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Chapter 5 of 12
NCERT Solutions

Sequences and Series

CBSE · Class 11 · Applied Mathematics

NCERT Solutions for Sequences and Series — CBSE Class 11 Applied Mathematics.

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Check Your Progress 1 — Multiple Choice Questions

1If for a sequence Sn=2n3S_n = 2n - 3, then the common difference is:
(a) 1-1 (b) 2 (c) 2-2 (d) 3
Show solution
Given: Sn=2n3S_n = 2n - 3

Concept: The nthn^{\text{th}} term of a sequence is an=SnSn1a_n = S_n - S_{n-1}.

Working:
an=SnSn1=(2n3)(2(n1)3)=(2n3)(2n5)=2a_n = S_n - S_{n-1} = (2n-3) - (2(n-1)-3) = (2n-3)-(2n-5) = 2

Since every term equals 2 (a constant), the common difference d=anan1=2d = a_n - a_{n-1} = 2.

Answer: (b) 2
2The number of integers from 100 to 500 that are divisible by 5 are:
(a) 80 (b) 81 (c) 75 (d) none of these
Show solution
Given: Integers from 100 to 500 divisible by 5.

Concept: These form an A.P.: 100,105,110,,500100, 105, 110, \ldots, 500 with a=100a = 100, d=5d = 5, l=500l = 500.

Working:
l=a+(n1)dl = a + (n-1)d
500=100+(n1)×5500 = 100 + (n-1)\times 5
400=5(n1)400 = 5(n-1)
n1=80n=81n-1 = 80 \Rightarrow n = 81

Answer: (b) 81
3The number of two digit numbers divisible by 6 are:
(a) 24 (b) 14 (c) 15 (d) 20
Show solution
Given: Two-digit numbers divisible by 6.

Concept: These form an A.P.: 12,18,24,,9612, 18, 24, \ldots, 96 with a=12a = 12, d=6d = 6, l=96l = 96.

Working:
l=a+(n1)dl = a + (n-1)d
96=12+(n1)×696 = 12 + (n-1)\times 6
84=6(n1)84 = 6(n-1)
n1=14n=15n-1 = 14 \Rightarrow n = 15

Answer: (c) 15
4If the fourth term of an A.P. is 4, then the sum of its 7 terms is:
(a) 28 (b) 26 (c) 32 (d) none of these
Show solution
Given: a4=4a_4 = 4

Concept: For an A.P., Sn=n2(a+l)S_n = \dfrac{n}{2}(a + l). Also, the middle term of a 7-term A.P. is a4a_4, and S7=7×a4S_7 = 7 \times a_4.

Working:
S7=72[2a+6d]=7(a+3d)=7×a4=7×4=28S_7 = \frac{7}{2}[2a + 6d] = 7(a + 3d) = 7 \times a_4 = 7 \times 4 = 28

Answer: (a) 28
5Which of the following terms are NOT a term of the A.P. 3,7,11,15,,403,,799-3, -7, -11, -15, \ldots, -403, \ldots, -799?
(a) 500-500 (b) 399-399 (c) 503-503 (d) 51-51
Show solution
Given: A.P. with a=3a = -3, d=4d = -4.

Concept: an=a+(n1)d=3+(n1)(4)=34n+4=14na_n = a + (n-1)d = -3 + (n-1)(-4) = -3 - 4n + 4 = 1 - 4n.

For a number kk to be a term: k=14nn=1k4k = 1 - 4n \Rightarrow n = \dfrac{1-k}{4} must be a positive integer.

Checking each option:
- (a) k=500k = -500: n=1(500)4=5014=125.25n = \dfrac{1-(-500)}{4} = \dfrac{501}{4} = 125.25not an integer, so 500-500 is NOT a term.
- (b) k=399k = -399: n=4004=100n = \dfrac{400}{4} = 100 — integer, so it IS a term.
- (c) k=503k = -503: n=5044=126n = \dfrac{504}{4} = 126 — integer, so it IS a term.
- (d) k=51k = -51: n=524=13n = \dfrac{52}{4} = 13 — integer, so it IS a term.

Answer: (a) 500-500

Check Your Progress 1 — Short Answer Type Questions

6If each term in a given A.P. is doubled, then is the new sequence obtained an A.P.? If yes, then find its common difference.Show solution
Given: An A.P. with first term aa and common difference dd: a, a+d, a+2d, a,\ a+d,\ a+2d,\ \ldots

New sequence (each term doubled): 2a, 2(a+d), 2(a+2d), 2a,\ 2(a+d),\ 2(a+2d),\ \ldots

Check for A.P.:
Difference between consecutive terms:
2(a+d)2a=2d2(a+d) - 2a = 2d
2(a+2d)2(a+d)=2d2(a+2d) - 2(a+d) = 2d

The difference is constant =2d= 2d.

Conclusion: Yes, the new sequence is an A.P. with common difference 2d2d (twice the common difference of the original A.P.).
7Find the middle term in the A.P. 20,16,12,,17620, 16, 12, \ldots, -176.Show solution
Given: A.P. with a=20a = 20, d=4d = -4, l=176l = -176.

Step 1: Find number of terms.
l=a+(n1)dl = a + (n-1)d
176=20+(n1)(4)-176 = 20 + (n-1)(-4)
196=4(n1)-196 = -4(n-1)
n1=49n=50n-1 = 49 \Rightarrow n = 50

Step 2: Find middle terms.
Since n=50n = 50 (even), there are two middle terms: a25a_{25} and a26a_{26}.

a25=20+24(4)=2096=76a_{25} = 20 + 24(-4) = 20 - 96 = -76
a26=20+25(4)=20100=80a_{26} = 20 + 25(-4) = 20 - 100 = -80

Answer: The middle terms are a25=76a_{25} = -76 and a26=80a_{26} = -80.
8In an A.P., if a4:a7=2:3a_4 : a_7 = 2 : 3, then find a5:a8a_5 : a_8.Show solution
Given: a4:a7=2:3a_4 : a_7 = 2 : 3

Let first term =a= a, common difference =d= d.

a+3da+6d=23\frac{a + 3d}{a + 6d} = \frac{2}{3}
3(a+3d)=2(a+6d)3(a + 3d) = 2(a + 6d)
3a+9d=2a+12d3a + 9d = 2a + 12d
a=3da = 3d

Now find a5:a8a_5 : a_8:
a5=a+4d=3d+4d=7da_5 = a + 4d = 3d + 4d = 7d
a8=a+7d=3d+7d=10da_8 = a + 7d = 3d + 7d = 10d
a5:a8=7d:10d=7:10a_5 : a_8 = 7d : 10d = \boxed{7 : 10}

*(Note: The answer key states a6:a8=4:5a_6:a_8 = 4:5; the question asks for a5:a8=7:10a_5:a_8 = 7:10.)*
9Find the sum of integers from 100 to 500 that are divisible by 2 and 3.Show solution
Given: Integers from 100 to 500 divisible by both 2 and 3, i.e., divisible by LCM(2,3)=6(2,3) = 6.

A.P.: 102,108,114,,498102, 108, 114, \ldots, 498 with a=102a = 102, d=6d = 6, l=498l = 498.

Step 1: Find nn.
498=102+(n1)×6498 = 102 + (n-1)\times 6
396=6(n1)396 = 6(n-1)
n=67n = 67

Step 2: Find sum.
S=n2(a+l)=672(102+498)=672×600=67×300=20100S = \frac{n}{2}(a + l) = \frac{67}{2}(102 + 498) = \frac{67}{2} \times 600 = 67 \times 300 = \boxed{20100}
10Find the sum of 20 terms of the A.P. whose nthn^{\text{th}} term is 2n+12n + 1.Show solution
Given: an=2n+1a_n = 2n + 1

First term: a1=2(1)+1=3a_1 = 2(1)+1 = 3

Common difference: d=a2a1=53=2d = a_2 - a_1 = 5 - 3 = 2

Sum of 20 terms:
S20=202[2a+19d]=10[2(3)+19(2)]=10[6+38]=10×44=440S_{20} = \frac{20}{2}[2a + 19d] = 10[2(3) + 19(2)] = 10[6 + 38] = 10 \times 44 = \boxed{440}

Check Your Progress 1 — Long Answer Type Questions

11Insert nn arithmetic means between 1 and 31 such that the ratio of the 7th7^{\text{th}} mean and the (n1)th(n-1)^{\text{th}} mean is 5:95:9. Find the value of nn and the resulting A.P.Show solution
Given: nn A.M.s are inserted between 1 and 31. So the full sequence is:
1,A1,A2,,An,311, A_1, A_2, \ldots, A_n, 31
Total terms =n+2= n + 2, first term a=1a = 1, last term =31= 31.

Common difference:
d=311n+1=30n+1d = \frac{31 - 1}{n + 1} = \frac{30}{n+1}

The kthk^{\text{th}} arithmetic mean: Ak=1+kdA_k = 1 + kd

A7=1+7d,An1=1+(n1)dA_7 = 1 + 7d, \quad A_{n-1} = 1 + (n-1)d

Given ratio:
A7An1=59\frac{A_7}{A_{n-1}} = \frac{5}{9}
1+7d1+(n1)d=59\frac{1 + 7d}{1 + (n-1)d} = \frac{5}{9}

Substitute d=30n+1d = \dfrac{30}{n+1}:
1+210n+11+30(n1)n+1=59\frac{1 + \dfrac{210}{n+1}}{1 + \dfrac{30(n-1)}{n+1}} = \frac{5}{9}

Multiply numerator and denominator by (n+1)(n+1):
(n+1)+210(n+1)+30(n1)=59\frac{(n+1) + 210}{(n+1) + 30(n-1)} = \frac{5}{9}
n+211n+1+30n30=59\frac{n + 211}{n + 1 + 30n - 30} = \frac{5}{9}
n+21131n29=59\frac{n + 211}{31n - 29} = \frac{5}{9}
9(n+211)=5(31n29)9(n + 211) = 5(31n - 29)
9n+1899=155n1459n + 1899 = 155n - 145
2044=146n2044 = 146n
n=14n = 14

Common difference: d=3015=2d = \dfrac{30}{15} = 2

Resulting A.P.: 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21,23,25,27,29,311, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31

Answer: n=14n = 14; the A.P. is 1,3,5,7,,311, 3, 5, 7, \ldots, 31 with d=2d = 2.
12Find the sum of the following series:
(a) 4+7+10+4 + 7 + 10 + \dots to 100 terms
(b) 1+43+53+2+1 + \dfrac{4}{3} + \dfrac{5}{3} + 2 + \dots to 19 terms
(c) 0.5+0.51+0.52+0.5 + 0.51 + 0.52 + \dots to 1000 terms
Show solution
(a) 4+7+10+4 + 7 + 10 + \dots to 100 terms

a=4a = 4, d=3d = 3, n=100n = 100
S100=1002[2(4)+99(3)]=50[8+297]=50×305=15250S_{100} = \frac{100}{2}[2(4) + 99(3)] = 50[8 + 297] = 50 \times 305 = \boxed{15250}

(b) 1+43+53+2+1 + \dfrac{4}{3} + \dfrac{5}{3} + 2 + \dots to 19 terms

a=1a = 1, d=431=13d = \dfrac{4}{3} - 1 = \dfrac{1}{3}, n=19n = 19
S19=192[2(1)+18(13)]=192[2+6]=192×8=76S_{19} = \frac{19}{2}\left[2(1) + 18\left(\frac{1}{3}\right)\right] = \frac{19}{2}\left[2 + 6\right] = \frac{19}{2} \times 8 = \boxed{76}

(c) 0.5+0.51+0.52+0.5 + 0.51 + 0.52 + \dots to 1000 terms

a=0.5a = 0.5, d=0.01d = 0.01, n=1000n = 1000
S1000=10002[2(0.5)+999(0.01)]=500[1+9.99]=500×10.99=5495S_{1000} = \frac{1000}{2}[2(0.5) + 999(0.01)] = 500[1 + 9.99] = 500 \times 10.99 = \boxed{5495}
13If the sum of terms of an A.P. is 72, find the number of terms given that the first term of the sequence is 17 and common difference is 2-2.Show solution
Given: Sn=72S_n = 72, a=17a = 17, d=2d = -2

Formula:
Sn=n2[2a+(n1)d]S_n = \frac{n}{2}[2a + (n-1)d]
72=n2[2(17)+(n1)(2)]72 = \frac{n}{2}[2(17) + (n-1)(-2)]
144=n[342n+2]144 = n[34 - 2n + 2]
144=n[362n]144 = n[36 - 2n]
144=36n2n2144 = 36n - 2n^2
2n236n+144=02n^2 - 36n + 144 = 0
n218n+72=0n^2 - 18n + 72 = 0
(n6)(n12)=0(n - 6)(n - 12) = 0
n=6orn=12n = 6 \quad \text{or} \quad n = 12

Verification:
- S6=62[34+5(2)]=3×24=72S_6 = \frac{6}{2}[34 + 5(-2)] = 3 \times 24 = 72
- S12=122[34+11(2)]=6×12=72S_{12} = \frac{12}{2}[34 + 11(-2)] = 6 \times 12 = 72

Answer: n=6n = 6 or n=12n = 12.
14If the sum of first pp terms of an A.P. is equal to the sum of the first qq terms, then prove that the sum of the first (p+q)(p + q) terms is zero.Show solution
Given: Sp=SqS_p = S_q, where Sn=n2[2a+(n1)d]S_n = \dfrac{n}{2}[2a + (n-1)d].

To prove: Sp+q=0S_{p+q} = 0

Proof:
Sp=SqS_p = S_q
p2[2a+(p1)d]=q2[2a+(q1)d]\frac{p}{2}[2a + (p-1)d] = \frac{q}{2}[2a + (q-1)d]
p[2a+(p1)d]=q[2a+(q1)d]p[2a + (p-1)d] = q[2a + (q-1)d]
2ap+p(p1)d=2aq+q(q1)d2ap + p(p-1)d = 2aq + q(q-1)d
2a(pq)+d[p(p1)q(q1)]=02a(p - q) + d[p(p-1) - q(q-1)] = 0
2a(pq)+d[p2pq2+q]=02a(p - q) + d[p^2 - p - q^2 + q] = 0
2a(pq)+d[(p2q2)(pq)]=02a(p - q) + d[(p^2 - q^2) - (p - q)] = 0
2a(pq)+d(pq)(p+q1)=02a(p - q) + d(p - q)(p + q - 1) = 0

Since pqp \neq q, divide by (pq)(p - q):
2a+d(p+q1)=0(1)2a + d(p + q - 1) = 0 \quad \ldots (1)

Now compute Sp+qS_{p+q}:
Sp+q=p+q2[2a+(p+q1)d]S_{p+q} = \frac{p+q}{2}[2a + (p+q-1)d]

From (1): 2a+(p+q1)d=02a + (p+q-1)d = 0

Sp+q=p+q2×0=0\therefore S_{p+q} = \frac{p+q}{2} \times 0 = 0

Hence proved. \blacksquare
15Find the first negative term in the given A.P.: 19, 915, 875, 19,\ \dfrac{91}{5},\ \dfrac{87}{5},\ \dotsShow solution
Given: A.P.: 19, 915, 875, 19,\ \dfrac{91}{5},\ \dfrac{87}{5},\ \ldots

a=19=955a = 19 = \dfrac{95}{5}, d=915955=45d = \dfrac{91}{5} - \dfrac{95}{5} = -\dfrac{4}{5}

General term:
an=a+(n1)d=955+(n1)(45)=954(n1)5=994n5a_n = a + (n-1)d = \frac{95}{5} + (n-1)\left(-\frac{4}{5}\right) = \frac{95 - 4(n-1)}{5} = \frac{99 - 4n}{5}

For first negative term: a_n < 0
\frac{99 - 4n}{5} < 0
99 - 4n < 0
n > \frac{99}{4} = 24.75

So the first negative term is at n=25n = 25.

a25=994(25)5=991005=15a_{25} = \frac{99 - 4(25)}{5} = \frac{99 - 100}{5} = \frac{-1}{5}

Answer: The first negative term is the 25th25^{\text{th}} term =15= -\dfrac{1}{5}.
16If pthp^{\text{th}}, qthq^{\text{th}} and rthr^{\text{th}} terms of an A.P. are aa, bb, cc respectively, then prove that (ab)r+(bc)p+(ca)q=0(a - b)r + (b - c)p + (c - a)q = 0.Show solution
Given: Let first term of A.P. be AA and common difference be DD.

a=A+(p1)D,b=A+(q1)D,c=A+(r1)Da = A + (p-1)D, \quad b = A + (q-1)D, \quad c = A + (r-1)D

Compute differences:
ab=(p1)D(q1)D=(pq)Da - b = (p-1)D - (q-1)D = (p-q)D
bc=(qr)Db - c = (q-r)D
ca=(rp)Dc - a = (r-p)D

LHS:
(ab)r+(bc)p+(ca)q(a-b)r + (b-c)p + (c-a)q
=D[(pq)r+(qr)p+(rp)q]= D[(p-q)r + (q-r)p + (r-p)q]
=D[prqr+pqpr+qrpq]= D[pr - qr + pq - pr + qr - pq]
=D[0]= D[0]
=0=RHS= 0 = \text{RHS}

Hence proved. \blacksquare
17Find the middle terms in the A.P. 5,8,11,14,5, 8, 11, 14, \ldots whose last term is 95.Show solution
Given: a=5a = 5, d=3d = 3, l=95l = 95.

Step 1: Find nn.
95=5+(n1)(3)90=3(n1)n=3195 = 5 + (n-1)(3) \Rightarrow 90 = 3(n-1) \Rightarrow n = 31

Step 2: Middle term.
Since n=31n = 31 (odd), there is one middle term: a16a_{16}.

a16=5+15×3=5+45=50a_{16} = 5 + 15 \times 3 = 5 + 45 = \boxed{50}

Answer: The middle term is the 16th16^{\text{th}} term =50= 50.
18In an A.P., if pthp^{\text{th}} term is 1q\dfrac{1}{q} and qthq^{\text{th}} term is 1p\dfrac{1}{p}, then prove that the sum of first pqpq terms is 12(pq+1)\dfrac{1}{2}(pq + 1), where pqp \neq q.Show solution
Given: ap=1qa_p = \dfrac{1}{q} and aq=1pa_q = \dfrac{1}{p}.

Step 1: Find aa and dd.
a+(p1)d=1q(1)a + (p-1)d = \frac{1}{q} \quad \ldots (1)
a+(q1)d=1p(2)a + (q-1)d = \frac{1}{p} \quad \ldots (2)

Subtracting (2) from (1):
(pq)d=1q1p=pqpq(p-q)d = \frac{1}{q} - \frac{1}{p} = \frac{p-q}{pq}
d=1pqd = \frac{1}{pq}

From (1): a=1q(p1)1pq=p(p1)pq=1pqa = \dfrac{1}{q} - (p-1)\dfrac{1}{pq} = \dfrac{p - (p-1)}{pq} = \dfrac{1}{pq}

Step 2: Sum of pqpq terms.
Spq=pq2[2a+(pq1)d]S_{pq} = \frac{pq}{2}[2a + (pq-1)d]
=pq2[2pq+(pq1)1pq]= \frac{pq}{2}\left[\frac{2}{pq} + (pq-1)\cdot\frac{1}{pq}\right]
=pq22+pq1pq= \frac{pq}{2} \cdot \frac{2 + pq - 1}{pq}
=pq+12=12(pq+1)= \frac{pq+1}{2} = \frac{1}{2}(pq+1)

Hence proved. \blacksquare
19The sum of nn terms of two A.P.s are in the ratio 5n+4:9n+65n + 4 : 9n + 6. Find the ratio of their 18th18^{\text{th}} terms.Show solution
Given: SnSn=5n+49n+6\dfrac{S_n}{S_n'} = \dfrac{5n+4}{9n+6}

Concept: The ratio of kthk^{\text{th}} terms equals the ratio of sums when n=2k1n = 2k - 1.

For the 18th18^{\text{th}} term, put n=2(18)1=35n = 2(18) - 1 = 35:

a18a18=5(35)+49(35)+6=175+4315+6=179321\frac{a_{18}}{a_{18}'} = \frac{5(35)+4}{9(35)+6} = \frac{175+4}{315+6} = \frac{179}{321}

Answer: The ratio of their 18th18^{\text{th}} terms is 179:321\boxed{179 : 321}.
20On a certain day in a hospital, during covid crisis, the patients in the OPD were 1000. Due to efforts of the doctors and health care warriors and precautions taken by general public, numbers declined by 50 per day. As per the decline in the number of patients, do you think that there would be a day with no patients in the OPD? If yes, which day would it be from the day when there were 1000 patients?Show solution
Given: a=1000a = 1000, d=50d = -50.

For zero patients: an=0a_n = 0
1000+(n1)(50)=01000 + (n-1)(-50) = 0
1000=50(n1)1000 = 50(n-1)
n1=20n=21n - 1 = 20 \Rightarrow n = 21

Answer: Yes, on the 21st day from the day when there were 1000 patients, there would be no COVID patients in the OPD.

Check Your Progress 2

1(i)Find the indicated term in the Geometric Progression: 4,12,36,4, 12, 36, \ldots, 5th term.Show solution
Given: G.P. with a=4a = 4, r=124=3r = \dfrac{12}{4} = 3, find a5a_5.

a5=ar51=4×34=4×81=324a_5 = ar^{5-1} = 4 \times 3^4 = 4 \times 81 = \boxed{324}
1(ii)Find the 4th term and nth term of the G.P.: 3,1,13,19,3, -1, \dfrac{1}{3}, -\dfrac{1}{9}, \ldotsShow solution
Given: a=3a = 3, r=13r = \dfrac{-1}{3}.

4th term:
a4=ar3=3×(13)3=3×(127)=19a_4 = ar^3 = 3 \times \left(-\frac{1}{3}\right)^3 = 3 \times \left(-\frac{1}{27}\right) = -\frac{1}{9}

nth term:
an=arn1=3×(13)n1=3×(1)n13n1=(1)n13n2a_n = ar^{n-1} = 3 \times \left(-\frac{1}{3}\right)^{n-1} = 3 \times \frac{(-1)^{n-1}}{3^{n-1}} = \frac{(-1)^{n-1}}{3^{n-2}}

Answer: a4=19a_4 = -\dfrac{1}{9}; an=(1)n13n2a_n = \dfrac{(-1)^{n-1}}{3^{n-2}}
2(i)Which term of the sequence 5,10,20,40,5, 10, 20, 40, \ldots is 5120?Show solution
Given: a=5a = 5, r=2r = 2, an=5120a_n = 5120.

5×2n1=51205 \times 2^{n-1} = 5120
2n1=1024=2102^{n-1} = 1024 = 2^{10}
n1=10n=11n - 1 = 10 \Rightarrow n = 11

Answer: 5120 is the 11th term.
2(ii)Which term of the sequence 2,22,4,2, 2\sqrt{2}, 4, \ldots is 128?Show solution
Given: a=2a = 2, r=222=2r = \dfrac{2\sqrt{2}}{2} = \sqrt{2}, an=128a_n = 128.

2×(2)n1=1282 \times (\sqrt{2})^{n-1} = 128
(2)n1=64=26=(2)12(\sqrt{2})^{n-1} = 64 = 2^6 = (\sqrt{2})^{12}
n1=12n=13n - 1 = 12 \Rightarrow n = 13

Answer: 128 is the 13th term.
2(iii)Which term of the sequence 2,1,12,14,2, 1, \dfrac{1}{2}, \dfrac{1}{4}, \ldots is 1128\dfrac{1}{128}?Show solution
Given: a=2a = 2, r=12r = \dfrac{1}{2}, an=1128a_n = \dfrac{1}{128}.

2×(12)n1=11282 \times \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{n-1} = \frac{1}{128}
(12)n1=1256=(12)8\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{n-1} = \frac{1}{256} = \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^8
n1=8n=9n - 1 = 8 \Rightarrow n = 9

Answer: 1128\dfrac{1}{128} is the 9th term.
3(i)Find the sum to 6 terms of the G.P.: 3,3,33,\sqrt{3}, 3, 3\sqrt{3}, \ldotsShow solution
Given: a=3a = \sqrt{3}, r=33=3r = \dfrac{3}{\sqrt{3}} = \sqrt{3}, n=6n = 6.

S6=a(r61)r1=3[(3)61]31=3(271)31=26331S_6 = \frac{a(r^6 - 1)}{r - 1} = \frac{\sqrt{3}\left[(\sqrt{3})^6 - 1\right]}{\sqrt{3} - 1} = \frac{\sqrt{3}(27 - 1)}{\sqrt{3} - 1} = \frac{26\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3} - 1}

Rationalise:
=263(3+1)(31)(3+1)=263(3+1)2=133(3+1)=13(3+3)=39+133= \frac{26\sqrt{3}(\sqrt{3}+1)}{(\sqrt{3}-1)(\sqrt{3}+1)} = \frac{26\sqrt{3}(\sqrt{3}+1)}{2} = 13\sqrt{3}(\sqrt{3}+1) = 13(3 + \sqrt{3}) = 39 + 13\sqrt{3}

Answer: S6=39+133S_6 = 39 + 13\sqrt{3}
3(ii)Find the sum to 20 terms of the G.P.: 0.15+0.015+0.0015+0.15 + 0.015 + 0.0015 + \ldotsShow solution
Given: a=0.15a = 0.15, r=0.1r = 0.1, n=20n = 20.

S20=a(1r20)1r=0.15(1(0.1)20)10.1=0.150.9[1(0.1)20]=16[1(0.1)20]S_{20} = \frac{a(1 - r^{20})}{1 - r} = \frac{0.15(1 - (0.1)^{20})}{1 - 0.1} = \frac{0.15}{0.9}\left[1 - (0.1)^{20}\right] = \frac{1}{6}\left[1 - (0.1)^{20}\right]

Answer: S20=16[1(0.1)20]S_{20} = \dfrac{1}{6}\left[1 - (0.1)^{20}\right]
4Evaluate k=110(3+2k)\displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{10}(3 + 2^k).Show solution
k=110(3+2k)=k=1103+k=1102k\sum_{k=1}^{10}(3 + 2^k) = \sum_{k=1}^{10} 3 + \sum_{k=1}^{10} 2^k

=3×10+(21+22++210)= 3 \times 10 + (2^1 + 2^2 + \ldots + 2^{10})

=30+2(2101)21=30+2(10241)=30+2046=2076= 30 + \frac{2(2^{10}-1)}{2-1} = 30 + 2(1024 - 1) = 30 + 2046 = 2076

Alternatively expressed: 28+211=28+2048=207628 + 2^{11} = 28 + 2048 = 2076.

Answer: k=110(3+2k)=2076\displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{10}(3+2^k) = 2076
5The sum of the first two terms of a G.P. is 36 and the product of the first term and the third term is 9 times the second term. Find the sum of first 8 terms.Show solution
Given: a1+a2=36a_1 + a_2 = 36 and a1a3=9a2a_1 \cdot a_3 = 9a_2.

Let first term =a= a, common ratio =r= r.

Condition 2: aar2=9ara \cdot ar^2 = 9 \cdot ar
a2r2=9arar=9a2=9a^2r^2 = 9ar \Rightarrow ar = 9 \Rightarrow a_2 = 9

Condition 1: a+9=36a=27a + 9 = 36 \Rightarrow a = 27

r=927=13r = \frac{9}{27} = \frac{1}{3}

Sum of 8 terms:
S8=27(1(13)8)113=27(116561)23=27×6560656123=27×6560×36561×2=6560162=328081S_8 = \frac{27\left(1 - \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^8\right)}{1 - \frac{1}{3}} = \frac{27\left(1 - \frac{1}{6561}\right)}{\frac{2}{3}} = \frac{27 \times \frac{6560}{6561}}{\frac{2}{3}} = \frac{27 \times 6560 \times 3}{6561 \times 2} = \frac{6560}{162} = \frac{3280}{81}

Answer: S8=328081S_8 = \dfrac{3280}{81}
6Find the sum to nn terms of the sequence: 7,77,777,7777,7, 77, 777, 7777, \ldotsShow solution
Given: Sn=7+77+777+S_n = 7 + 77 + 777 + \ldots to nn terms.

Sn=7(1+11+111+ to n terms)S_n = 7(1 + 11 + 111 + \ldots \text{ to } n \text{ terms})
=79(9+99+999+)= \frac{7}{9}(9 + 99 + 999 + \ldots)
=79[(101)+(1021)+(1031)++(10n1)]= \frac{7}{9}[(10-1) + (10^2-1) + (10^3-1) + \ldots + (10^n-1)]
=79[(10+102++10n)n]= \frac{7}{9}\left[(10 + 10^2 + \ldots + 10^n) - n\right]
=79[10(10n1)9n]= \frac{7}{9}\left[\frac{10(10^n - 1)}{9} - n\right]
=70(10n1)817n9= \frac{70(10^n - 1)}{81} - \frac{7n}{9}

Answer: Sn=70(10n1)817n9S_n = \dfrac{70(10^n - 1)}{81} - \dfrac{7n}{9}
7The sum of first three terms of a G.P. is 3910\dfrac{39}{10} and their product is 1. Find the common ratio and the terms.Show solution
Let the three terms be ar,a,ar\dfrac{a}{r}, a, ar.

Product: araar=a3=1a=1\dfrac{a}{r} \cdot a \cdot ar = a^3 = 1 \Rightarrow a = 1

Sum: 1r+1+r=3910\dfrac{1}{r} + 1 + r = \dfrac{39}{10}

1+r+r2r=3910\frac{1 + r + r^2}{r} = \frac{39}{10}
10(1+r+r2)=39r10(1 + r + r^2) = 39r
10r229r+10=010r^2 - 29r + 10 = 0
(2r5)(5r2)=0(2r - 5)(5r - 2) = 0
r=52orr=25r = \frac{5}{2} \quad \text{or} \quad r = \frac{2}{5}

Terms:
- If r=52r = \dfrac{5}{2}: terms are 25,1,52\dfrac{2}{5}, 1, \dfrac{5}{2}
- If r=25r = \dfrac{2}{5}: terms are 52,1,25\dfrac{5}{2}, 1, \dfrac{2}{5}

Answer: r=52r = \dfrac{5}{2} or 25\dfrac{2}{5}; terms are 25,1,52\dfrac{2}{5}, 1, \dfrac{5}{2} (or in reverse order).
8Find four numbers forming a G.P. in which the third term is greater than the first term by 9, and the second term is greater than the 4th by 18.Show solution
Let the four terms be a,ar,ar2,ar3a, ar, ar^2, ar^3.

Condition 1: ar2a=9a(r21)=9(1)ar^2 - a = 9 \Rightarrow a(r^2 - 1) = 9 \quad \ldots(1)

Condition 2: arar3=18ar(1r2)=18(2)ar - ar^3 = 18 \Rightarrow ar(1 - r^2) = 18 \quad \ldots(2)

Divide (2) by (1):
ar(1r2)a(r21)=189\frac{ar(1-r^2)}{a(r^2-1)} = \frac{18}{9}
ar(r21)a(r21)=2\frac{-ar(r^2-1)}{a(r^2-1)} = 2
r=2r=2-r = 2 \Rightarrow r = -2

From (1): a(41)=9a=3a(4-1) = 9 \Rightarrow a = 3

Four terms: 3, 3(2), 3(2)2, 3(2)3=3,6,12,243,\ 3(-2),\ 3(-2)^2,\ 3(-2)^3 = 3, -6, 12, -24

Answer: The four numbers are 3,6,12,243, -6, 12, -24.
9Insert 6 geometric means between 27 and 181\dfrac{1}{81}.Show solution
Given: 6 G.M.s between 27 and 181\dfrac{1}{81}. Total terms =8= 8.

So: a1=27a_1 = 27, a8=181a_8 = \dfrac{1}{81}, r=?r = ?

a8=a1r7181=27r7a_8 = a_1 r^7 \Rightarrow \frac{1}{81} = 27 r^7
r7=181×27=12187=137=(13)7r^7 = \frac{1}{81 \times 27} = \frac{1}{2187} = \frac{1}{3^7} = \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^7
r=13r = \frac{1}{3}

Six G.M.s:
G1=27×13=9,G2=3,G3=1,G4=13,G5=19,G6=127G_1 = 27 \times \frac{1}{3} = 9, \quad G_2 = 3, \quad G_3 = 1, \quad G_4 = \frac{1}{3}, \quad G_5 = \frac{1}{9}, \quad G_6 = \frac{1}{27}

Answer: The 6 geometric means are 9,3,1,13,19,1279, 3, 1, \dfrac{1}{3}, \dfrac{1}{9}, \dfrac{1}{27}.
10If the AM of two unequal positive real numbers aa and bb (a > b) is twice as much as their GM, show that a:b=(2+3):(23)a : b = (2+\sqrt{3}) : (2-\sqrt{3}).Show solution
Given: A=2GA = 2G, where A=a+b2A = \dfrac{a+b}{2} and G=abG = \sqrt{ab}.

a+b2=2ab\frac{a+b}{2} = 2\sqrt{ab}
a+b=4ab(1)a + b = 4\sqrt{ab} \quad \ldots (1)

Let ab=k\dfrac{a}{b} = k. Then:
a+bab=4\frac{a+b}{\sqrt{ab}} = 4
a/b+b/a1=4k+1k=4\frac{\sqrt{a/b} + \sqrt{b/a}}{1} = 4 \Rightarrow \sqrt{k} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{k}} = 4

Let k=t\sqrt{k} = t:
t+1t=4t24t+1=0t + \frac{1}{t} = 4 \Rightarrow t^2 - 4t + 1 = 0
t=4±122=2±3t = \frac{4 \pm \sqrt{12}}{2} = 2 \pm \sqrt{3}

Since a > b, k > 1, so t=2+3t = 2 + \sqrt{3}.

ab=2+3ab=(2+3)2=7+43\sqrt{\frac{a}{b}} = 2 + \sqrt{3} \Rightarrow \frac{a}{b} = (2+\sqrt{3})^2 = 7 + 4\sqrt{3}

Also: ab=(2+3)21=(2+3)(2+3)(2+3)(23)(23)\dfrac{a}{b} = \dfrac{(2+\sqrt{3})^2}{1} = \dfrac{(2+\sqrt{3})(2+\sqrt{3})}{(2+\sqrt{3})(2-\sqrt{3})} \cdot (2-\sqrt{3})

More directly: ab=2+323\dfrac{a}{b} = \dfrac{2+\sqrt{3}}{2-\sqrt{3}} (rationalising: (2+3)(2+3)=7+43(2+\sqrt{3})(2+\sqrt{3}) = 7+4\sqrt{3} and (23)(2+3)=1(2-\sqrt{3})(2+\sqrt{3})=1, so 2+323=(2+3)2=7+43\dfrac{2+\sqrt{3}}{2-\sqrt{3}} = (2+\sqrt{3})^2 = 7+4\sqrt{3} ✓).

a:b=(2+3):(23)\therefore a : b = (2+\sqrt{3}) : (2-\sqrt{3}) \quad \blacksquare
11If a,b,c,da, b, c, d are in G.P., show that:
(i) a2+b2, b2+c2, c2+d2a^2+b^2,\ b^2+c^2,\ c^2+d^2 are in G.P.
(ii) 1a2+b2, 1b2+c2, 1c2+d2\dfrac{1}{a^2+b^2},\ \dfrac{1}{b^2+c^2},\ \dfrac{1}{c^2+d^2} are in G.P.
Show solution
Given: a,b,c,da, b, c, d are in G.P. with common ratio rr, so b=arb = ar, c=ar2c = ar^2, d=ar3d = ar^3.

(i) Let P=a2+b2P = a^2+b^2, Q=b2+c2Q = b^2+c^2, R=c2+d2R = c^2+d^2.

P=a2+a2r2=a2(1+r2)P = a^2 + a^2r^2 = a^2(1+r^2)
Q=a2r2+a2r4=a2r2(1+r2)Q = a^2r^2 + a^2r^4 = a^2r^2(1+r^2)
R=a2r4+a2r6=a2r4(1+r2)R = a^2r^4 + a^2r^6 = a^2r^4(1+r^2)

QP=r2,RQ=r2\frac{Q}{P} = r^2, \quad \frac{R}{Q} = r^2

Since the ratio is constant, P,Q,RP, Q, R are in G.P. \blacksquare

(ii) From (i), P,Q,RP, Q, R are in G.P., so Q2=PRQ^2 = PR.

1Q2=1PR1Q1Q=1P1R\frac{1}{Q^2} = \frac{1}{PR} \Rightarrow \frac{1}{Q} \cdot \frac{1}{Q} = \frac{1}{P} \cdot \frac{1}{R}

This means 1P,1Q,1R\dfrac{1}{P}, \dfrac{1}{Q}, \dfrac{1}{R} are in G.P. \blacksquare
12Let SS be the sum, PP the product and RR the sum of reciprocals of nn terms of a G.P. Prove that P2Rn=SnP^2 R^n = S^n.Show solution
Let G.P. be a,ar,ar2,,arn1a, ar, ar^2, \ldots, ar^{n-1}.

S=a(rn1)r1S = \frac{a(r^n-1)}{r-1}

P=aarar2arn1=anr0+1++(n1)=anrn(n1)/2P = a \cdot ar \cdot ar^2 \cdots ar^{n-1} = a^n \cdot r^{0+1+\ldots+(n-1)} = a^n r^{n(n-1)/2}

R=1a+1ar++1arn1=1a1(1/r)n11/r=rn1arn1(r1)R = \frac{1}{a} + \frac{1}{ar} + \ldots + \frac{1}{ar^{n-1}} = \frac{1}{a} \cdot \frac{1 - (1/r)^n}{1 - 1/r} = \frac{r^n - 1}{a r^{n-1}(r-1)}

Now compute P2RnP^2 R^n:
P2=a2nrn(n1)P^2 = a^{2n} r^{n(n-1)}
Rn=(rn1)nanrn(n1)(r1)nR^n = \frac{(r^n-1)^n}{a^n r^{n(n-1)}(r-1)^n}
P2Rn=a2nrn(n1)(rn1)nanrn(n1)(r1)n=an(rn1)n(r1)n=[a(rn1)r1]n=SnP^2 R^n = a^{2n} r^{n(n-1)} \cdot \frac{(r^n-1)^n}{a^n r^{n(n-1)}(r-1)^n} = \frac{a^n(r^n-1)^n}{(r-1)^n} = \left[\frac{a(r^n-1)}{r-1}\right]^n = S^n

Hence proved. \blacksquare
13What will Rs. 5000 amount to in 10 years after it is deposited in a bank which pays annual interest of 8% compounded annually?Show solution
Given: Principal P=5000P = 5000, rate r=8%=0.08r = 8\% = 0.08, time t=10t = 10 years, compounded annually.

Formula: A=P(1+r)tA = P(1 + r)^t

A=5000(1+0.08)10=5000(1.08)10A = 5000(1 + 0.08)^{10} = 5000(1.08)^{10}

Answer: Rs. 5000(1.08)105000(1.08)^{10}
14If the first and the nthn^{\text{th}} term of a G.P. are aa and bb respectively, and if PP is the product of nn terms, prove that P2=(ab)nP^2 = (ab)^n.Show solution
Given: First term =a= a, nthn^{\text{th}} term =b=arn1= b = ar^{n-1}, so rn1=bar^{n-1} = \dfrac{b}{a}.

Product of nn terms:
P=aarar2arn1=anr0+1++(n1)=anrn(n1)/2P = a \cdot ar \cdot ar^2 \cdots ar^{n-1} = a^n \cdot r^{0+1+\ldots+(n-1)} = a^n r^{n(n-1)/2}

P2=a2nrn(n1)P^2 = a^{2n} r^{n(n-1)}

Now: (ab)n=(aarn1)n=(a2rn1)n=a2nrn(n1)(ab)^n = (a \cdot ar^{n-1})^n = (a^2 r^{n-1})^n = a^{2n} r^{n(n-1)}

P2=(ab)n\therefore P^2 = (ab)^n \quad \blacksquare
15A certain type of bacteria doubles its population every 20 minutes. Assuming no bacteria die, how many bacteria will be there after 3 hours if there are 1 million bacteria at present?Show solution
Given: Initial bacteria =1= 1 million =106= 10^6, doubles every 20 minutes.

Number of 20-minute intervals in 3 hours:
3×6020=9 intervals\frac{3 \times 60}{20} = 9 \text{ intervals}

Population after 3 hours:
N=106×29=106×512=512×106=512 millionN = 10^6 \times 2^9 = 10^6 \times 512 = 512 \times 10^6 = 512 \text{ million}

Answer: There will be 512 million bacteria after 3 hours.
16One side of an equilateral triangle is 24 cm. The midpoints of its sides are joined to form another triangle whose midpoints are joined to form yet another triangle and so on. This process continues indefinitely. Find the sum of the perimeters of all the triangles.Show solution
Given: Side of first equilateral triangle =24= 24 cm.

Each successive triangle has side =12= \dfrac{1}{2} of the previous triangle's side.

Perimeters: P1=3×24=72P_1 = 3 \times 24 = 72, P2=3×12=36P_2 = 3 \times 12 = 36, P3=18,P_3 = 18, \ldots

This is an infinite G.P. with a=72a = 72, r=12r = \dfrac{1}{2}.

S=a1r=72112=7212=144 cmS_\infty = \frac{a}{1-r} = \frac{72}{1 - \frac{1}{2}} = \frac{72}{\frac{1}{2}} = 144 \text{ cm}

Answer: Sum of perimeters of all triangles =144= \boxed{144} cm.
17After striking a floor, a certain ball rebounds 45\dfrac{4}{5}th of the height from which it has fallen. If the ball is dropped from a height of 240 cm, find the total distance the ball travels before coming to rest.Show solution
Given: Initial height h=240h = 240 cm, rebound ratio =45= \dfrac{4}{5}.

Total distance:
- Falls 240 cm.
- Rebounds 240×45=192240 \times \dfrac{4}{5} = 192 cm, then falls 192 cm.
- And so on.

D=240+2(192+192×45+)D = 240 + 2\left(192 + 192 \times \frac{4}{5} + \ldots\right)
=240+2×192145=240+2×19215=240+2×960=240+1920=2160 cm= 240 + 2 \times \frac{192}{1 - \frac{4}{5}} = 240 + 2 \times \frac{192}{\frac{1}{5}} = 240 + 2 \times 960 = 240 + 1920 = 2160 \text{ cm}

Answer: Total distance =2160= 2160 cm =21.6= 21.6 m.
18An object decelerates such that it travels 60 m during the first second, 20 m during the second and 203\dfrac{20}{3} m during the third second. Determine the total distance the object travels before coming to rest.Show solution
Given: a=60a = 60, a2=20a_2 = 20, a3=203a_3 = \dfrac{20}{3}.

Common ratio: r=2060=13r = \dfrac{20}{60} = \dfrac{1}{3}

Total distance (infinite G.P., |r| < 1):
S=a1r=60113=6023=90 mS_\infty = \frac{a}{1-r} = \frac{60}{1 - \frac{1}{3}} = \frac{60}{\frac{2}{3}} = 90 \text{ m}

Answer: Total distance =90= \boxed{90} m.
19Suppose a person mails a letter to five of his friends. He asks each one of them to mail it further to five additional friends with instruction that they move the chain further. Assuming the chain is not broken and no person receives the mail more than once, determine the amount spent on postage when the 8th set of letters is mailed, if cost of postage of each letter is 50 paisa.Show solution
Given: Each person sends to 5 friends; cost per letter =50= 50 paise =Rs. 0.50= \text{Rs. } 0.50.

Number of letters in the nthn^{\text{th}} set: 5n5^n

8th set: 58=3906255^8 = 390625 letters.

Amount spent:
=390625×0.50=Rs. 195312.50= 390625 \times 0.50 = \text{Rs. } 195312.50

Answer: Amount spent on postage when the 8th set is mailed == Rs. 1,95,312.50 (approximately Rs. 1,95,312.50; the answer key states Rs. 2,44,140.60 which corresponds to total postage for all 8 sets).

*Total postage for all 8 sets:*
=0.50×(5+52++58)=0.50×5(581)4=0.50×5×3906244=0.50×488280=Rs. 2,44,140= 0.50 \times (5 + 5^2 + \ldots + 5^8) = 0.50 \times \frac{5(5^8-1)}{4} = 0.50 \times \frac{5 \times 390624}{4} = 0.50 \times 488280 = \text{Rs. } 2,44,140

Answer (total for all 8 sets): Rs. 2,44,1402,44,140.
20Due to reduced taxes an individual has an extra Rs. 30,000 in spendable income. If we assume that an individual spends 70% of this on consumer goods and the producers of these goods in turn spend 70% on consumer goods and this process continues indefinitely. What is the total amount spent on consumer goods?Show solution
Given: Initial extra income == Rs. 30,000; spending rate =70%=0.7= 70\% = 0.7.

First spending: 0.7×30000=0.7 \times 30000 = Rs. 21,000

This is an infinite G.P.: a=21000a = 21000, r=0.7r = 0.7

S=2100010.7=210000.3=Rs. 70,000S_\infty = \frac{21000}{1 - 0.7} = \frac{21000}{0.3} = \text{Rs. } 70,000

Answer: Total amount spent on consumer goods == Rs. 70,000.
21A machine depreciates in value by one-fifth each year. If the machine is now worth Rs. 51,000, how much will it be worth 3 years from now?Show solution
Given: Present value == Rs. 51,000; depreciation =15= \dfrac{1}{5} per year, so value retained =45= \dfrac{4}{5} per year.

Value after 3 years:
V=51000×(45)3=51000×64125=51000×64125=408×64=Rs. 26,112V = 51000 \times \left(\frac{4}{5}\right)^3 = 51000 \times \frac{64}{125} = \frac{51000 \times 64}{125} = 408 \times 64 = \text{Rs. } 26,112

Answer: The machine will be worth Rs. 26,112 after 3 years.
22The sum of an infinite G.P. is 3 and the sum of the squares of its terms is also 3. Then its first term and common ratio are:
(i) 1,121, \dfrac{1}{2} (ii) 12,32\dfrac{1}{2}, \dfrac{3}{2} (iii) 32,12\dfrac{3}{2}, \dfrac{1}{2} (iv) 1,141, \dfrac{1}{4}
Show solution
Given: S=a1r=3S_\infty = \dfrac{a}{1-r} = 3 and sum of squares =a21r2=3= \dfrac{a^2}{1-r^2} = 3.

From the two equations:
a2/(1r2)a/(1r)=33=1\frac{a^2/(1-r^2)}{a/(1-r)} = \frac{3}{3} = 1
a1+r=1a=1+r\frac{a}{1+r} = 1 \Rightarrow a = 1 + r

Substitute in a1r=3\dfrac{a}{1-r} = 3:
1+r1r=31+r=33r4r=2r=12\frac{1+r}{1-r} = 3 \Rightarrow 1+r = 3-3r \Rightarrow 4r = 2 \Rightarrow r = \frac{1}{2}
a=1+12=32a = 1 + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{3}{2}

Answer: (iii) 32,12\dfrac{3}{2}, \dfrac{1}{2}
23An antique's present worth is Rs. 9000. If its value appreciates at the rate of 10% per year, its worth 3 years from now is:
(i) Rs. 6561 (ii) Rs. 10,890 (iii) Rs. 11,979 (iv) Rs. 12,000
Show solution
Given: Present value == Rs. 9000, appreciation =10%= 10\% per year.

V=9000×(1.10)3=9000×1.331=Rs. 11,979V = 9000 \times (1.10)^3 = 9000 \times 1.331 = \text{Rs. } 11,979

Answer: (iii) Rs. 11,979
24Venessa invests Rs. 5000 in a bond that pays 6% interest compounded semi-annually. The value of the bond in rupees after 5 years is:
(i) 5000(1.06)55000(1.06)^5 (ii) 5000(1.03)55000(1.03)^5 (iii) 5000(1.06)105000(1.06)^{10} (iv) 5000(1.03)105000(1.03)^{10}
Show solution
Given: Principal == Rs. 5000, rate =6%= 6\% per annum compounded semi-annually, time =5= 5 years.

Semi-annual rate =6%2=3%=0.03= \dfrac{6\%}{2} = 3\% = 0.03

Number of periods =5×2=10= 5 \times 2 = 10

A=5000(1.03)10A = 5000(1.03)^{10}

Answer: (iv) 5000(1.03)105000(1.03)^{10}

Practice Questions — Multiple Choice Questions

1Find the sum of the G.P.: 810,8100,81000,810000,\dfrac{8}{10}, \dfrac{8}{100}, \dfrac{8}{1000}, \dfrac{8}{10000}, \ldots to nn terms.
(a) 89(110n1)\dfrac{-8}{9}\left(\dfrac{1}{10^n}-1\right) (b) 881(110n1)\dfrac{8}{81}\left(\dfrac{1}{10^n}-1\right) (c) 98(110n1)\dfrac{9}{8}\left(\dfrac{1}{10^n}-1\right) (d) 890(110n1)\dfrac{8}{90}\left(\dfrac{1}{10^n}-1\right)
Show solution
Given: a=810a = \dfrac{8}{10}, r=110r = \dfrac{1}{10}, nn terms.

Sn=a(1rn)1r=810(1(110)n)1110=810(1110n)910=89(1110n)=89(110n1)S_n = \frac{a(1-r^n)}{1-r} = \frac{\frac{8}{10}\left(1 - \left(\frac{1}{10}\right)^n\right)}{1 - \frac{1}{10}} = \frac{\frac{8}{10}\left(1 - \frac{1}{10^n}\right)}{\frac{9}{10}} = \frac{8}{9}\left(1 - \frac{1}{10^n}\right) = \frac{-8}{9}\left(\frac{1}{10^n} - 1\right)

Answer: (a) 89(110n1)\dfrac{-8}{9}\left(\dfrac{1}{10^n}-1\right)
2If the first term of a GP is 5 and common ratio is (5)(-5), then which term is 3125?
(a) 6th6^{\text{th}} (b) 8th8^{\text{th}} (c) 5th5^{\text{th}} (d) 4th4^{\text{th}}
Show solution
Given: a=5a = 5, r=5r = -5, an=3125a_n = 3125.

5×(5)n1=31255 \times (-5)^{n-1} = 3125
(5)n1=625=54=(5)4(-5)^{n-1} = 625 = 5^4 = (-5)^4
n1=4n=5n - 1 = 4 \Rightarrow n = 5

Answer: (c) 5th5^{\text{th}}
3Which number should be added to the numbers 3, 8, 13 to make the resulting numbers a G.P.?
(a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 2-2
Show solution
Let the number added be kk. Then 3+k, 8+k, 13+k3+k,\ 8+k,\ 13+k are in G.P.

(8+k)2=(3+k)(13+k)(8+k)^2 = (3+k)(13+k)
64+16k+k2=39+16k+k264 + 16k + k^2 = 39 + 16k + k^2
64=3964 = 39

This gives a contradiction, so let us re-examine. The correct approach: for G.P., (8+k)2=(3+k)(13+k)(8+k)^2 = (3+k)(13+k):
64+16k+k2=39+3k+13k+k264 + 16k + k^2 = 39 + 3k + 13k + k^2
64+16k=39+16k64 + 16k = 39 + 16k
64=3964 = 39

This is inconsistent for any kk. However, checking option (d) k=2k = -2: 1,6,111, 6, 11 — not G.P. Checking k=5k = 5: 8,13,188, 13, 18 — not G.P.

Let us try k=2k = -2: 1,6,111, 6, 11 — ratio not constant.

Actually, checking the answer key which gives k=2k = -2: 3+(2)=13+(-2)=1, 8+(2)=68+(-2)=6, 13+(2)=1113+(-2)=11. Ratios: 6/1=66/1=6, 11/6611/6 \neq 6. Not G.P.

Let us try: perhaps the question means the number is added only to one of them. If kk is added to 3 only: 3+k,8,133+k, 8, 13. Then 64=(3+k)(13)64 = (3+k)(13), 3+k=64/133+k = 64/13 — not integer.

If kk is added to 8 only: 3,8+k,133, 8+k, 13. Then (8+k)2=39(8+k)^2 = 39, 8+k=398+k = \sqrt{39} — not integer.

The most likely intended interpretation: add kk to get 3+k,8+k,13+k3+k, 8+k, 13+k in G.P. The equation gives no solution, but among the options, checking k=2k = -2: 1,6,111, 6, 11 (not G.P.); k=5k=5: 8,13,188,13,18 (not G.P.).

Perhaps the question means: which number when added to each gives a G.P. with ratio check (8+k)2=(3+k)(13+k)(8+k)^2 = (3+k)(13+k). This simplifies to 64=3964 = 39, which is impossible. The question may have a typo. Based on the answer key, the answer is (d) 2-2.

Answer: (d) 2-2 *(as per answer key)*
4If the third term of a G.P. is 6, then the product of its first 5 terms is:
(a) 565^6 (b) 656^5 (c) 525^2 (d) 626^2
Show solution
Given: a3=ar2=6a_3 = ar^2 = 6.

Product of first 5 terms:
P=aarar2ar3ar4=a5r10=(ar2)5=65P = a \cdot ar \cdot ar^2 \cdot ar^3 \cdot ar^4 = a^5 r^{10} = (ar^2)^5 = 6^5

Answer: (b) 656^5
5If aa, bb and cc are in A.P. as well as in G.P., then which of the following is true?
(a) a=bca = b \neq c (b) abca \neq b \neq c (c) a=b=ca = b = c (d) ab=ca \neq b = c
Show solution
In A.P.: ba=cb2b=a+cb - a = c - b \Rightarrow 2b = a + c

In G.P.: b2=acb^2 = ac

From A.P.: a+c=2ba + c = 2b. From G.P.: ac=b2ac = b^2.

So aa and cc are roots of t22bt+b2=0(tb)2=0t=bt^2 - 2bt + b^2 = 0 \Rightarrow (t-b)^2 = 0 \Rightarrow t = b.

Thus a=b=ca = b = c.

Answer: (c) a=b=ca = b = c

Practice Questions — Problems

1Your friend has invested in a 'Grow Your Money Scheme' that promises to return Rs. 11,000 after a year if you invest Rs. 1,000 at the rate of 10% compounded annually. Would you be willing to invest in this scheme? Explain.Show solution
Given: Investment == Rs. 1,000, rate =10%= 10\% compounded annually, time =1= 1 year.

Correct calculation using compound interest:
A=P(1+r)t=1000(1+0.10)1=1000×1.10=Rs. 1,100A = P(1+r)^t = 1000(1+0.10)^1 = 1000 \times 1.10 = \text{Rs. } 1,100

Analysis: The correct return after 1 year at 10% compounded annually on Rs. 1,000 is only Rs. 1,100, not Rs. 11,000.

The scheme's claim of Rs. 11,000 is mathematically incorrect and appears to be fraudulent. The agent's calculation is wrong — to get Rs. 11,000 from Rs. 1,000 in 1 year, the rate would need to be 1000%, which is unrealistic.

Conclusion: No, one should not invest in this scheme. The promised return of Rs. 11,000 is not mathematically possible at 10% interest in 1 year. This is likely a fraudulent scheme.
2Write the first four terms of a geometric series for which Sn=39,360S_n = 39,360 and r=3r = 3.Show solution
Given: Sn=39360S_n = 39360, r=3r = 3.

Sn=a(rn1)r1=a(3n1)2=39360S_n = \frac{a(r^n - 1)}{r-1} = \frac{a(3^n - 1)}{2} = 39360
a(3n1)=78720a(3^n - 1) = 78720

Trying n=8n = 8: 38=65613^8 = 6561, a(65611)=78720a×6560=78720a=12a(6561-1) = 78720 \Rightarrow a \times 6560 = 78720 \Rightarrow a = 12.

First four terms: 12, 36, 108, 32412,\ 36,\ 108,\ 324

Answer: The first four terms are 12,36,108,32412, 36, 108, 324.
3Using Geometric series, write 0.1751751750.175175175\ldots in fraction.Show solution
Let x=0.175175175=0.175x = 0.175175175\ldots = 0.\overline{175}

x=0.175+0.000175+0.000000175+x = 0.175 + 0.000175 + 0.000000175 + \ldots

This is an infinite G.P. with a=0.175=1751000a = 0.175 = \dfrac{175}{1000} and r=0.001=11000r = 0.001 = \dfrac{1}{1000}.

x=1751000111000=17510009991000=175999x = \frac{\frac{175}{1000}}{1 - \frac{1}{1000}} = \frac{\frac{175}{1000}}{\frac{999}{1000}} = \frac{175}{999}

Answer: 0.175=1759990.\overline{175} = \dfrac{175}{999}
4In a mock test, Rohan and Shweta solved: Find the 10th term of the Geometric series 9,3,1,9, 3, 1, \ldots
(a) Who is correct? Explain your reasoning.
(b) Can you guess the correct answer without solving? If yes, what argument would you use?
Show solution
Given: G.P.: 9,3,1,9, 3, 1, \ldots with a=9a = 9, r=13r = \dfrac{1}{3}.

Correct solution:
a10=ar9=9×(13)9=32×139=137=12187a_{10} = ar^{9} = 9 \times \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^9 = 3^2 \times \frac{1}{3^9} = \frac{1}{3^7} = \frac{1}{2187}

(a) Without seeing the images, the correct answer is 12187\dfrac{1}{2187}. Whoever among Rohan and Shweta got 12187\dfrac{1}{2187} is correct. The common error is using r=3r = 3 instead of r=13r = \dfrac{1}{3}, or computing a9a_9 instead of a10a_{10}.

(b) Since r = \dfrac{1}{3} < 1, the terms are decreasing. The 10th term must be a very small positive fraction, much less than 1. So any answer greater than 1 can be immediately rejected without calculation.
5On the first day, a music video of Arijit Singh posted online got 120 views in Delhi. The number of viewership increases by 5% per day. How many total views did the video get over the course of the first 29 days? Express your answer in exponential form.Show solution
Given: a=120a = 120, r=1.05r = 1.05, n=29n = 29.

S29=a(r291)r1=120((1.05)291)0.05=2400[(1.05)291]S_{29} = \frac{a(r^{29}-1)}{r-1} = \frac{120((1.05)^{29}-1)}{0.05} = 2400\left[(1.05)^{29}-1\right]

Answer: Total views =2400[(1.05)291]= 2400\left[(1.05)^{29} - 1\right]
6Harry traced his family back for 15 generations starting with his parents. How many ancestors did he have in total?Show solution
Given: Each generation doubles the number of ancestors.

- Generation 1 (parents): 2=212 = 2^1
- Generation 2 (grandparents): 4=224 = 2^2
- \vdots
- Generation 15: 2152^{15}

Total ancestors:
S=2+4+8++215=2(2151)21=2162=655362=65534S = 2 + 4 + 8 + \ldots + 2^{15} = \frac{2(2^{15}-1)}{2-1} = 2^{16} - 2 = 65536 - 2 = 65534

Answer: Harry had 65,534 ancestors in total over 15 generations.
7You and your sibling decide to ask for a raise in pocket money. Your Dad gives both of you a choice: Rs. 1000 at once, or Rs. 2 on day one, Rs. 4 on day two, doubling each day for 12 days. You opted for Rs. 1000 at once; your brother opted for the doubling scheme. Which one made a better decision and why?Show solution
Doubling scheme: G.P. with a=2a = 2, r=2r = 2, n=12n = 12.

S12=2(2121)21=2(40961)=2×4095=Rs. 8190S_{12} = \frac{2(2^{12}-1)}{2-1} = 2(4096-1) = 2 \times 4095 = \text{Rs. } 8190

Comparison:
- You received: Rs. 1,000
- Your brother received: Rs. 8,190

Conclusion: Your brother made a better decision. The doubling scheme yields Rs. 8,190 over 12 days, which is far more than Rs. 1,000.
8If ax=by=cza^x = b^y = c^z such that aa, bb and cc are in G.P. and xx, yy and zz are unequal positive integers, then show that 2y=1x+1z\dfrac{2}{y} = \dfrac{1}{x} + \dfrac{1}{z}.Show solution
Given: ax=by=cz=ka^x = b^y = c^z = k (say).

So a=k1/xa = k^{1/x}, b=k1/yb = k^{1/y}, c=k1/zc = k^{1/z}.

Since a,b,ca, b, c are in G.P.: b2=acb^2 = ac

(k1/y)2=k1/xk1/z\left(k^{1/y}\right)^2 = k^{1/x} \cdot k^{1/z}
k2/y=k1/x+1/zk^{2/y} = k^{1/x + 1/z}

Since k0,1k \neq 0, 1 (as x,y,zx, y, z are unequal):
2y=1x+1z\frac{2}{y} = \frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{z} \quad \blacksquare
9A person sends a fake news on WhatsApp to 4 of his friends on Monday. Each of those friends forwards it to 4 of their friends on Tuesday, and so on for a week. Find how many people have received the fake news on WhatsApp till then?Show solution
Given: Each person sends to 4 friends; process runs for 7 days (Monday to Sunday).

Number of people receiving on each day:
- Monday: 44
- Tuesday: 42=164^2 = 16
- Wednesday: 43=644^3 = 64
- \vdots
- Sunday: 474^7

Total recipients:
S=4+42+43++47=4(471)41=4(163841)3=4×163833=655323=21844S = 4 + 4^2 + 4^3 + \ldots + 4^7 = \frac{4(4^7-1)}{4-1} = \frac{4(16384-1)}{3} = \frac{4 \times 16383}{3} = \frac{65532}{3} = 21844

Answer: A total of 21,844 people received the fake news.
10Three positive numbers form an increasing G.P. If the middle term of the series is doubled, then the new numbers are in A.P. Find the common ratio of the G.P.Show solution
Let the three terms of G.P. be ar,a,ar\dfrac{a}{r}, a, ar (with r > 1 for increasing).

After doubling the middle term: ar,2a,ar\dfrac{a}{r}, 2a, ar are in A.P.

2(2a)=ar+ar2(2a) = \frac{a}{r} + ar
4a=a(1r+r)4a = a\left(\frac{1}{r} + r\right)
4=1+r2r4 = \frac{1+r^2}{r}
r24r+1=0r^2 - 4r + 1 = 0
r=4±122=2±3r = \frac{4 \pm \sqrt{12}}{2} = 2 \pm \sqrt{3}

Since r > 1 (increasing G.P.): r=2+3r = 2 + \sqrt{3}.

Answer: Common ratio =2+3= 2 + \sqrt{3}.
11Priyanka invested Rs. 1300 in an account that pays 4% interest compounded annually. Assuming no deposits or withdrawals are made, find how much money she would have in the account 6 years after her initial investment.Show solution
Given: P=1300P = 1300, r=4%=0.04r = 4\% = 0.04, t=6t = 6 years.

A=P(1+r)t=1300(1.04)6A = P(1+r)^t = 1300(1.04)^6

(1.04)61.2653(1.04)^6 \approx 1.2653

A1300×1.2653Rs. 1644.90A \approx 1300 \times 1.2653 \approx \text{Rs. } 1644.90

Answer: Priyanka would have approximately Rs. 1300(1.04)61300(1.04)^6 \approx Rs. 1644.90 after 6 years.
12A financial analyst is analyzing a company. A dividend of Rs. 500 has just been paid. Dividends will grow by 20% per year for the next 3 years, followed by annual growth of 10% per year for 2 years.
(a) Complete the table for Years 1–5.
(b) Calculate the total dividend for the next five years.
Show solution
Given: Current dividend D0=D_0 = Rs. 500.

(a) Table:

| Year | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|------|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dividend | 500×1.2=600500 \times 1.2 = 600 | 600×1.2=720600 \times 1.2 = 720 | 720×1.2=864720 \times 1.2 = 864 | 864×1.1=950.40864 \times 1.1 = 950.40 | 950.40×1.1=1045.44950.40 \times 1.1 = 1045.44 |

(b) Total dividend:
=600+720+864+950.40+1045.44=Rs. 4179.84= 600 + 720 + 864 + 950.40 + 1045.44 = \text{Rs. } 4179.84

Answer: Total dividend over 5 years == Rs. 4,179.84.
13(a) Rs. 1,000 is invested for three years at 6% per annum compounded semi-annually. Calculate the total return after three years.
(b) What would the answer be if the interest was compounded annually?
(c) What can you infer about the frequency of compounding and the size of the total return?
Show solution
(a) Semi-annual compounding:
m=2m = 2, r=6%r = 6\%, t=3t = 3 years, P=1000P = 1000.

A=1000(1+0.062)2×3=1000(1.03)6A = 1000\left(1 + \frac{0.06}{2}\right)^{2 \times 3} = 1000(1.03)^6
(1.03)61.19405(1.03)^6 \approx 1.19405
ARs. 1194.05A \approx \text{Rs. } 1194.05

(b) Annual compounding:
A=1000(1.06)3=1000×1.191016Rs. 1191.02A = 1000(1.06)^3 = 1000 \times 1.191016 \approx \text{Rs. } 1191.02

(c) Inference:
Semi-annual compounding gives a higher return (Rs. 1194.05) than annual compounding (Rs. 1191.02). The more frequently interest is compounded, the greater the total return, because interest is earned on interest more often.
14From the graph, what conclusion can be drawn regarding the frequency of compounding? (Graph not visible in OCR)Show solution
Note: The graph is not visible in the OCR. However, based on the concept:

Conclusion: As the frequency of compounding increases (from annual → semi-annual → quarterly → monthly → daily → continuously), the total return (future value) increases. However, the rate of increase diminishes as compounding becomes more frequent — the returns approach the continuously compounded value PertPe^{rt} as an upper bound. Thus, higher frequency of compounding leads to higher returns, but with diminishing marginal gains.
15A small country emits 130,100 kilotons of carbon dioxide per year. In the first year it will keep emissions at 130,000 kilotons and emissions will decrease 3.1% in each of the next two years. How many kilotons of carbon dioxide would the country emit over the course of the 3-year period?Show solution
Given:
- Year 1: 130,000 kilotons
- Year 2: 130000×(10.031)=130000×0.969=125,970130000 \times (1 - 0.031) = 130000 \times 0.969 = 125,970 kilotons
- Year 3: 125970×0.969122,065.23125970 \times 0.969 \approx 122,065.23 kilotons

Total over 3 years:
=130000+125970+122065.23378,035.23 kilotons= 130000 + 125970 + 122065.23 \approx 378,035.23 \text{ kilotons}

Answer: The country would emit approximately 378,035 kilotons of carbon dioxide over the 3-year period.
17A stock begins to pay dividends with the first dividend, one year from now, expected to be Rs. 100. Each year the dividend is 10% larger than the previous year's dividend. In what year will the dividend paid be larger than Rs. 1000? (Use concept of logarithm)Show solution
Given: a=100a = 100, r=1.10r = 1.10, find nn such that a_n > 1000.

100 \times (1.10)^{n-1} > 1000
(1.10)^{n-1} > 10

Taking logarithm:
(n-1)\log(1.10) > \log(10)
(n-1) > \frac{1}{\log(1.10)} = \frac{1}{0.04139} \approx 24.16
n > 25.16

So n=26n = 26.

Verification: a_{26} = 100 \times (1.1)^{25} \approx 100 \times 10.835 = 1083.5 > 1000

Answer: The dividend will be larger than Rs. 1000 in the 26th year.

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