Question:
If the sum of n terms of an A.P. is given by Sn = 3n + 2n2, then the common difference of the A.P. is
(a) 3
(b) 2
(c) 6
(d) 4
Solution:
Let Sn denote sum of n terms of an A.P
Such that Sn = 3n + 2n2
i.e S1 = 3(1) + 2(1)2
S1 = 3 + 2 = 5
where S1 = a (first term only)
S2 = a + (a + d) where a + d represents second term and d is common difference.
$S_{2}=3(2)+2(2)^{2}$
$=6+2(4)$
$=6+8$
$S_{2}=14$
i.e 2a + d = 14
i.e 10 + d = 14
d = 4
i.e common difference of A.P is 4
Hence, the correct answer is option D.