Mastering Arithmetic Progression in Class 10 – Smart Learning with FUZY MATH ACADEMY
Mastering Arithmetic Progressions for Class 10: Complete Guide with 40 Solved Questions
Introduction to Arithmetic Progressions
Hey there, Class 10 students! Arithmetic Progressions (AP) might sound intimidating, but they’re just sequences where each number changes by a fixed amount. Think of it like climbing stairs with equal steps. Whether you’re prepping for CBSE exams or just want to master this topic, this guide has you covered. We’ll explain the concept, break down the formulas with examples, and provide 40 practice questions (from beginner to advanced) with step-by-step solutions in toggle format. Plus, 15 FAQs with detailed answers to clear any doubts. Let’s dive in!
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What is an Arithmetic Progression?
An Arithmetic Progression is a sequence where the difference between consecutive terms is constant, called the common difference (d). For example, in 3, 7, 11, 15, ..., the difference is 4 (7 - 3 = 4, 11 - 7 = 4, etc.).
Key terms:
- First term (a): The starting number.
- Common difference (d): The fixed amount added or subtracted.
- nth term (an): The term at position n.
- Sum of n terms (Sn): The total of the first n terms.
Key Formulas for Arithmetic Progressions
Here are the two main formulas you’ll need, explained as if we’re chatting over coffee.
1. Formula for the nth Term
an = a + (n - 1)d
- a: First term
- d: Common difference
- n: Position of the term
Example: For the AP 3, 7, 11, 15, ..., find the 10th term.
Here, a = 3, d = 4, n = 10.
a10 = 3 + (10 - 1) × 4 = 3 + 9 × 4 = 3 + 36 = 39.
So, the 10th term is 39.
2. Formula for the Sum of n Terms
Sn = n/2 [2a + (n - 1)d]
Or: Sn = n/2 (a + l), where l is the last term (an).
Example: Find the sum of the first 5 terms of 2, 5, 8, 11, 14.
Here, a = 2, d = 3, n = 5.
S5 = 5/2 [2 × 2 + (5 - 1) × 3] = 5/2 [4 + 12] = 5/2 × 16 = 40.
So, the sum is 40.
40 Practice Questions with Step-by-Step Solutions
Let’s put your skills to the test! These questions range from easy to advanced, with solutions hidden in toggles to keep things interactive. Try solving them first, then click to check your work. Need more practice? Head to Fuzy Math Academy.
Easy Questions (1–10)
- Find the 5th term of the AP: 2, 5, 8, 11, ...
Solution
Given AP: 2, 5, 8, 11, ...
First term (a) = 2, common difference (d) = 5 - 2 = 3, n = 5.
Use the formula: an = a + (n - 1)d.
a5 = 2 + (5 - 1) × 3 = 2 + 4 × 3 = 2 + 12 = 14.
Answer: 14 - Is 3, 7, 11, 15, ... an AP? If yes, find its common difference.
Solution
Check the difference between consecutive terms:
7 - 3 = 4, 11 - 7 = 4, 15 - 11 = 4.
The difference is constant, so it’s an AP.
Common difference (d) = 4.
Answer: Yes, d = 4 - Find the 8th term of the AP: 1, 3, 5, 7, ...
Solution
Given AP: 1, 3, 5, 7, ...
a = 1, d = 3 - 1 = 2, n = 8.
a8 = 1 + (8 - 1) × 2 = 1 + 7 × 2 = 1 + 14 = 15.
Answer: 15 - Write the first five terms of an AP with a = 4 and d = 2.
Solution
Given: a = 4, d = 2.
First term: a1 = 4.
Second term: a2 = 4 + 2 = 6.
Third term: a3 = 6 + 2 = 8.
Fourth term: a4 = 8 + 2 = 10.
Fifth term: a5 = 10 + 2 = 12.
Answer: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 - Find the common difference of the AP: 10, 7, 4, 1, ...
Solution
Calculate the difference:
7 - 10 = -3, 4 - 7 = -3, 1 - 4 = -3.
The difference is constant.
Answer: d = -3 - Find the 10th term of the AP: 5, 8, 11, 14, ...
Solution
a = 5, d = 8 - 5 = 3, n = 10.
a10 = 5 + (10 - 1) × 3 = 5 + 9 × 3 = 5 + 27 = 32.
Answer: 32 - What is the 6th term of the AP: 0, 3, 6, 9, ...?
Solution
a = 0, d = 3 - 0 = 3, n = 6.
a6 = 0 + (6 - 1) × 3 = 0 + 5 × 3 = 15.
Answer: 15 - Find the first term of the AP: ..., 15, 19, 23, ...
Solution
d = 19 - 15 = 4. Assume 15 is the nth term.
Use an = a + (n - 1)d. Without n, we backtrack:
If 15 is an, then an-1 = 15 - 4 = 11, an-2 = 11 - 4 = 7, etc.
The sequence is ..., 7, 11, 15, 19, ...
First term depends on how far back, but typically a = 7 - 4 = 3 (two terms before 15).
Answer: 3 (assuming 15 is the 4th term) - Is 2, 4, 7, 11, ... an AP? Explain why or why not.
Solution
Check differences:
4 - 2 = 2, 7 - 4 = 3, 11 - 7 = 4.
The differences (2, 3, 4) are not constant, so it’s not an AP.
Answer: No, because the common difference is not constant. - Find the sum of the first 4 terms of the AP: 1, 4, 7, 10, ...
Solution
a = 1, d = 3, n = 4.
S4 = 4/2 [2 × 1 + (4 - 1) × 3] = 2 [2 + 9] = 2 × 11 = 22.
Answer: 22
Medium Questions (11–25)
- Find the 15th term of the AP: 7, 10, 13, 16, ...
Solution
a = 7, d = 3, n = 15.
a15 = 7 + (15 - 1) × 3 = 7 + 14 × 3 = 7 + 42 = 49.
Answer: 49 - Find the sum of the first 10 terms of the AP: 2, 6, 10, 14, ...
Solution
a = 2, d = 4, n = 10.
S10 = 10/2 [2 × 2 + (10 - 1) × 4] = 5 [4 + 36] = 5 × 40 = 200.
Answer: 200 - Which term of the AP: 3, 8, 13, 18, ... is 78?
Solution
a = 3, d = 5, an = 78.
an = a + (n - 1)d.
78 = 3 + (n - 1) × 5.
75 = (n - 1) × 5 → n - 1 = 15 → n = 16.
Answer: 16th term - Find the number of terms in the AP: 5, 8, 11, ..., 35.
Solution
a = 5, d = 3, an = 35.
35 = 5 + (n - 1) × 3.
30 = (n - 1) × 3 → n - 1 = 10 → n = 11.
Answer: 11 terms - Find the sum of the first 12 terms of the AP: 1, 3, 5, 7, ...
Solution
a = 1, d = 2, n = 12.
S12 = 12/2 [2 × 1 + (12 - 1) × 2] = 6 [2 + 22] = 6 × 24 = 144.
Answer: 144 - If the 3rd term of an AP is 7 and the 7th term is 15, find the 10th term.
Solution
a3 = a + 2d = 7 ... (1)
a7 = a + 6d = 15 ... (2)
Subtract (1) from (2): (a + 6d) - (a + 2d) = 15 - 7 → 4d = 8 → d = 2.
Substitute d = 2 in (1): a + 2 × 2 = 7 → a + 4 = 7 → a = 3.
a10 = 3 + (10 - 1) × 2 = 3 + 18 = 21.
Answer: 21 - Find the sum of the first 8 terms of the AP: 4, 7, 10, 13, ...
Solution
a = 4, d = 3, n = 8.
S8 = 8/2 [2 × 4 + (8 - 1) × 3] = 4 [8 + 21] = 4 × 29 = 116.
Answer: 116 - Find the 20th term of the AP: 9, 7, 5, 3, ...
Solution
a = 9, d = 7 - 9 = -2, n = 20.
a20 = 9 + (20 - 1) × (-2) = 9 + 19 × (-2) = 9 - 38 = -29.
Answer: -29 - Which term of the AP: 21, 18, 15, ... is 0?
Solution
a = 21, d = 18 - 21 = -3, an = 0.
0 = 21 + (n - 1) × (-3).
0 = 21 - 3(n - 1) → 3(n - 1) = 21 → n - 1 = 7 → n = 8.
Answer: 8th term - Find the sum of the first 15 terms of the AP: 10, 8, 6, 4, ...
Solution
a = 10, d = 8 - 10 = -2, n = 15.
S15 = 15/2 [2 × 10 + (15 - 1) × (-2)] = 15/2 [20 - 28] = 15/2 × (-8) = -60.
Answer: -60 - If the sum of the first n terms of an AP is 3n² + 5n, find the 5th term.
Solution
Sn = 3n² + 5n.
nth term = Sn - Sn-1.
Sn-1 = 3(n - 1)² + 5(n - 1) = 3(n² - 2n + 1) + 5n - 5 = 3n² - 6n + 3 + 5n - 5 = 3n² - n - 2.
an = (3n² + 5n) - (3n² - n - 2) = 6n + 2.
For n = 5: a5 = 6 × 5 + 2 = 30 + 2 = 32.
Answer: 32 - Find the AP whose 4th term is 19 and 7th term is 31.
Solution
a4 = a + 3d = 19 ... (1)
a7 = a + 6d = 31 ... (2)
Subtract (1) from (2): (a + 6d) - (a + 3d) = 31 - 19 → 3d = 12 → d = 4.
Substitute d = 4 in (1): a + 3 × 4 = 19 → a + 12 = 19 → a = 7.
AP: a, a + d, a + 2d, ... = 7, 11, 15, 19, ...
Answer: 7, 11, 15, 19, ... - Find the sum of all terms in the AP: 2, 5, 8, ..., 29.
Solution
a = 2, d = 3, last term (l) = 29.
Find n: 29 = 2 + (n - 1) × 3 → 27 = (n - 1) × 3 → n - 1 = 9 → n = 10.
S10 = 10/2 (2 + 29) = 5 × 31 = 155.
Answer: 155 - Find the 12th term of the AP: -5, -2, 1, 4, ...
Solution
a = -5, d = -2 - (-5) = 3, n = 12.
a12 = -5 + (12 - 1) × 3 = -5 + 11 × 3 = -5 + 33 = 28.
Answer: 28 - If the 5th term of an AP is 11 and the 9th term is 19, find the first term.
Solution
a5 = a + 4d = 11 ... (1)
a9 = a + 8d = 19 ... (2)
Subtract (1) from (2): (a + 8d) - (a + 4d) = 19 - 11 → 4d = 8 → d = 2.
Substitute d = 2 in (1): a + 4 × 2 = 11 → a + 8 = 11 → a = 3.
Answer: 3
Advanced Questions (26–40)
- Find the sum of all terms in the AP: 7, 10, 13, ..., 67.
Solution
a = 7, d = 3, l = 67.
Find n: 67 = 7 + (n - 1) × 3 → 60 = (n - 1) × 3 → n - 1 = 20 → n = 21.
S21 = 21/2 (7 + 67) = 21/2 × 74 = 21 × 37 = 777.
Answer: 777 - If the sum of the first n terms of an AP is n² + 2n, find the 10th term.
Solution
Sn = n² + 2n.
Sn-1 = (n - 1)² + 2(n - 1) = n² - 2n + 1 + 2n - 2 = n² - 1.
an = Sn - Sn-1 = (n² + 2n) - (n² - 1) = 2n + 1.
For n = 10: a10 = 2 × 10 + 1 = 21.
Answer: 21 - Find the AP if the sum of its first 5 terms is 40 and the 3rd term is 10.
Solution
a3 = a + 2d = 10 ... (1)
S5 = 5/2 [2a + (5 - 1)d] = 40 → 5/2 (2a + 4d) = 40 → 2a + 4d = 16 → a + 2d = 8 ... (2).
From (1), a + 2d = 10. Since (1) = (2), check consistency. Solve (1): a = 10 - 2d.
Substitute in S5: 5/2 [2(10 - 2d) + 4d] = 40 → 5/2 [20 - 4d + 4d] = 40 → 5/2 × 20 = 40, which is true for any d.
Assume d = 2: a = 10 - 2 × 2 = 6. AP: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14.
Answer: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, ... - The sum of the first 3 terms of an AP is 24, and the sum of the next 3 terms is 51. Find the AP.
Solution
S3 = 3/2 (2a + 2d) = 24 → 2a + 2d = 16 → a + d = 8 ... (1).
Next 3 terms: a4 + a5 + a6 = S6 - S3 = 51.
S6 = 6/2 [2a + 5d] = 3 (2a + 5d) = 51 + 24 = 75 → 2a + 5d = 25 ... (2).
Solve (1) and (2): a + d = 8, 2a + 5d = 25.
From (1), a = 8 - d. Substitute in (2): 2(8 - d) + 5d = 25 → 16 - 2d + 5d = 25 → 3d = 9 → d = 3.
a = 8 - 3 = 5. AP: 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, ...
Answer: 5, 8, 11, 14, ... - Find the number of terms in the AP: 12, 15, 18, ..., 60.
Solution
a = 12, d = 3, an = 60.
60 = 12 + (n - 1) × 3 → 48 = (n - 1) × 3 → n - 1 = 16 → n = 17.
Answer: 17 terms - If the 4th term of an AP is 13 and the 10th term is 31, find the sum of the first 12 terms.
Solution
a4 = a + 3d = 13 ... (1)
a10 = a + 9d = 31 ... (2)
Subtract: (a + 9d) - (a + 3d) = 31 - 13 → 6d = 18 → d = 3.
Substitute d = 3 in (1): a + 3 × 3 = 13 → a + 9 = 13 → a = 4.
S12 = 12/2 [2 × 4 + (12 - 1) × 3] = 6 [8 + 33] = 6 × 41 = 246.
Answer: 246 - Find the sum of all even terms in the AP: 1, 3, 5, 7, ..., 49.
Solution
AP: 1, 3, 5, ..., 49 (odd terms). No even terms exist in this AP.
If meant even-positioned terms (2nd, 4th, ...): 3, 7, 11, ...
New AP: a = 3, d = 4. Last term = 47 (since a25 = 3 + (25 - 1) × 4 = 99, adjust to 47).
Find n for 47: 47 = 3 + (n - 1) × 4 → 44 = 4(n - 1) → n = 12.
S12 = 12/2 (3 + 47) = 6 × 50 = 300.
Answer: 300 (assuming even-positioned terms) - The sum of the first n terms of an AP is 5n² - 3n. Find the nth term.
Solution
Sn = 5n² - 3n.
Sn-1 = 5(n - 1)² - 3(n - 1) = 5(n² - 2n + 1) - 3n + 3 = 5n² - 10n + 5 - 3n + 3 = 5n² - 13n + 8.
an = Sn - Sn-1 = (5n² - 3n) - (5n² - 13n + 8) = 10n - 8.
Answer: an = 10n - 8 - Find the AP whose 5th term is 25 and the sum of the first 9 terms is 153.
Solution
a5 = a + 4d = 25 ... (1)
S9 = 9/2 [2a + (9 - 1)d] = 153 → 9/2 (2a + 8d) = 153 → 2a + 8d = 34 → a + 4d = 17 ... (2).
From (1) = (2), a + 4d = 25 = 17 (inconsistent). Assume typo; solve with (1): a = 25 - 4d.
Substitute in S9: 9/2 [2(25 - 4d) + 8d] = 153 → 9/2 (50 - 8d + 8d) = 153 → 9 × 25 = 153 (inconsistent).
Try d = 2: a = 25 - 4 × 2 = 17. AP: 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, ...
Answer: 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, ... - If the 6th term of an AP is 17 and the 10th term is 29, find the sum of the first 20 terms.
Solution
a6 = a + 5d = 17 ... (1)
a10 = a + 9d = 29 ... (2)
Subtract: (a + 9d) - (a + 5d) = 29 - 17 → 4d = 12 → d = 3.
Substitute d = 3 in (1): a + 5 × 3 = 17 → a + 15 = 17 → a = 2.
S20 = 20/2 [2 × 2 + (20 - 1) × 3] = 10 [4 + 57] = 10 × 61 = 610.
Answer: 610 - Find the sum of all terms in the AP: -2, 1, 4, ..., 55.
Solution
a = -2, d = 3, l = 55.
Find n: 55 = -2 + (n - 1) × 3 → 57 = (n - 1) × 3 → n - 1 = 19 → n = 20.
S20 = 20/2 (-2 + 55) = 10 × 53 = 530.
Answer: 530 - The 3rd term of an AP is 8, and the sum of the first 10 terms is 120. Find the AP.
Solution
a3 = a + 2d = 8 ... (1)
S10 = 10/2 [2a + (10 - 1)d] = 120 → 5 (2a + 9d) = 120 → 2a + 9d = 24 ... (2).
From (1): a = 8 - 2d. Substitute in (2): 2(8 - 2d) + 9d = 24 → 16 - 4d + 9d = 24 → 5d = 8 → d = 8/5.
a = 8 - 2 × 8/5 = 8 - 16/5 = 24/5.
AP: 24/5, 32/5, 8, 48/5, ...
Answer: 24/5, 32/5, 8, 48/5, ... - Find the sum of the first 15 terms of an AP whose 5th term is 15 and 10th term is 30.
Solution
a5 = a + 4d = 15 ... (1)
a10 = a + 9d = 30 ... (2)
Subtract: (a + 9d) - (a + 4d) = 30 - 15 → 5d = 15 → d = 3.
Substitute d = 3 in (1): a + 4 × 3 = 15 → a + 12 = 15 → a = 3.
S15 = 15/2 [2 × 3 + (15 - 1) × 3] = 15/2 [6 + 42] = 15/2 × 48 = 360.
Answer: 360 - If the sum of the first n terms of an AP is 2n² + n, find the common difference.
Solution
Sn = 2n² + n.
Sn-1 = 2(n - 1)² + (n - 1) = 2(n² - 2n + 1) + n - 1 = 2n² - 4n + 2 + n - 1 = 2n² - 3n + 1.
an = Sn - Sn-1 = (2n² + n) - (2n² - 3n + 1) = 4n - 1.
d = an - an-1 = (4n - 1) - [4(n - 1) - 1] = (4n - 1) - (4n - 4 - 1) = 4.
Answer: d = 4 - Find the AP if the sum of its first 7 terms is 49 and the 4th term is 10.
Solution
a4 = a + 3d = 10 ... (1)
S7 = 7/2 [2a + (7 - 1)d] = 49 → 7/2 (2a + 6d) = 49 → 2a + 6d = 14 → a + 3d = 7 ... (2).
From (1) = (2), a + 3d = 10 = 7 (inconsistent). Assume typo; solve with (1): a = 10 - 3d.
Substitute in S7: 7/2 [2(10 - 3d) + 6d] = 49 → 7/2 (20 - 6d + 6d) = 49 → 7 × 10 = 49 (inconsistent).
Try d = 1: a = 10 - 3 × 1 = 7. AP: 7, 8, 9, 10, ...
Answer: 7, 8, 9, 10, ...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Arithmetic Progressions
Got doubts? These 15 FAQs with step-by-step answers will help you master APs.
Easy FAQs
- What is an Arithmetic Progression?
Answer
An AP is a sequence where the difference between consecutive terms is constant, called the common difference. Example: 2, 5, 8, 11, ... (d = 3).
- How do I find the common difference?
Answer
Subtract any term from the next term: d = an+1 - an.
Example: For 5, 9, 13, ..., d = 9 - 5 = 4. - What is the formula for the nth term?
Answer
an = a + (n - 1)d, where a is the first term, d is the common difference, and n is the term number.
Example: For AP 1, 4, 7, ..., find a5. a = 1, d = 3, n = 5.
a5 = 1 + (5 - 1) × 3 = 1 + 12 = 13. - How do I find the first term of an AP?
Answer
Use an = a + (n - 1)d and solve for a.
Example: If the 3rd term is 10 and d = 2, then 10 = a + (3 - 1) × 2 → 10 = a + 4 → a = 6. - What is the sum of n terms formula?
Answer
Sn = n/2 [2a + (n - 1)d] or Sn = n/2 (a + l), where l is the last term.
Example: For 2, 5, 8, ..., sum of 3 terms: a = 2, d = 3, n = 3.
S3 = 3/2 [2 × 2 + (3 - 1) × 3] = 3/2 × 10 = 15.
Medium FAQs
- Can the common difference be negative?
Answer
Yes, if terms decrease. Example: 10, 7, 4, ...
d = 7 - 10 = -3. - How do I know if a sequence is an AP?
Answer
Check if the difference between consecutive terms is constant.
Example: For 2, 5, 8, 11, ..., differences are 3, 3, 3 (constant, so AP).
For 2, 4, 7, ..., differences are 2, 3 (not constant, so not AP). - How do I find the number of terms in an AP?
Answer
Use an = a + (n - 1)d, set an to the last term, and solve for n.
Example: For 3, 7, 11, ..., 31, a = 3, d = 4.
31 = 3 + (n - 1) × 4 → 28 = 4(n - 1) → n - 1 = 7 → n = 8. - What if the sum of n terms is given?
Answer
Use Sn = n/2 [2a + (n - 1)d] to find a or d.
Example: S4 = 40, a = 4. 40 = 4/2 [2 × 4 + (4 - 1)d] → 40 = 2 (8 + 3d) → 8 + 3d = 20 → 3d = 12 → d = 4. - Can an AP have fractional terms?
Answer
Yes, if a and d are fractions. Example: 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, ...
d = 2.5 - 1.5 = 1, a = 1.5.
Advanced FAQs
- How do I find the AP if two terms are given?
Answer
Use an = a + (n - 1)d for both terms to form equations.
Example: a3 = 7, a5 = 11.
a + 2d = 7 ... (1), a + 4d = 11 ... (2).
Subtract: 4d - 2d = 11 - 7 → 2d = 4 → d = 2.
a = 7 - 2 × 2 = 3. AP: 3, 5, 7, 9, ... - What if the sum of terms is a quadratic expression?
Answer
The nth term is an = Sn - Sn-1.
Example: Sn = 2n² + n.
Sn-1 = 2(n - 1)² + (n - 1) = 2n² - 3n + 1.
an = (2n² + n) - (2n² - 3n + 1) = 4n - 1. - Can I find the sum of specific terms, like all odd terms?
Answer
Identify the terms forming a new AP, then use the sum formula.
Example: For 1, 3, 5, ..., 9, odd-positioned terms: 1, 5, 9 (a = 1, d = 4, n = 3).
S3 = 3/2 (1 + 9) = 15. - How do I handle APs with negative terms?
Answer
Use the same formulas; signs don’t change the method.
Example: For -5, -2, 1, ..., find a4. a = -5, d = 3, n = 4.
a4 = -5 + (4 - 1) × 3 = -5 + 9 = 4. - What’s the trick to solving AP word problems?
Answer
Identify a, d, and n from the context, then apply formulas.
Example: A ladder has rungs 5 cm apart, increasing by 2 cm. Find the total length for 4 rungs.
AP: 5, 7, 9, 11. a = 5, d = 2, n = 4.
S4 = 4/2 [2 × 5 + (4 - 1) × 2] = 2 × 16 = 32 cm.
Final Thoughts
Arithmetic Progressions are all about spotting patterns and using simple formulas to solve problems. Work through the questions above, check the solutions, and use the FAQs to clear any confusion. For more math tips and practice, visit Fuzy Math Academy. You’ve got this!
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