Question:
Choose the correct answer in each of the following questions:
The 5th term of an AP is −3 and its common difference is −4. The sum of its first 10 terms is
(a) 50
(b) $-50$
(c) 30
(d) $-30$
Solution:
Let a be the first term of the AP.
Here, d = −4
$a_{5}=-3$ (Given)
$\Rightarrow a+(5-1) \times(-4)=-3 \quad\left[a_{n}=a+(n-1) d\right]$
$\Rightarrow a-16=-3$
$\Rightarrow a=16-3=13$
Using the formula, $S_{n}=\frac{n}{2}[2 a+(n-1) d]$, we get
$S_{10}=\frac{10}{2}[2 \times 13+(10-1) \times(-4)]$
$=5 \times(26-36)$
$=5 \times(-10)$
$=-50$
Thus, the sum of its first 10 terms is −50.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.