Math Problem Statement

The sum of n terms of an A.P is 3n2 + n, find the nth term.

Solution

To find the nnth term of an arithmetic progression (A.P.) when the sum of the first nn terms is given, we can use the following relation:

an=SnSn1a_n = S_n - S_{n-1}

where ana_n is the nnth term, SnS_n is the sum of the first nn terms, and Sn1S_{n-1} is the sum of the first n1n-1 terms.

Given:

Sn=3n2+nS_n = 3n^2 + n

Step 1: Find Sn1S_{n-1}

Substitute n1n-1 in place of nn in the sum formula:

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

Expanding the square:

Sn1=3(n22n+1)+n1S_{n-1} = 3(n^2 - 2n + 1) + n - 1 Sn1=3n26n+3+n1S_{n-1} = 3n^2 - 6n + 3 + n - 1 Sn1=3n25n+2S_{n-1} = 3n^2 - 5n + 2

Step 2: Find the nnth term (ana_n)

an=SnSn1a_n = S_n - S_{n-1}

Substitute the values of SnS_n and Sn1S_{n-1}:

an=(3n2+n)(3n25n+2)a_n = (3n^2 + n) - (3n^2 - 5n + 2)

Simplify the expression:

an=3n2+n3n2+5n2a_n = 3n^2 + n - 3n^2 + 5n - 2 an=6n2a_n = 6n - 2

Final Answer:

The nnth term of the A.P. is given by:

an=6n2a_n = 6n - 2

Would you like more details on how these steps were carried out or explore related concepts?

Here are some related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How do you find the common difference in an A.P. given the sum of nn terms?
  2. What is the formula for the sum of nn terms in an arithmetic progression?
  3. How does the sum of terms change if the A.P. starts from a different initial term?
  4. Can we derive the first term of the A.P. using the given sum formula?
  5. How does the nth term formula change for geometric progressions?

Tip: When dealing with sums of sequences, it's often useful to express them in general forms to identify patterns in the sequence or find specific terms directly.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Arithmetic Progression (A.P.)
Sum of Series
Difference of Terms

Formulas

Sum of the first n terms of an A.P.
nth term of an A.P.

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12