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6 Sequences and Series

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b3 = 3 + (-1)3 = 3 - 1 = 2
b4 = 4 + (-1)4 = 4 + 1 = 5 etc.
6.1 Introduction
If the domain of a sequence is a inite set, then the sequence is called a inite sequence
Sequences also called Progressions, are used to represent ordered lists of numbers. As
otherwise, an ininite sequence.
the members of a sequence are in a deinite order, so a correspondence can be established
by matching them one by one with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4,..... For example, if the sequence
is 1, 4, 7, 10, ...., nth member, then such a correspondence can be set up as shown in the Note: An ininite sequence has no last term.
diagram below:

Some examples of sequences are;

i) 1, 4, 9,...,121 ii) 1, 3, 5, 7, 9,...,21 iii) 1, 2, 4,...

1 1 1 1
iv) 1, 3, 7, 15, 31,... v) 1, 6, 20, 56,... vi) 1, , , , ,...
3 5 7 9

The sequences (i) and (ii) are inite whereas the sequences (iii) to (vi) are ininite.

6.2 Types of sequences

Thus a sequence is a function whose domain is a subset of the set of natural numbers. A If we are able to ind a pattern from the given initial terms of a sequence, then we can
sequence is a special type of a function from a subset of N to R or C. Sometimes, the domain deduce a rule or formula for the terms of the sequence:
of a sequence is taken to be a subset of the set {0, 1, 2, 3,...}, i.e., the set of non-negative we can ind any term of the given sequence giving corresponding value to n in the
integers. If all members of a sequence are real numbers, then it is called a real sequence. nth / general term an of a sequence.
Sequences are usually named with letters a, b, c etc., and n is used instead of x as a
variable. If a natural number n belongs to the domain of a sequence a, the corresponding Example 1: Write irst two, 21st and 26th terms of the sequence whose general term is
element in its range is denoted by an. For convenience, a special notation an is adopted for (-1)n+1.
a(n)and the symbol {an} or a1, a2, a3,....,an ,...is used to represent the sequence a. The elements
in the range of the sequence {an} are called its terms; that is, a1 is the irst term, a2 the Solution: Given that an = (-1)n+1. For getting required terms, we put n = 1, 2, 21 and 26.
second term and an the nth term or the general term.
a1 = (-1)1+1 = 1
a2 = (-1)2+1 = -1
For example, the terms of the sequence {n + (-1)n} can be written by assigning to n, the
values 1, 2, 3 ,... If we denote the sequence by {bn}, then
a21 = (-1)21+1 = 1
a26 = (-1)26+1 = -1
bn = n + (-1)n and we have
b1 = 1 + (-1)1 = 1 - 1 = 0
b2 = 2 + (-1)2 = 2 + 1 = 3
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Example 2: Find the sequence if an - an-1 = n + 1 and a4 =14 3. Find the next two terms of the following sequences;
i) 7,9,12,16,... ii) 1,3,7,15,31,...
Solution: Putting n = 2, 3, 4 in iii) -1,2,12,40,... iv) 1,-3,5,-7,9,-11...
an - an-1 = n + 1, we have
a2 - a1 = 3 (i) 6.3 Arithmetic Progression (A.P)
a3 - a2 = 4 (ii)
a4 - a3 = 5 (iii) A sequence {an} is an Arithmetic Sequence or Arithmetic progression (A.P), if an - an-1 is
From (iii), a3 = a4 - 5 the same number for all n U N and n > 1. The diference an - an-1 (n > 1) i.e., the diference of two
= 14 - 5 = 9 (a a4 = 14) consecutive terms of an A.P., is called the common diference and is usually denoted by d.
From (ii), a2 = a3 - 4
=9-4=5 (a a3 = 9)
And from (i), a1 = a2 - 3
Rule for the nth term of an A.P.:
We know that an - an-1 = d (n > 1),
=5-3=2 which implies an = an-1 + d (n > 1)...... (i)
Thus the sequence is 2, 5, 9, 14, 20,... Putting n = 2, 3, 4,...in (i) we get
a2 = a1 + d = a1 + (2 - 1)d
Note: a5- a4 = 6 ⇒ a5 = a4 + 6 = 14 + 6 = 20 a3 = a2 + d = (a1 + d) + d
= a1 + 2d = a1 + (3 - 1)d
Exercise 6.1 a4 = a3 + d = (a1 + 2d) + d
= a1 + 3d = a1 + (4 - 1)d
1. Write the irst four terms of the following sequences, if Thus we conclude that
i) a=
n 2n - 3 ii) an = (-1) n n 2 iii) a-n =
( 1)-n (2n 3) an = a1 + (n - 1)d
where a1 is the irst term of the sequence.
a= 3n - 5 an = an =
n 1
2n + 1
iv) v) vi) We have observed that
a1 = a1 + 0d = a1 + (1 - 1)d
n
2n
an - an-1 =+
n 2, a1 = = =n -1 , a1 a2 = a1 + d = a1 + (2 - 1)d
vii) 2 viii) an na 1
a3 = a2 + d = a1 + (3 - 1)d
an+=
(n 1)a= an =
a4 = a3 + d = a1 + (4 - 1)d
1
a + (n - 1)d
ix) n -1 , a1 1 x)
Thus a1, a1 + d, a1 + 2d,..., a1 + (n - 1)d + ... is a general arithmetic sequence, with a1, d as the
2. Find the indicated terms of the following sequences;
irst term and common diference respectively.
3 5 7
i) 2,6,11,17,...a7 ii) 1,3,12,60,...a6 iii) 1, , , ,...a7
Note: an = a1 + (n - 1)d is called the nth term or general term of the A.P.
2 4 8

iv) 1,1,-3,5,-7,9,...a8 v) 1,-3,5,-7,9,-11,...a8

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Example 1: Find the general term and the eleventh term of the A.P. whose irst term and the Example 3: Find the number of terms in the A.P. if; a1 = 3, d = 7 and an =59.
common diference are 2 and -3 respectively. Also write its irst four terms.
Solution: Using an = a1 + (n - 1)d, we have
Solution: Here, a1 = 2, d = -3 59 = 3 + (n - 1) % 7 (a an = 59, a1 = 3 and d = 7)
We know that an = a1 + (n - 1)d, or 56 = (n - 1) % 7 ⇒ (n - 1) = 8 ⇒ n = 9
so an = 2 + (n - 1)(-3) = 2 - 3n + 3 Thus the terms in the A.P. are 9.
or an = 5 - 3n (i)
Thus the general term of the A.P. is 5 - 3n. Example 4: If an-2 = 3n - 11, ind the nth term of the sequence.
Putting n = 11 in (i), we have
a11 = 5 - 3(11) Solution: Putting n = 3, 4, 5 in an-2 = 3n - 11, we have
= 5 - 33 = -28 a1 = 3 % 3 - 11 = -2
We can ind a2, a3, a4 by putting n = 2, 3, 4 in (i), that is, a2 = 3 % 4 - 11 = 1
a2 = 5 - 3(2) = -1 a3 = 3 % 5 - 11 = 4
a3 = 5 - 3(3) = -4 Thus an = a1 + (n - 1)d = -2 + (n - 1) % 3 (a a1 = -2, and d = 3)
a4 = 5 - 3(4) = -7 = 3n - 5
Hence the irst four terms of the sequence are: 2, -1, -4, -7.
Exercise 6.2
Example 2: If the 5th term of an A.P. is 13 and 17th term is 49, ind an and a13.
1. Write the irst four terms of the following arithmetic sequences, if
Solution: Given a5 = 13 and a17 = 49. i) a1 = 5 and other three consecutive terms are 23, 26, 29
Putting n = 5 in an = a1 + (n - 1)d , we have ii) a5 = 17 and a9 = 37 iii) 3a7 = 7a4 and a10 = 33
a5 = a1 + (5 - 1)d, 2. If an-3 = 2n - 5, ind the nth term of the sequence.
a5 = a1 + 4d 3. If the 5th term of an A.P. is 16 and the 20th term is 46, what is its 12th term?
or 13 = a1 + 4d (i) 4. Find the 13th term of the sequence x, 1, 2 - x, 3 - 2x,...
Also a17 = a1 + (17 - 1)d 5. Find the 18th term of the A.P. if its 6th term is 19 and the 9th term is 31.
or 49 = a1 + 16d 6. Which term of the A.P. 5, 2, -1,... is -85?
or 49 = (a1 + 4d) + 12d 7. Which term of the A.P. -2, 4, 10,...is 148?
or 49 = 13 + 12d (by (i)) 8. How many terms are there in the A.P. in which a1 =11 , an = 68, d = 3?
⇒ 12d = 36 ⇒ d = 3 9. If the nth term of the A.P. is 3n - 1 , ind the A.P.
From (i), a1 = 13 - 4d = 13 - 4 (3) = 1 10. Determine whether (i) -19, (ii) 2 are the terms of the A.P. 17, 13, 9, ... or not.
Thus a13 = 1 + (13 - 1)3 = 37 and 11. If l, m, n are the pth, qth and rth terms of an A.P., show that
an = 1 + (n - 1)3 = 3n - 2 i) l(q - r) + m(r - p) + n(p - q) = 0
ii) p(m - n) + q(n - l) + r(l - m) = 0

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3= 2 + 4d
12. Find the nth term of the sequence,
or 2
4 7  10  ⇒ 3 2- 2=
  ,  ,   ,...
2 2 2
4d
3 3  3
⇒ d= = =
2 2 2 1

and are in A.P., show that b =

4 2
2 +1 3
1 1 1 2ac 2
a+c
13. If
Now A1 = a1 + d = 2 + = =
, .
1
a-c
a b c
,
1 1 1 2 2 2
14. If , and are in A.P, show that the common diference is .
A2 = A1 + d = + = = 2 2
a b c 2ac 3 1 4

4 +1 5
2 2 2
A3 = A2 + d = 2 2 + = =
6.4 Arithmetic Mean (A.M) 1
2 2 2
A number A is said to be the A.M. between the two numbers a and b if a, A, b are in A.P. 3 5
If d is the common diference of this A.P., then A - a = d and b - A = d.
Therefore, ,2 2, are three A.Ms between 2 and 3 2.
2 2
Thus A-a=b-A
6.4.1 n Arithmetic Means Between two given numbers
or 2A = a + b

a+b
⇒ A=
The n numbers A1, A2, A3,..., An are called n arithmetic means between a and b if a, A1, A2,
2 A3,..., An, b are in A.P.

Note: Middle term of three consecutive terms in A.P. is the A.M. between the extreme Example 2: Find n A.Ms between a and b.
terms.
Solution: Let A1 , A2 , A3 ,...., An be n arithmetic means between a and b.
In general ,we can say that an is the A.M. between an-1 and an+1, i.e.,

an-1 + an+1
Then a, A1 , A2 , A3 ,...., An , b are in A.P. in which a1 = a and an+2 = b, so
an = b =a + ((n + 2) - 1)d (where d is the common diference of the A.P.)
2 =a + (n + 1)d

b-a
⇒ d=
Example 1: Find three A.Ms between 2 and 3 2 .
n +1
b - a na + b
Thus A1 = a + d = a + =
Solution: Let A1, A2, A3 be three A.Ms between 2 and 3 2. Then
n +1 n +1
 b - a  (n - 1)a + 2b
2, A1 , A2 , A3 ,3 2 are in A.P.
= = A2 =a + 2d =a + 2  =
 n +1  n +1
Here a1 2, a5 3 2
Using an =a1 + (n - 1)d , we get
 b - a  (n - 2)a + 3b
a5 = a1 + (5 - 1)d A3 =a + 3d =a + 3  =
 n +1  n +1

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For any sequence {an}, we have,

Sn = a1 + a2 + a3 + .... + an
   
 b - a  a + nb
If {an} is an A.P., then Sn can be written with usual notations as:
An =a + nd =a + n  =
 n +1  n +1
Sn =a1 + (a1 + d ) + (a1 + 2d ) + .... + (an - 2d ) + (an - d ) + an (i)

Exercise 6.3 If we write the terms of the series in the reverse order, the sum of n terms remains the
same, that is,
1. Find A.M. between Sn =an + (an - d ) + (an - 2d ) + ... + (a1 + 2d ) + (a1 + d ) + a1 (ii)
i) 3 5 and 5 5 ii) x - 3 and x + 5
1 - x + x 2 and 1 + x + x 2
Adding (i) and (ii), we get
iii)

2 Sn = (a1 + an ) + (a1 + an ) + (a1 + an ) + ... + (a1 + an ) + (a1 + an ) + (a1 + an )

2. If 5, 8 are two A.Ms between a and b, ind a and b.

= (a1 + an ) + (a1 + an ) + (a1 + an ) + ....to n term

3. Find 6 A.Ms. between 2 and 5.

4. Find four A.Ms. between 2 and

12
. = n(a1 + an )
2
Thus = (a1 + an )
n
5. Insert 7 A.Ms. between 4 and 8. Sn (iii)
2
= [a1 + a1 + (n - 1)d ]
6. Find three A.Ms between 3 and 11. n

a n + bn
2

a +b Sn= [2a1 + (n - 1)d ]

7. Find n so that n-1 n-1 may be the A.M. between a and b. n
or
2
8. Show that the sum of n A.Ms. between a and b is equal to n times their A.M.
Example 1: Find the 19th term and the partial sum of 19 terms of the arithmetic series:

6.5 Series 2+ + 5 + + ...

7 13
2 2

Solution: Here a1 =2 and d =a2 - a1 =

The sum of an indicated number of terms in a sequence is called a series. For example, 3
the sum of the irst seven terms of the sequence {n2} is the series, 2

Using an = a1 + (n - 1)d , we have,

1 + 4 + 9 + 16 + 25 + 36 + 49.
The above series is also named as the 7th partial sum of the sequence {n2}. If the

a19 =2 + (19 - 1)
number of terms in a series is inite, then the series is called a inite series, while a series 3
consisting of an unlimited number of terms is termed as an ininite series. 2
3
=2 + 18   =2 + 27 =29
Sum of irst n terms of an arithmetic series:
2
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Using= (a1 + an ) , we have, 7 ± 49 + 176 7 ± 225

n 2 - 7 n - 44 = 0 ⇒ n = =
n
Sn or
2
7 ± 15
2 2
S19 = (2 + 29) = (31) = = ⇒ n = 11, -4
19 19 589
2 2 2 2
Example 2: Find the arithmetic series if its ifth term is 19 and S= a9 + 1.
4
But n cannot be negative in this case, so n = 11, that is, the sum of eleven terms amount to
66.
Solution: Given that a5 = 19, that is,
a1 + 4d =19 (i) Exercise 6.4
Using the other given condition, we have,

S4 = [2a1 + (4 - 1)d ] = a9 + 1
4 1. Find the sum of all the integral multiples of 3 between 4 and 97.
2 2. Sum the series
4a1 + 6d =a1 + 8d + 1
-3 + (-1) + 1 + 3 + 5 + .... + a16 +2 2+ + .... + a13
or
3a1 - 1 =2d
3 5
i) ii)
(ii)
Substitution 2=
d 3a1 - 1 in (i), gives
2 2
1.11 + 1.41 + 1.71 + .... + a10 . -8 - 3 + 1 + .... + a11
1
a1 + 2(3a1 - 1) =
iii) iv)
19 2
or 7 a1 = 21 ⇒ a1 = 3 v) ( x - a ) + ( x + a ) + ( x + 3a ) + ... to n terms.
From (i), we have,
4d = 19 - a1 = 19 - 3 = 16 + + + ...
1 1 1
1- x 1- x 1+ x
vi) to n terms.
⇒ d = 4

+ + + ...
Thus the series is 3 + 7 +11 +15 +19 + ... 1 1 1
1+ x 1- x 1- x
vii) to n terms.

Example 3: How many terms of the series -9 -6 - 3 + 0 + ... amount to 66?

3. How many terms of the series
-7 + (-5) + (-3) + ...
Solution: Here a1 =-9 and d =3 as - 6 - (-9) =3 and - 3 - (-6) =3.
i) amount to 65?

Let Sn = 66 ii) -7 + (-4) + (-1) + ... amount to 114?

S= [2a1 + (n - 1)d ], we have,

n
Using 4. Sum the series
3 + 5 - 7 + 9 + 11 - 13 + 15 + 17 - 19 + ...
n
2
66= [2(-9) + (n - 1)3]
n i) to 3n terms.

1 + 4 - 7 + 10 + 13 - 16 + 19 + 22 - 25 + ...
2
132 = n[3n - 21] ⇒ 44 = n(n - 7)
ii) to 3n terms.
or

5. Find the sum of 20 terms of the series whose rth term is 3r + 1 .

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If =
Sn n(2n - 1) , then ind the series.
respectively. Then
S1 = 3[1 + 3 + 5 + .... + 99] and S2 = 2[2 + 4 + 6 + ... + 100]
6.
7. The ratio of the sums of n terms of two series in A.P. is 3n + 2 : n + 1. Find the ratio of

Thus S1 + S2 = 3 × (1 + 99) + 2 × (2 + 100), [a There are 50 terms in each series]

their 8th terms. 50 50
8. If S2 , S3 , S5 are the sums of 2n,3n,5n terms of an A.P., show that =
S5 5( S3 - S2 ). 2 2
9. Obtain the sum of all integers in the irst 1000 integers which are neither divisible by 5
= 7500 + 5100 = 12600
nor by 2.
Hence the total amount received by the issuing agency = 12600 paisas = Rs.126
10. S8 and S9 are the sums of the irst eight and nine terms of an A.P., ind S9 if
50 S=
9 = a1 2
63S8 and (Hint =: S+9 S8 a9 ) Example 2: A man repays his loan of Rs.1120 by paying Rs.15 in the irst installment and
11. The sum of 9 terms of an A.P. is 171 and its eighth term is 31. Find the series.
S9 - S 7 =
then increases the payment by Rs.10 every month. How long will it take to clear his loan?
12. The sum of S9 and S7 is 203 and 49, S7 and S9 being the
sums of the irst 7 and 9 terms of an A.P. respectively. Determine the series. Solution: It is given that the irst installment (in Rs.) is 15 and the monthly increase in payment
13. S7 and S9 are the sums of the irst 7 and 9 terms of an A.P. (in Rs.) is 10.
= =
= If 9 =
Here a1 15 and d 10
S 18
respectively. and a7 20, ind the series.
S7 11
Let the time required (in months) to clear his loan be n. Then
14. The sum of three numbers in an A.P. is 24 and their product is 440. Find the numbers. Sn = 1120, that is,
15. Find four numbers in A.P. whose sum is 32 and the sum of whose squares is 276.
1120 = [2 × 15 + (n - 1)10] = [30 + (n - 1)10]
16. Find the ive numbers in A.P. whose sum is 25 and the sum of n n
whose squares is 135. 2 2
= × 10[3 + (n - 1)] =5n(n + 2)
n
17. The sum of the 6th and 8th terms of an A.P. is 40 and the product of 4th and 7th term
2
224 = n(n + 2) ⇒ n 2 + 2n - 224 = 0
is 220. Find the A.P.
or

-2 ± 4 + 896 -2 ± 900
1 1 1
b+c c+a a+b
If a 2 , b 2 and c 2 are in A.P., show that
⇒= =
18. , , are in A.P.
n

-2 ± 30
2 2
=
6.6 Word Problems on A.p.
2
Example 1: Tickets for a certain show were printed bearing numbers from 1 to 100. Odd = 14, -16
number tickets were sold by receiving paisas equal to thrice of the number on the ticket But n can not be negative, so n = 14, that is, the time required to clear his loan is 14
while even number tickets were issued by receiving paisas equal to twice of the number on months.
the ticket. How much amount was received by the issuing agency?
Example 3: A manufacturer of radio sets produced 625 units in the 4th year and 700 units
Solution: Let S1 and S2 be the amounts received for odd number and even number tickets in the 7th year. Assuming that production uniformly increases by a ixed number every year,

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ind Exercise 6.5

i) The production in the irst year
ii) The total production in 8 years 1. A man deposits in a bank Rs. 10 in the irst month; Rs. 15 in the second month; Rs. 20 in
iii) The production in the 11th year. the third month and so on. Find how much he will have deposited in the bank by the 9th
month.
Solution: Let a1 be the number of units produced in the irst year and d be the uniform 2. 378 trees are planted in rows in the shape of an isosceles triangle, the numbers in
increase in production every year. Then the sequence of products in the successive years is successive rows decreasing by one from the base to the top. How many trees are there in

a1 , a1 + d , a1 + 2d ,...
the row which forms the base of the triangle?
3. A man borrows Rs. 1100 and agree to repay with a total interest of Rs. 230 in 14
installments, each installment being less than the preceding by Rs. 10. What should be
By the given conditions, we have
his irst installment?

=
=
4. A clock strikes once when its hour hand is at one, twice when it is at two and so on. How
a4 625 and a7 700, that is,
a1 + 3d =
many times does the clock strike in twelve hours ?
625 (I)
a1 + 6d =
5. A student saves Rs.12 at the end of the irst week and goes on increasing his saving Rs.4
and 700 (II)
weekly. After how many weeks will he be able to save Rs.2100?
6. An object falling from rest, falls 9 meters during the irst second, 27 meters during the
Subtracting (I) from (II), we get
next second, 45 meters during the third second and so on.

3d = 75 ⇒ d = 25
i) How far will it fall during the ifth second?
ii) How far will it fall up to the ifth second?

From (I), a1 + 3(25) = 625 ⇒ a1 = 625 - 75 = 550

7. An investor earned Rs.6000 for year 1980 and Rs. 12000 for year 1990 on the same
i) investment. If his earning have increased by the same amount each year, how much
income he has received from the investment over the past eleven years?
Thus the production in the irst year is 550 units.
8. The sum of interior angles of polygon having sides 3,4,5,...etc. form an A.P. Find the sum
S8 = [2 × 550 + (8 - 1)25]
8 of the interior angles for a 16 sided polygon.
ii)
2
= 4[1100 + 175]= 4[1275]= 5100
9. The prize money Rs. 60,000 will be distributed among the eight teams according to their
positions determined in the match-series. The award increases by the same amount for
each higher position. If the last place team is given Rs.4000, how much will be awarded to
Thus the production in 8 years is 5100 units.
a11 =a1 + (11 - 1)d
the irst place team?
iii)
10. An equilateral triangular base is illed by placing eight balls in the irst row, 7 balls in
= 550 + 10 × 25 = 550 + 250 = 800 the second row and so on with one ball in the last row. After this base layer, second layer
is formed by placing 7 balls in its irst row, 6 balls in its second row and so on with one
Thus the production in the 11th year is 800 units. ball in its last row. Continuing this process, a pyramid of balls is formed with one ball on
top. How many balls are there in the pyramid?

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6.7 Geometric Progression (G.P)

=
a4 a= 4-1
a1r 3 , =
8
1r so a1r 3 (ii)

-64
27
an
=
a7 a= 7 -1
a1r 6 , =
A sequence {an} is a geometric sequence or geometric progression if is the same
an-1 And 1r so a1r 6 (iii)

non-zero number for all n ∈ N and n > 1. The quotient

729
-64 / 729  2  a7 
an
- 7=- = =
=
is usually denoted by r and is
or r 3    r3 
3
an-1 a 8 a1r 6
 3  a4 
Thus
a4 8 / 27 27 a1r 3
called common ratio of the G.P .It is Clear that r is the ratio of any term of the G.P., to

its predecessor. The common ratio r = n is deined only if an-1 ≠ 0 , i.e., no term of the ⇒ -r =
a 2
(taking only real value of r)
an-1 3
r3 = -
8
Put in (ii), to obtain a1 that is,
geometric sequence is zero. 27
 8  8
a1  -  = ⇒-a1 =1
Rule for nth term of a G.P.: Each term after the irst term is an r multiple of its preceding
term. Thus we have,  27  27
=
a2 a= a1r 2-1
- a-1 =
1=
1r 2
=
a3 a= (a1r=
)r a1=
Now putting and r in (i), we get,
2r r 2 a1r 3-1 3
=
a4 a= (a1r 2=
)r a1=  2 2 2
n -1 n -1 n -1
r 3 a1r 4-1 an =-
( 1)  -  =-
( 1)(-1) . 
n -1
=-
( 1)   for n 1 ≥
 3 3 3
3r n


an = a1r n-1 which is the general term of a G.P.
Example 3: If the numbers 1, 4 and 3 are added to there consecutive terms of G.P., the
resulting numbers are in A.P. Find the numbers if their sum is 13.
Example 1: Find the 5th term of the G.P., 3,6,12,...
Solution: Let a, ar , ar 2 be three consecutive numbers of the G.P. Then
Solution: Here =
a1 3,=
a2 6,=
a3 12 , therefore, r= = = 2
a2 6 a + ar + ar 2= 13 ⇒ a (1 + r + r 2 =
) 13 (i)
and a + 1, ar + 4, ar 2 + 3 are in A.P., according to the given condition.
a1 3

== an a1r n-1 for n 5 , we have, (a + 1) + (ar 2 + 3)

Thus ar + 4 =
Using
=
a5 a1r=
5-1
3.2=
5-1
=
3.2 4
48 2
⇒ 2ar + 8= ar 2 + a + 4
-64
Example 2: Find=
= ⇒ a (r 2 - 2r + 1) =
8

( r - 2r + 1= (r 2 + r + 1) - 3r )
an if a4 and a7 of a G.P. 4
⇒ a (r 2 + r + 1) - 3ar = 4
27 729

( a(1= 13)
2

⇒= 13 - 3ar 4 +r+r )
Solution: To ind an we have to ind a1 and r .
an = a1r n -1
2

3ar =13 - 4 ⇒ ar =
Using (i)
or 3 (ii)

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Using a = , (i) becomes = and a2 =

3 a5 4 4
9. Find the nth term of the geometric sequence if;
r a3 9 9
(1 + r + r 2 ) =
3
13 10. Find three, consecutive numbers in G.P whose sum is 26 and their product is 216.
r
3r 2 - 10r + 3 =
11. If the sum of the four consecutive terms of a G.P is 80 and A.M of the second and the
or 0
fourth of them is 30. Find the terms.
10 ± 100 - 36 10 ± 8
=
⇒ =
, and are in G.P. show that the common ratio is ±
r 1 1 1 a
6 6 12. If
=r 3=
1 a b c c
or r
3 13. If the numbers 1,4 and 3 are subtracted from three consecutive terms of an A.P., the
=
If r 3= =
then a 1 (using ar 3) resulting numbers are in G.P. Find the numbers if their sum is 21.
14. If three consecutive numbers in A.P. are increased by 1, 4, 15 respectively, the resulting
= = =
1 numbers are in G.P. Find the original numbers if their sum is 6.
and if r then a 9 (using ar 3)
3

Thus the numbers are 1,3,9 or 9,3,1 6.8 Geometric Means

Exercise 6.6 A number G is said to be a geometric mean (G.M.) between two numbers a and b if a,
G, b are in G.P. Therefore,
1. Find the 5th term of the G.P.: 3,6,12,...
= ⇒ G2 =
ab±⇒ G = ab
G b
Find the 11th term of the sequence, 1 + i,2,
4
1+ i
2. .... a G
3. Find the 12th term of 1 + i,2i, -2 + 2i,....
Find the 11th term of the sequence, 1 + i,2,2(1 - i )
6.8.1 n Geometric Means Between two given numbers
4.
5. If an automobile depreciates in value 5% every year, at the end of 4 years what is the
The n numbers G1 , G2 , G3 ,...., Gn are called n geometric means between a and
value of the automobile purchased for Rs.12,000?
b if a, G1 , G2 , G3 ,...., Gn , b are in G.P.
Thus we have, b = ar ( n+ 2)-1 where r is the common ratio,
6. Which term of the sequence:

or ar n+1 = b
7. If a, b,c,d are in G.P, prove that
i) a - b, b - c , c - d are in G.P.
a2 - b2, b2 - c2, c2 - d2 are in G.P.
b
ii) 1/ n +1

⇒ r=
 
a
iii) a2 + b2, b2 + c2, c2 + d2 are in G.P.

b
8. Show that the reciprocals of the terms of the geometric sequence a1, a1r2, a1r4,... form
1/ n +1

Thus G= = a 
a
another geometric sequence. ar
1

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b Using an = a1r n-1 we have,

2/ n +1

= = a 
a =
=
2
G ar
a5 a1r 5-1
2
i.e., a5 a1r 4 (i)
b
3/ n +1

= = a 
Now substituting the values of a5 and a1 in (i) we have
a
3
G3 ar

=
= 2r 4 or
1 1
r4 (ii)
   2 4

b
n / n +1

= = a 
Taking square root of (ii), we get,
a
n
Gn ar

r2 = ±
1

( - 1 =i 2 )
2

=
or r =- =
(1+ 2+3....+ n )
b b
1 1 i2
Note: =
=
n 2 2
So, we have, r
an   an  
1 2

a a
G1.G2 .G3 ....G 2 2 2

⇒ ±r= ± =
b
1 1
and n (G=
1.=
or r i
G2 .G3 ....Gn ) a  
1/2

a
2 2
 1   1 
ab
when= ,=
then G= =2, G2 =
2 = 1, G3 =
2 
2 3
1 1 1
= G, the geometric mean between a and b  2  2
r 1 2
2 2 2
-1  -1   -1   -1 
when r = , -then G1 =
=
-2  ==2,=
G2 2  =  1, G3 2 
2 3
1
Example 1: Find the geometric mean between 4 and 16. 2  2   2   2 2
 i   i 
when r = , then G1 =
2× =2-i, G2 =
=
2 -  == 2 
2 3
i i i
   2
Solution: Here a = 4, b = 16, therefore 1, G3

G±= ab±=×
2 2 2 2
-i  -i   -i   -i 
when r =, then G1-= ==- 2 i, G=
= 2 =
4 16
2  2 
2 3

± ±= =
i
 2  2  2
2 1, G3
64 8
Thus the geometric mean may be +8 or -8. Inserting each of two G.Ms. between 4 and
2 2

16, we have two geometric sequences 4, 8, 16 and 4, -8, 16. In the irst case r = 2 and in the Note: The real values of r are usually taken but here other cases are considered to widen
second case r = -2 . the out-look of the students.

1
Example 2: Insert three G.Ms. between 2 and . Example 3: If a, b, c and d are in G.P. show that a + b, b + c, c + d are in G.P.
2
1 1
Solution: Let G1 , G2 , G3 be three G.Ms between 2 and . Therefore 2, G1 , G2 , G3 , are in G.P. Solution: Since a, b, c are in G.P therefore,
ac = b 2
2 2
= 2,= =
1 (i)
Here a1 a5 and n 5
2 Also b, c, d are in G.P., so we have
bd = c 2 (ii)

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Multiplying both sides, of (ii) by b, we get

b 2 d = bc 2 ⇒ acd =bc 2 ( ac = b 2 )
If the sequence {an } is a geometric sequence, then
Sn =a1 + a1r + a1r 2 + ....a1r n-1
⇒ ad =
(i)
Multiplying both sides of (i) by 1 - r we get
bc (iii)
Now ad + bc =bc + bc [ ad =
(1 - r ) Sn = (1 - r ) {a1 + a1r + a1r 2 + .... + a1r n-1}
bc]
i.e., ad + bc =
= (1 - r ) {a1 (1 + r + r 2 + .... + r n-1 )}
2bc (iv)

= a1 {(1 - r )(1 + r + r 2 + .... + r n-1}

Adding (i), (ii), and (iv), we have
ac + bd + ad + bc = b 2 + c 2 + 2bc
(a + b)c + (a + b)d = (b + c) 2 = a1 {(1 + r + r + .... + r n-1 ) - (r + r 2 + ... + r n )}
= a1 (1 - r n )
or
or (a + b) (c + d ) =(b + c) 2
⇒ a + b, b + c, c + d are in G.P.
a1 (1 - r n )
= Sn ≠
1- r
or (r 1)
Exercise 6.7
For convenience we use:

a1 (1 - r n )
= Sn <
1. Find G.M. between
-2 and 8 ii) -2i and 8i 1- r
if r 1
i)
a1 (r n - 1)
=and Sn >
r -1
2. Insert two G.Ms. between if r 1
i) 1 and 8 ii) 2 and 16
3. Insert three G.Ms. between

2
Example 1: Find the sum of n terms of the geometric series if an = (-3)   .
i) 1 and 16 ii) 2 and 32 n

5
4. Insert four real geometric means between 3 and 96.

 
5. If both x and y are positive distinct real numbers, show that the geometric mean
Solution: We can write ( 3)   as:
 
between x and y is less than their airthmetic mean.

a n + bn 2 2
n -1
 6 2
n -1

a +b
For what value of n, n-1 n-1 is the positive geometric mean between a and b? -3     =
    , -that is,
55  5
6.
5
 6  2 
n -1

an =  -  
7. The A.M. of two positive integral numbers exceeds their (positive) G.M. by 2 and their
sum is 20, ind the numbers.  5  5 
 6 2
n -1

Identifying  -    with a1r n-1 ,

8. The A.M. between two numbers is 5 and their (positive) G.M. is 4. Find the numbers.
 5 5
6.9 Sum of n terms of a Geometric Series
- a< 1 = =
6 2
we have, and r 1
For any sequence {an } , we have 5 5

Sn = a1 + a2 + a3 + .... + an

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6.10 The Ininite Geometric Series

6 2 
- 1 -   
n

a1 (1 - r ) 5   5  
= Sn =
Consider the series
a1 + a1r + a1r 2 + .... + a1r n-1 + ....,
n

1- r 1-
Thus
2
a1 (1 - r n )
Sn = a1 + a1r + ... + a1r = (r≠ 1)
5
n -1

 6 5   2    2 n  1- r
then
=
 -    1 -  -  =
(- 2) 1   
n

 5       
3 5   5  
But we do not know how to add ininitely many terms of the series.
Example 2: The growth of a certain plant is 5% of its length monthly. When will the plant be If Sn → a limit as n → ∞ then the series is said to be convergent.
of 4.41 cm if its initial length is 4 cm? If Sn increases indeinitely as n becomes very large then we say that Sn does not exist
and the series is said to be divergent.
Solution: Let the initial length be l cm.Then at the end of one month, the plant will be of
Case I: If r < 1 ,
 5 
length l + 1 ×  =l + = l.
l 21
 100 
then rn can be made as small as we like by taking n suiciently large, that is,
rn → 0 n→∞
20 20
The length of the plant at the end of second month = l + l×
21 21 5 as

Obviously Sn → when n → ∞
20 20 100 a1
=
21  1   21 
l 1 + =   l
1- r
2

20  20   20 
a1
21  21   21  1- r
In other words we can say that the series converges to the sum that is,
l ,   l ,   l ,....
2 3

20  20   20  = =
So, the sequence of lengths at the end of successive months is, a1
1- r
S lim Sn
n→∞

 21   21   21   21 
n -1

Here an =
 l ×   =
  l  a1 l=
, r=  Case II: If r > 1 ,
n
21
 20   20   20   20 
then r n does not tend to zero when n → ∞
20

 21 
Thus =
4.41   × 4
n i.e., Sn does not tend to a limit and the series does not converge in this case

 20 
(a initial length = 4 cm) so the series is divergent.
For example, if we take =
a1 1,=r 2,

 21  4.41 441  21 
then the series, will be
or  =  = =   which gives n = 2
n 2

 20  400  20 
1 + 2 + 4 + 8 + ...
and we have S= 1,= S= 3, S= 7, S= 15,...., S= 2n - 1,i.e., S1 , S2 , S3 ,...., Sn is a sequence of ever
4
1 2 3 4 n

increasing numbers.

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In other words we can say that Sn increases indeinitely as n → ∞ . Thus the series does
= 2 + {.23 + .0023 + .000023 +...}

not converge.
Case III: If r = 1 , then the series becomes  
a1 + a1 + a1 + a1 + ...  .23   .0023 1 
=
2    +  =
 .23 100 

and Sn = na1 . In this case Sn does not tend to a limit when n → ∞ and the series 1 - 
1
 100 
100 × .23
does not converge.
Case Iv: If r = -1 , then the series becomes + =
2+ = 2
23
a1 - a1 + a1 - a1 + a1 - a1 + ... 99 99

a1 - (-1) n a1 198 + 23 221

and Sn = = =
2 99 99
i.e., Sn = a1 if n is positive odd integer.
Sn = 0 if n is positive even integer. Example 5: The sum of an ininite geometric series is half the sum of the squares of its
Thus Sn does not tend to a deinite number when n → ∞ . In such a case we say that the 9
terms. If the sum of its irst two terms is , ind the series.
series is oscillatory. 2

Solution: Let the series be

a1 + a1r + a1r 2 + ...
Example 3: Find the sum of the ininite G.P. 2, 2,1,...
(i)
Solution: Here a1 = 2 Then the series whose terms are the squares of the terms of the above series is
a12 + a12 r 2 + a12 r 4 + ... (ii)
= = =
a2 2 1
r and
a1 2 2 Let S1 and S2 be the sum of the series (i) and (ii) respectively. Then

 1  S1 =
S <  1
a1
1- r
2
 
 (iii)
1-
1 2
and S2 = 1 2
a2
1- r
2
2 2( 2 + 1) 4+2 2
(iv)
= = = = + 4 2 2
2 2
2 - 1 ( 2 - 1)( 2 + 1) 2 -1
By the irst given condition, we have.

1  a12 
S1 = S2 ⇒ =  
. .
1 a1
1- r 2 1- r2 
Example 4: Convert the recurring decimal 2.23 into an equivalent common fraction (vulgur
fraction). 2
⇒ a1 = 2(1 + r ) (v)
. .
Solution: 2.23 = 2.232323 ....

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From the other given condition, we get 2ab= a + b

a1 + a1r = ⇒ a1 (1 + r ) =
9 9
(vi) Exercise 6.8
2 2

Substituting a= 2(1 + r ) in (vi), gives

1 1
1. Find the sum of irst 15 terms of the geometric sequence 1, , ,...
1 3 9
2. Sum to n terms, the series
2(1 + r ) (1 + r ) = ⇒ (1 + r ) 2 =
9 9
i) .2 + .22 + .222 + ... ii) 3 + 33 + 333 + ...
2 4
⇒ 1 + r =±
3. Sum to n terms the series
1 + (a + b) + (a 2 + ab + b 2 ) + (a 3 + a 2b + ab 2 + b3 ) + ...
3
i)
r + (1 + k )r 2 + (1 + k + k 2 )r 3 + ...
2
⇒ r = ,-
1 5 ii)

1
2 2
- r= >= 1, so we cannot take r = - . Sum the series 2 + (1 - i ) +   + ....to 8 terms.
i
5 5 5 4.
For , r
2 2 2
if r = , then a1 = 2(1 + ) = 3 [ a1= 2(1+ r )]
1 1 5. Find the sums of the following ininite geometric series:
2 2
Hence the series is 3 + + + + ... + + + ... ii) + + + ... + + 1 + + ...
3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 3 2
i) iii)
2 4 8 5 25 125 2 4 8 4 2 3

4 + 2 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + ...
Example 6: If a = 1 - x + x - x + ... x <1
iv) 2 + 1 + 0.5 + ... v)
2 3
vi) 0.1 + 0.05 + 0.025 + ...
b =1 + x + x 2 + x3 + ... x <1 6. Find vulgar fractions equivalent to the following recurring decimals.
. . . . . .
show that 2ab = a + b. i) 1.34 ii) 0.7 iii) 0.259

Solution: a = ( r = - x)
. . . . . . .
1 iv) 1.53 v) 0.159 vi) 1.147
1 - (- x) 7. Find the sum to ininity of the series; r + (1 + k )r 2 + (1 + k + k 2 )r 3 + ... r and k being proper
= ⇒ 1 +=
1 1
1+ x
or a x (i) fractions.
a
=
= ( r x ) If y = + x + x + ... and if 0 < x < 2, then prove that x =
x 1 2 1 3 2y
1+ y
1
1- x
and b 8.
2 4 8

⇒ 1- x = If y = x + x2 + x + ... and if 0 < x < , then show that= x

1 2 4 8 3 3 3y
2(1 + y )
(ii) 9.
b 3 9 27 2

Adding (i) and (ii), we obtain 10. A ball is dropped from a height of 27 meters and it rebounds two-third of the distance

2= + , which implies that

it falls. If it continues to fall in the same way what distance will it travel before coming
1 1
to rest?
a b
11. What distance will a ball travel before coming to rest if it is dropped from a height of
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Thus the amount deposited in the bank upto the seventh year is Rs. 2540.
2
75 meters and after each fall it rebounds of the distance it fell?
If y =+
1 2 x + 4 x + 8 x + ...
5 Example 2: A person invests Rs.2000/- at 4% interest compounded annually. What the total
2 3
12. amount will he get after 5 years?
y -1
i) Show that x = Solution: Let the principal amtount be P. Then
2y

the interest for the irst year =P× =P × (.04)

ii) Find the interval in which the series is convergent. 4
100
If y =1 + + + ... year P + P × (.04)= P(1 + .04)
x x2
13. The total amount at the end of the irst
The interest for the second year = [ P(1 + 0.4) × (.04)] and the total amount at the end of
2 4
 y -1
Show that x = 2   second year = [ P(1 + 0.4)] + [ P(1 + 0.4)] × (0.4)
 y 
i)
= P(1 + .04)(1 + .04) = P(1 + .04) 2
ii) Find the interval in which the serieis is convergent. = P(1 + .04)3
Similarly the total amount at the end of third year
14. The sum of an ininite geometric series is 9 and the sum of the squares of its terms is Thus the sequence for total amounts at the end of successive years is
81 P(1 + .04), P(1 + .04) 2 , P(1 + .04)3 ,...
. Find the series.
5 The amount at the end of the ifth year is the ifth term of the above gemoetric sequence,
that is
a5 =
[ P(1 + .04)](1 + .04)5-1 ( a5 =
a1r 5-1 and a1 =
P(1 + .04))
6.11 Word Problems on G.P.

Example 1: A man deposits in a bank Rs. 20 in the irst year; Rs. 40 in the second year; = P(1 + .04)5
Rs. 80 in the third year and so on. Find the amount he will have deposited in the bank by the As P = 2000, so the required total amount in rupees = 2000 % (1+.04)5
seventh year.

Solution: The deposits in the succcessive yesrs are

Example 3: The population of a big town is 972405 at present and four years before it was
20,40,80,... which is a geometric sequence with
==
800,000. Find its rate of increase if it increased geometrically.
a1 20 and r 2
The sum of the seven terms of the above sequence is the total amount deposited in
Solution: Let the rate of increase be r % annually. Then the sequence of population is
the bank upto the seventh year, so we have to ind S7, that is,

20(2 - 1) 20(2 - 1)  r   r 
800,000,800,000 1 +  ,800,000 × 1 +  ,...
2

= =  100   100 
7 7

2 -1
the required deposit in Rs.
1

= 20(128 - 1) = 20 % 127
and its ifth term = 972405.
= 2540 In this case we have,

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 r    r 
n -1

an = + +
3
a1 1    
perimeter . What will be the total perimeter of all the triangles formed in this way?
 100    100  
 ratio is 1 2

6.12 Harmonic Progression (H.P)

 r 
5-1

Thus 972405 = +   =
( a5 972405 =
 100 
800,000 1 and a1 800,000)
A sequence of numbers is called a Harmonic Sequence or Harmonic Progression if the
 r 
 +  =
4
972405
 100  800,000
or 1 1 1 1
reciprocals of its terms are in arithmetic progression. The sequence 1, , , is a harmonic
3 5 7
 r  194481  r   21 
sequence since their
1 +  = ⇒ 1 +  =   ⇒1 + =
4 4 4
r 21
 100  160000  100   20 
i.e. reciprocals 1,3,5,7 are in A.P.
100 20
Remember that the reciprocal of zero is not deined, so zero can not be the term of a

⇒ = - 1=
r 21 1 harmonic sequence.
100 20 20 The general form of a harmonic sequence is taken as:
⇒r=
5 1 1 1 1
a1 a1 + d a1 + 2d a1 + (n - 1)d
, , ,.... whose nth term is
Hence the rate of increase is 5%.
1 1 1
Exercise 6.9 Example 1: Find the nth and 8th terms of H.P ; , , ,...
2 5 8

1. A man deposits in a bank Rs. 8 in the irst year, Rs. 24 in the second year Rs.72 in the third Solution: The reciprocals of the terms of the sequence,
year and so on. Find the amount he will have deposited in the bank by the ifth year. 1 1 1
, , ,... are 2,5,8,...
2. A man borrows Rs. 32760 without interest and agrees to repay the loan in installments, 2 5 8
each installment being twice the preceding one. Find the amount of the last installment,
The numbers 2,5,8,... are A.P., so
a1 = 2 and d = 5 - 2 = 3 .
if the amount of the irst installment is Rs.8.

Putting these values in an = a1 + (n - 1)d , we have

3. The population of a certain village is 62500. What will be its population after 3 years if it

an =2 + (n - 1)3
increases geometrically at the rate of 4% annually?
4. The enrollment of a famous school doubled after every eight years from 1970 to 1994. If
the enrollment was 6000 in 1994, what was its enrollment in 1970? = 3n - 1

= =
1
1 1
an 3n - 1
5. A singular cholera bacteria produces two complete bacteria in 2 hour. If we start with a Thus the nth term of the given sequence
colony of a bacteria, how many bacteria will we have in n hours?
6. Joining the mid points of the sides of an equilateral triangle, an equilateral triangle having
half the perimeter of the original triangle is obtained. We form a sequence of nested
equilateral triangles in the manner described above with the original triangle having1.1
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and substituting n = 8 in = =
+4= .
1 1 1 1 9
3n - 1 3 × 8 - 1 23
,we get the 8th term of the given H.P. which is
2 2
.
2 2 2 2
Hence the required H.P. is , , , ,...
Alternatively, a8 of the A.P. = a1 + (8 - 1)d
1 5 9 13

6.12.1 Harmonic Mean : A number H is said to be the harmonic mean (H.M) between two
=
+ 2 (7).3
= 23 numbers a and b if a, H, b are in H.P.

Thus the 8th term of the given H.P. =

1 1 1 1
Let a, b be the two numbers and H be their H.M. Then , , are in A.P.
23
1 1 b+a
a H b
+
a+b
2 2
respectively, ind the
therefore,= = =
Example 2: If the 4th term and 7th term of an H.P. are and
13 25 1 a b ab
sequence.
H 2 2 2ab

Solution: Since the 4th term of the H.P. = and its 7th term = , therefore the 4th and 7th
2 2

and H =
13 25 2ab
a+b
13 25
terms of the corresponding A.P. are and respectively.
2 2

Now taking a1, the irst term and d, the common diference of the corresponding A.P, For example, H.M. between 3 and 7 is

2 × 3 × 7 2 × 21 21
we have,
= =
a1 + 3d =
13
(i) 3+ 7 10 5
2
and a1 + 6d =
25 6.12.2 n Harmonic Means between two numbers
(ii)
2
H1 , H 2 , H 3 ...., H n are called n harmonic means (H.Ms) between a and b if a, H1 , H 2 , H 3 ,....H n , b
Subtracting (i) from (ii), gives
are in H.P. If we want to insert n H.Ms. between a and b, we irst ind n A.Ms. A1 , A2 ,...., An

3d = - =6 ⇒ d = 2
25 13
1 1
2 2 between and , then take their reciprocals to get n H.Ms between a and b, that is,
a b
From (i), we get
1 1 1
, ,..., will, be the required n H.Ms. between a and b.
a1 = - 3d = -6=
13 13 1 A1 A2 An
2 2 2 1 1
Example 3: Find three harmonic means between and .
Thus a2 of the A.P. a1 + d = +2=
1 5 5 17
2 2
and a3 of the A.P. a1 + 2d = + 2(2)
Solution: Let A1 , A2 , A3 be three A.Ms. between 5 and 17, that is, 5, A1 , A2 , A3 ,17 are in A.P.
1
2
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Using an = a1 + (n - 1)d , we get, 6.13 Relations between Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic
17 =5 + (5 - 1)d ( a5 =17and a1 =5) Means
4d = 12
⇒ d= 3
Thus A1 = 5 + 3 = 8, A2 = 5 + 2(3) = 11 and A3 = 5 + 3(3) = 14
We know that for any two numbers a and b

a+b
=
A= and H± =
2ab
a+b
1 1 1 ,G ab
Hence , , are the required harmonic means. 2
8 11 14
We irst ind A×H that is,

a + b 2ab
Example 4: Find n H.Ms between a and b
A× H = × = ab
Solution: Let A1 , A2 , A3 ,...., An , be n A.Ms between
1 1
and . 2 a+b
= G2
a b
1 1
Then , A1 , A2 , A3 ,...., An , are in A.P. Thus A, G, H are in G.P. For example, if
a = -1 and b = 5 , then
a b

Using an = a1 + (n - 1)d , we get,

-1 + 5
A= =2, G =± -1 × 5 =± 5i
= + (n + 2 - 1)d
2(-1).5 -10 -5
1 1 2
= = =
-1 + 5
b a H
or (n + 1)d = - ⇒ d = -5
1 1 a b 4 2
b a ab(n 1) A× H = 2× =-5 and G 2 =(± 5i ) 2 =
5i 2 =
-5
a -b b(n + 1) + (a - b) nb + a
Thus A1 = + d = + = =
1 1 2
a a ab(n + 1) ab(n + 1) ab(n + 1) It follows that A × H =
G 2 and A, G, H are in G.P.
 a - b  b(n + 1) + 2(a - b) (n - 1)b + 2a
A2 = + 2d = + 2  = =
1 1
a a  ab(n + 1)  ab(n + 1) ab(n + 1)
Note: G 2 =
A H even if ×a, b C ∈
 a - b  b(n + 1) + 3(a - b) (n - 2)b + 3a
A3 = + 3d = + 3  = =
1 1
a a  ab ( n + 1)  ab(n + 1) ab(n + 1) Now we show that A > H for any two distinct positive real numbers.

 a - b  b(n + 1) + n(a - b) b + na a + b 2ab

      
An = + nd = + n  = = A > H if >
a+b
1 1
a a  ab(n + 1)  ab(n + 1) ab(n + 1) 2

Hence n H.Ms between a and b are: or (a + b) 2 > 4ab

(a + b) 2 - 4ab > 0 ⇒ (a - b) 2 > 0
ab(n + 1) ab(n + 1) ab(n + 1) ab(n + 1)
or

nb + a (n - 1)b + 2a (n - 2)b + 3a b + na
, , ,....,

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which is true because a - b is a real number and the square of a real number is always To prove (ii), we show that
positive. A < G if

a+b
< - ab
Also A > G if a, b are any two distinct positive real numbers.

a+b
A > G if > ± ab
2
2 Let a = -m and b = -n where m and n are positive real numbers. Then
a + b  2 ab > 0 -m - n
< - (-m)(-n)
or
⇒ ( a  b) > 0
2

m+n m+n
2
or - < - mn ⇒ > mn
which is true because a  b are non zero real numbers and the squares of real 2 2
numbers are always positive. ⇒ ( m - n )2 > 0 (See part(i))
Now we prove that
A<G
which is true, that is,
i) A > G > H if a, b are any two distinct positive real numbers and G = ab .
A < G < H if a, b are any two distinct negative real numbers and G = - ab .
G<H
Similarly, we can prove that
ii)

Hence A < G < H

To prove (i) we irst show that A > G, i.e.,

a+b
A > G if > ab Exercise 6.10
2
⇒ ( a - b )2 > 0
1. Find the 9th term of the harmonic sequence
which is true (write the missing steps as given above)
-1 -1
, , -1,...
Thus A > G (1) 1 1 1
i) , , ,... ii)
Again G > H, 3 5 7 5 3

ab >
2ab 2. Find the 12th term of the following harmonic sequences
a+b
if
1 1 1 1 2 1
or a + b > 2 ab
i) , , ,... ii) , , ,...
2 5 8 3 9 6
⇒ a+b-2 a b >0 3. Insert ive harmonic means between the following given
⇒ ( a - b )2 > 0 numbers,
which is true since a - b is a real number. -2 2 1 1
Thus G > H (2) i) and ii) and
5 13 4 24

A>G > H
From (1) and (2), we have

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4. Insert four harmonic means between the following given numbers.

16
1 1 7 7 17. If the (positive) G.M. and H.M. between two numbers are 4 and , ind the numbers.
i) and ii) and iii) 4 and 20 5
3 23 3 11 1 4 1
1 5 18. If the numbers , and are subtracted from the three consecutive terms
5. If the 7th and 10th terms of an H.P. are and respectively, ind its 14th term. 2 21 36
3 21 1
The irst term of an H.P. is - and the ifth term is . Find its 9th term.
1 1 of a G.P., the resulting numbers are in H.P. Find the numbers if their product is .
6. 27
3 5
6.14 Sigma Notation (or Summation Notation)
7. If 5 is the harmonic mean between 2 and b, ind b.

1 1 1
∑ (sigma) is used to denote sums of diferent types . For example the
k 2k + 1 4k - 1
8. If the numbers , and are in harmonic sequence, ind k. The Greek letter

a n+1 + b n+1
∑a
n

a n + bn
9. Find n so that may be H.M. between a and b. notation is used to express the sum
i =m
i

am + am+1 + am+ 2 + .... + an and the sum expression

10. If a2 ,b2 and c2 are in A.P. show that a + b, c + a and b + c are in H.P.

4 1 + 3 + 5+ ....to n terms.
The sum of the irst and ifth term of the harmonic sequence is , if the irst term is

∑ (2k - 1) ,
11.
7 n
1 is written as
, ind the sequence. k =1
2
where (2k - 1) is the kth term of the sum and k is called the index of summation. ‘1’ and n
12. If A, G and H are the arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means between a and b
are called the lower limit and the upper limit of summation respectively. The sum of the irst
respectively, show that G2 = AH.
n natural numbers, the sum of squares of the irst n natural numbers and the sum of the
13. Find A, G, H and show that G2 = AH. if
a-= -2,
= ii) =a 2= iii) =
a 9,=
cubes of the irst n natural numbers are expressed in sigma notation as:
i) b 6 i, b 4i b 4

1 + 2 + 3 + .... + n =∑k
14. Find A, G, H and verify that A > G > H (G > 0), if n

k =1
=
a 2,= ii) = =
∑k2
2 8
1 + 2 + 3 + .... + n =
i) b 8 a ,b n
5 5 2 2 2 2

k =1

∑k3
13 + 23 + 33 + .... + n3 =
15. Find A, G, H and verify that A < G < H (G < 0), if n

-2 -8
a- =
-2,
= ii) = =
k =1
i) b 8 a ,b

∑[k
5 5
- (k - 1) m ] for any positive integer m and shall use this result to ind out
n
9 We evaluate m
16. If the H.M and A.M. between two numbers are 4 and
2 k =1
respectively, ind the numbers.

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formulas for three expressions stated above. Taking summation of (B) on both sides from k = 1 to n, we get

∑[k m - (k - 1)m ] = (1m - 0m ) + (2m - 1m ) + (3m - 2m ) + .... ∑[k - (k - 1)= ∑ (3k - 3k + 1)

n n n
3 3 2
]
k =1 =
=

+[(n - 1) m - (n - 2) m ] + [n m - (n - 1) m ] =
k 1 k 1

nm
n = 3∑ k - 3∑ k + n
∑[(k m - (k - 1)m ] =
n n
3 2
n i.e.,
nm =
=

3∑ k 2 = n3 - n + 3∑ k
i.e., k 1 k 1
k =1

m = 1,
n n

If or
=
=
n(n + 1)
∑[(k
k 1 k 1

= n(n + 1)(n - 1) + 3 ×
- (k - 1) ] =
n
1 1 1
then n 2
 3  n(n + 1)(2n + 1)
k =1

∑1 = n
= n(n + 1)  n - 1 + =
 2
n
i.e. 2

∑
n(n + 1)(2n + 1)
k =1

k2 =
n
Thus
6.15 To Find the Formulae for the Sums k =1 6

iii) We know that (k - 1) 4 = k 4 - 4k 3 + 6k 2 - 4k + 1 and this identity can be written as: (C)
k 4 - (k - 1) 4 = 4k 3 - 6k 2 + 4k - 1
∑k ∑k ∑k Taking summation on both sides of (C), from k = 1 to n, we get,
n n n
2 3
i) ii) iii)
k =1 k =1 k =1

We know that k 2 - (k - 1) 2 = 2k - 1
∑[k - (k - 1)= ∑ (4k - 6k 2 + 4k - 1)
n n
i) (A) 4 4
] 3

=
=

n = 4∑ k - 6∑ k + 4∑ k - n
Taking summation on both sides of (A) from k = 1 to n, we have k 1 k 1

∑[k ∑ (2k - 1)
n n n

- (k - 1)=
4 3 2
n n i.e.,
=
=
=

4∑ k 3 = n 4 + n + 6∑ k 2 - 4∑ k
2 2
] k 1 k 1 k 1
=
=

2∑ k n -( ∑1 n)
k 1 k 1 n n n

n2 = =
n n or
=k 1=
=

n(n + 1)(2n + 1) n(n + 1)

i.e., k 1 k 1

= n(n + 1)(n 2 - n + 1) + 6 × - ×4
=
=

2∑ =
k 1 k 1

k n2 + n
n
6 2
= n(n + 1)[n 2 - n + 1 + 2n + 1 - 2]
or
k =1

∑k =
n(n + 1)
= n(n + 1)(n 2 + n) = n(n + 1).n(n + 1)
n
Thus
k =1 2

∑
[n(n + 1)]2  n(n + 1) 
Thus= = 
 2 
n 2
ii) Consider the identity 3

k 3 - (k - 1)3 = 3k 2 - 3k + 1
k
k =1 4
(B)

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Example 1: Find the sum of the series 13 + 33 + 53 + ...to n terms

=∑ k 3 +
∑ + ∑ + ∑
n
3 n 2 1 n n
k k 1
= =
k 1 = k=
Solution: Tk = (2k - 1)3 (1+ (k - 2)2 = 2k - 1)
2 2
n (n + 1) 3 n(n + 1)(2n + 1) 1 n(n + 1)
1 k 1 k 1

= + × + × +
2 2

= 8k 3 - 12k 2 + 6k - 1
n
4 2 6 2 2
= [n(n 2 + 2n + 1) + (2n 2 + 3n + 1) + (n + 1) + 4]
Let Sn denote the sum of n terms of the given series, then n

Sn = ∑ Tk
4
= (n + 2n 2 + n + 2n 2 + 3n + 1 + n + 1 + 4)
n
n 3
k =1

∑ (8k
4
= - 12k 2 + 6k - 1) = (n + 4n 2 + 5n + 6)
n
2 n 3
or Sn
k =1 4

= 8∑ k - 12∑ k + 6∑ k - ∑1
n n n n
3 2
Exercise 6.11
==
k 1 = =

 n(n + 1)   n(n + 1)(2n + 1)   n(n + 1) 

k 1 k 1 k 1

= 8 - 12  + 6 -n
Sum the following series upto n terms.
   2 
2

 2   6  1. 1 × 1 + 2 × 4 + 3 × 7 + ... 2. 1 × 3 + 3 × 6 + 5 × 9 + ...
= 2n 2 (n + 1) 2 - 2n(n + 1)(2n + 1) + 3n(n + 1) - n 3. 1 × 4 + 2 × 7 + 3 × 10 + ... 4. 3 × 5 + 5 × 9 + 7 × 13 + ...
= 2n 2 (n 2 + 2n + 1) - 2n(2n 2 + 3n + 1) + n(3n + 3) - n 5. 12 + 32 + 52 + ... 6. 22 + 52 + 82 + ...
2 × 12 + 4 × 22 + 6 × 32 + ... 3 × 22 + 5 × 32 + 7 × 42 + ...
= 2n[(n3 + 2n 2 + n) - (2n 2 + 3n + 1)] + n(3n + 3 - 1)
7. 8.
2 × 4 × 7 + 3 × 6 × 10 + 4 × 8 × 13 + ...
= 2n[n3 - 2n - 1] + n(3n + 2)
9.
1 × 4 × 6 + 4 × 7 × 10 + 7 × 10 × 14 + ...
= n[2n3 - 4n - 2 + 3n + 2]
10..
1 + (1 + 2) + (1 + 2 + 3) + ... 12 + (12 + 22 ) + (12 + 22 + 32 ) + ...
= n[2n - n=] n.[n(2n - 1)]
11. 12.
2 + (2 + 5) + (2 + 5 + 8) + ...
2 2

= n 2 [2n 2 - 1]
13. 14. Sum the series.
i) 12 - 22 + 32 - 42 + ... + (2n - 1) 2 - (2n) 2
ii) 12 - 32 + 52 - 7 2 + ... + (4n - 3) 2 - (4n - 1) 2
Example 2: Find the sum of n terms of series whose nth terms is n3 + n 2 + n + 1
12 12 + 22 12 + 22 + 32
3 1
2 2 iii) + + + ... to n terms
1 2 3
Solution: Given that
15. Find the sum to n terms of the series whose nth terms are given.
Tn =n3 + n 2 + n + 1 3n 2 + n + 1 n 2 + 4n + 1
3 1
i) ii)
2 2
16. Given nth terms of the series, ind the sum to 2n terms.
Thus Tk =k 3 + k 2 + k + 1 3n 2 + 2n + 1 n3 + 2n + 3
3 1
i) ii)
2 2

= ∑ ( k 3 + k 2 + k + 1)
n
3 1
and Sn
k =1 2 2
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