_n - S_{n-1}

We will find TnT_n by subtracting the sum of the first n1n-1 terms from the sum of the first nn terms.

Step 2.1: Find SnS_n and Sn1S_{n-1}

We already have the sum of the first nn terms:

Sn=n23nS_n = n^2 - 3n

Now, for Sn1S_{n-1}, replace nn with n1n-1 in the formula:

Sn1=(n1)23(n1)S_{n-1} = (n-1)^2 - 3(n-1)

Simplify the expression for Sn1S_{n-1}:

Sn1=(n22n+1)3n+3S_{n-1} = (n^2 - 2n + 1) - 3n + 3 Sn1=n25n+4S_{n-1} = n^2 - 5n + 4

Step 2.2: Find the nn-th term

Now, we can find the nn-th term by subtracting Sn1S_{n-1} from SnS_n:

Tn=SnSn1T_n = S_n - S_{n-1} Tn=(n23n)(n25n+4)T_n = (n^2 - 3n) - (n^2 - 5n + 4) Tn=n23nn2+5n4T_n = n^2 - 3n - n^2 + 5n - 4 Tn=2n4T_n = 2n - 4

Step 3: Find the 10th term

Substitute n=10n = 10 into the expression for TnT_n:

T10=2(10)4T_{10} = 2(10) - 4 T10=204=16T_{10} = 20 - 4 = 16

So, the 10th term of the arithmetic progression is 16.


Would you like more details or have any questions about the solution? Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. How would you derive the first term of this arithmetic progression?
  2. Can you calculate the common difference dd of the arithmetic progression?
  3. What is the general form of the nn-th term for an arithmetic progression?
  4. How do you calculate the sum of the first 100 terms of an arithmetic progression?
  5. How would the formula for the sum of an arithmetic progression change if the sum was n22nn^2 - 2n instead of n23nn^2 - 3n?

Tip: To find the common difference dd of an arithmetic progression, you can calculate the difference between consecutive terms or use the formula d=TnTn1n(n1)d = \frac{T_n - T_{n-1}}{n - (n-1)}.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Progression
Sum of Terms
n-th Term
Algebra

Formulas

S_n = n^2 - 3n
T_n = S_n - S_{n-1}
S_n = n/2 * (2a + (n-1)d)

Theorems

Formula for sum of first n terms of an arithmetic progression
Formula for the n-th term of an arithmetic progression

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10