Question:
Find the rth term of an A.P. sum of whose first n terms is 2n + 3n2.
[Hint: an = Sn – Sn–1]
Solution:
Sum of first n terms be Sn given as Sn = 2n + 3n2
We have to find the rth term that is ar
Using the given hint nth term is given as an = Sn – Sn-1
⇒ ar = Sr – Sr-1
Using Sn = 2n + 3n2
⇒ ar = 2r + 3r2 – (2(r – 1) + 3(r – 1)2)
⇒ ar = 2r + 3r2 – (2r – 2 + 3(r2 – 2r + 1))
⇒ ar = 2r + 3r2 – (2r – 2 + 3r2 – 6r + 3) ⇒ ar = 6r – 1
Hence the rth term is 6r – 1
Long Answer Type