Question:
If 18, a, b, −3 are in A.P., the a + b =
(a) 19
(b) 7
(c) 11
(d) 15
Solution:
Here, we are given four terms which are in A.P.,
First term (a1) =
Second term (a2) =
Third term (a3) =
Fourth term (a4)=
So, in an A.P. the difference of two adjacent terms is always constant. So, we get,
$d=a_{2}-a_{1}$
$d=a-18$$\ldots \ldots$ (1)
Also,
$d=a_{4}-a_{3}$
$d=-3-b$.......$(2)$
Now, on equating (1) and (2), we get,
$a-18=-3-b$
$a+b=18-3$
$a+b=15$
Therefore, $a+b=15$
Hence the correct option is (d).