Vidyamandir Classes

TOPIC: SEQUENCES AND SERIES

By a sequence, we mean an arrangement of numbers in a definite order according to some rule. We denote the
terms of a sequence by a1 , a2 , a3 ,.... etc., the subscript denotes the position of the term.

A sequence is either finite or infinite depending upon the number of terms in a sequence.

Arithmetic progression (A.P.) is a sequence in which each term except the first is obtained by adding a fixed
number (positive or negative) to the preceding term.

Thus, any sequence a1 , a2 , a3 ,....an ,..... is called an arithmetic progression if an1 an d , n N, where d is
called the common difference of the A.P., usually we denote the first term of an A.P by a and the last term by l .

The general term or the nth term of the A.P. is given by an a n 1 d

The nth term from the last is given by an l n 1 d

The sum Sn of the first n terms of an A.P is given by

Sn

n
2a n 1 d
2

n
a l , where l a n 1 d is the last term of the A.P.
2

The general term is given by an S n S n1

The arithmetic mean for any n positive numbers a1 , a2 , a 3 ,...an is given by

A.M

If a, A and b are in A.P., then A is called the arithmetic mean of numbers a and b and
i.e.,

a1 a2 ... an
n

ab
2

If the terms of an A.P. are increased, decreased, multiplied or divided by the same constant, they still remain in
A.P.

If a1 , a2 , a3 ... are in A.P. with common difference d, then

(i)

a1 k , a2 k , a3 k ,... are also in A.P with common difference d.

(ii) a1k , a2 k , a3k ,... are also in A.P with common difference dk (k 0). and

common difference

a1 a2 a3
, , ... are also in A.P. with
k k k

d
( k 0).
k

If a1 , a2 , a3 ... and b1 , b2 , b3 ... are two A.P., then

(i)

a1 b1 , a2 b2 , a3 b3 ,... are also in A.P

VMC/CBSE Notes

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
(ii) a1b1 , a2b2 , a3b3 ,... and

a1 a2 a3
, , ,... are not in A.P.
b1 b2 b3

If a1 , a2 , a3 ... and an are in A.Ps, then

(i)

a1 an a2 an1 a3 an2 ...

(ii) ar

ar k ar k
k ,0 k n r
2

(iii) If nth term of any sequence is linear expression in n, then the sequence is an A.P.
(iv) If sum of n terms of any sequence is a quadratic expression in n, then sequence is an A.P

A Geometric progression (G.P.) is a sequence in which each term except the first is obtained by multiplying
the previous term by a non-zero constant called the common ratio. Let us consider a G.P. with first non-zero
term a and common ratio r, i.e.,
a, ar , ar 2 ,..., ar n1 ,...

The general term or nth term of G.P. is given by an ar n1.

Last term l of a G.P. is same as the nth term and is given by l ar n1.
and the nth term from the last is given by an

l
r

n 1

The sum Sn of the first n terms is given by

Sn

a r n 1
r 1

Sn an

if r 1

,
if r 1

If G and b are in G.P., then G is called the geometric mean of the numbers a and b and is given by
G ab
(i)

If the terms of a G.P. are multiplied or divided by the same non-zero constant (k 0), then still remain in
G.P.
If a1 , a2 , a3 ,..., are in G.P., then a1 k , a2 k , a3 k ,... and

a1 a2 a3
, , ,... are also in G.P. with same common
k k k

ratio, in particularly
If a1 , a2 , a3 ,... are in G.P., then
1 1 1
, , ,... are also in G.P.
a1 a2 a3
(ii) If a1 , a2 , a3 ,... and b1 , b2 , b3 ,... are two G.P.s, then a1 b1 , a2 b2 , a3 b3 ,... and

a1 a2 a3
, , ,... are also in G.P.
b1 b2 b3

(iii) If a1 , a2 , a3 ,... are in A.P. (ai 0 i ), then x a1 , x a2 , x a3 ,..., are in G.P. ( x 0)

VMC/CBSE Notes

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
Important results on the sum of special sequences
(i)

Sum of the first n natural numbers;

n 1 2 3 ... n

n(n 1)
2

(ii) Sum of the squares of first n natural numbers.

12 22 32 ... n2

n(n 1)(2n 1)
6

(iii) Sum of cubes of first n natural numbers:

n(n 1)
n 1 2 3 ... n 2
3

SOLVED EXAMPLES
1.

Let the sequence an be defined as follows:

a1 1, an an1 2 for n 2.
Find first five terms and write corresponding series.

2.

The Fibonacci sequence is defined by

1 a1 a2 and an an1 an2 , n 2.
Find

an1
, for n 1, 2,3, 4,5
an

3.

In an A.P. if mth term is n and the nth term is m, where m m n, find the pth term.

4.

The sum of n terms of two arithmetic progressions are in the ratio (3n + 8) : (7n + 15). Find the ratio of
their 12th terms.

5.

In an A.P., the first term is 2 and the sum of the first five terms is one-fourth of the next five terms. Show
that 20th term is 112.

6.

In an A.P., if pth term is

1
1
1
and qth term is , prove that the sum of first pq terms is pq 1 , where
q
p
2

p q.
7.

If the sum of first p terms of an A.P. is equal to the sum of the first q terms, then find the sum of the first
( p q) terms.

8.

Sum of the first p, q and r terms of an A.P. are a, b and c, respectively.

Prove that

9.

a
b
c
(q r ) (r p) ( p q) 0
p
q
r

The ratio of the sums of m and n terms of an A.P. is m2 : n2. Slow that the ratio of mth and nth term is
(2m 1) :(2n 1).

VMC/CBSE Notes

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
10.

If the sum of n terms of an A.P. is 3n 2 5n and its mth term is 164, find the value of m.

11.

If

12.

Between 1 and 31, m numbers have been inserted in such a way that the resulting sequence is an A.P. and
the ratio of 7th and (m 1)th numbers is 5 : 9. Find the value of m.

13.

The difference between any two consecutive interior angles of a polygon is 5. If the smallest angle is
120, find the number of the sides of the polygon.

14.

The sum of first three terms of a G.P. is

a n bn
is the A.M. between a and b, then find the value of n.
a n1 b n1

13
and their product is 1.
12

Find the common ratio and the terms.

15.

Find the sum of the sequence 7, 77, 777, 7777, to n terms.

16.

2
7
For what values of x, the numbers , x, are in G.P.?
7
2

17.

The sum of first three terms of a G.P. is 16 and the sum of the next three terms is 128. Determine the first
term, the common ratio and the sum to n terms of the G.P

18.

Find four numbers forming a geometric progression in which the third term is greater than the first term by
9, and the second term is greater than the 4th by 18.

19.

If the pth, qth and rth terms of a G.P. are a, b and c, respectively. Prove that a q r b r p c pq 1.

20.

If the first and the nth term of a G.P. are a and b, respectively, and if P is the product of n terms, prove that
P 2 (ab) n .

21.

Find the value of n so that

22.

The sum of two numbers is 6 times their geometric mean, show that numbers are in the ratio
3 2 2 : 3 2 2 .

23.

If A and B be A.M. and G.M., respectively between two positive numbers, prove that the numbers are
A ( A G )( A G ).

24.

If A.M. and G.M. of roots of a quadratic equation are 8 and 5, respectively, then obtain the quadratic
equation.

25.

Find the sum to n terms of the series: 5 11 19 29 41...

26.

Find the sum to n terms: 1 2 3 2 3 4 3 4 5 ...

27.

Find the sum to n terms: 3 12 5 22 7 32 ...

28.

Find the sum to n terms: 12 (12 2 2 ) (12 22 32 ) ...

29.

1
1
If a, b, c are in G.P. and a x b y c z , prove that x, y, z are in A.P.

30.

Show that the sum of (m n) th and (m n) th terms of an A.P. is equal to twice the mth term.

31.

Let the sum of n, 2n,3n terms of an A.P. be S1 , S 2 and S3 , respectively, show that S3 3( S2 S1 )

a n1 b n1
may be the geometric mean between a and b.
a n bn

VMC/CBSE Notes

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
32.

Find the sum of integers from 1 to 100 that are divisible by 2 or 5.

33.

The sum of three numbers in G.P. is 56. If we subtract 1, 7, 21 from these numbers in that order, we obtain
an arithmetic progression. Find the numbers.

34.

A G.P. consists of an even number of terms. If the sum of all the terms is 5 times the sum of terms
occupying odd places, then find its common ratio.

35.

The sum of the first four terms of an A.P. is 56. The sum of the last four terms is 112. If its term is 11, then
find the number of terms.

36.

Let S be the sum, P the product and R the sum of reciprocals of n terms in a G.P. Prove that P 2 R n S n .

37.

The pth, qth and rth terms of an A.P. are a, b, c, respectively. Show that (q r )a (r p)b ( p q )c 0

38.

If a

39.

If a, b, c, d are in G.P., prove that (a n b n ),(b n c n ),(c n d n ) are in G.P.

40.

If a and b are the roots of x 2 3 x p 0 and c, d are roots of x 2 12 x q 0. where a, b, c, d form a

G.P. Prove that (q p) : (q p ) 17 :15.

41.

The ratio of the A.M. and G.M. of two positive numbers a and b, is m : n. Show that

1 1
1 1 1 1
, b
, c

a b
b c c a

are in A.P., prove that a, b, c are in A.P.

a : b m m2 n2 : m m2 n2 .
1 1 1
, , are in A.P. prove that a, c, e are in G.P.
c d e

42.

If a, b, c are in A.P.; a, b, c are in G.P. and

43.

Find the sum of the following series up to n terms:

6 .66 .666 ...

44.

Find the sum of the first n terms of the series: 3 7 13 21 31 ...

45.

If S1 , S 2 , S3 are the sum of first n natural numbers, their squares and their cubes, respectively, show that
9S 22 S3 (1 8S1 ).

46.

Find the sum of the following series up to n terms:

47.

Show that:

48.

A person writes a letter to four of his friends. He asks each one of them to copy the letter and mail to four
different persons with instruction that they move the chain similarly. Assuming that the chain is not broken
and that it costs 50 paise to mail one letter. Find the amount spent on the postage when 8th set of letter is
mailed.

49.

150 workers were engaged to finish a job in a certain number of days. 4 workers dropped out on second
day, 4 more workers dropped out on third day and so on. It took 8 more days to finish the work. Find the
number of days in which the work was completed.

13 13 23 13 23 33

...
1 1 3
1 3 5

1 22 2 32 ... n ( n 1) 2 3n 5

.
12 2 22 3 ... n 2 ( n 1) 3n 1

VMC/CBSE Notes

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
50.

Shamshad Ali buys a scooter for Rs 22000. He pays Rs 4000 cash and agrees to pay the balance in annual
installment of Rs 1000 plus 10% interest on the unpaid amount. How much will the scooter cost him?

VMC/CBSE Notes

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes

Explanation
1.

a1 1, a2 a1 2 1 2 3, a3 a2 2 3 2 5,
a4 a3 2 5 2 7, a5 a4 2 7 2 9.
Hence, the first five terms of the sequence are 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. The corresponding series is
1 3 5 7 9 ...

2.

1 a1 a2
an an1 an2 , n 2

a3 a2 a1 1 1 2
a4 a3 a2 2 1 3
a5 a4 a3 3 2 5
a6 a6 a4 5 3 8

For n 1,

3.

an 1 a2 1
1
an
a1 1

For n 2,

an 1 a3 2
2
an
a2 1

For n 3,

an 1 a4 2

an
a3 2

For n 4,

an 1 a5 5

an
a4 3

For n 5,

an 1 a6 8

an
a5 5

am a (m 1)d n,

(1)

an a (n 1)d m

(2)

Solving (1) and (2), we get

(m n)d n m, or d 1,
and

a n m 1

Therefore,

(3)
(4)

a p a ( p 1)d
n m 1 ( p 1)(1) n m p

Hence, the pth term is n m p.

VMC/CBSE Notes

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
4.

Let a1 , a2 and d1 , d 2 be the first terms and common difference of the first and second arithmetic
progression, respectively. According to the given condition, we have
Sum to n terms of first A.P.
3n 8

Sum to n terms of second A.P. 7 n 15

or

n
2a1 n 1 d1
3n 8
2

n
7
n 15
2a2 n 1 d 2
2

or

2a1 n 1 d1
3n 8

2a2 n 1 d 2 7 n 15

Now

12th term of first A.P.

a 11d1
1
th
12 term of second A.P. a2 11d 2

(1)

2a1 22d1
3 23 8

2a2 22d 2 7 23 15

[By putting n 23 in (1)]

a1 11d1
12th term of first A.P.
7
th

a2 11d 2 12 term of second A.P. 16

Therefore

Hence, the required ratio is 7:16.

5.

First term = 2
Let d be the common difference of the A.P.
Therefore, the A.P. is 2, 2 + d, 2 + 2d, 2 + 3d,
Sum of first five terms 10 10d
Sum of next five terms 10 35d
According to the given condition,
10 10d

1
10 35d
4

40 40d 10 35d

30 5d

d 6

a20 a 20 1 d 2 19 6 2 114 112

Thus, the 20th terms of the A.P. is 112.
6.

According to the given information,

p th term a20 a p 1 d
q th term aq a q 1 d

VMC/CBSE Notes

1
q

1
p

(1)
(2)

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
Subtracting (2) from (1), we obtain

p 1 d q 1 d

1 1

q p

p 1 q 1 d

p q d

pq
pq

pq
pq

1
pq

Putting the value of d in (1), we obtain

1 1

pq q

a p 1

1 1 1
1

q q pq pq

S pq

pq
2a
2

pq 1 d

pq 2
1
pq 1

2 pq
pq

1
pq 1
2

1
1 1
1
pq 1 pq
2
2 2
2

1
pq 1
2

Thus, the sum of first pq terms of the A.P. is

7.

1
pq 1 .
2

Let a and b be the first term and the common difference of the A.P. respectively.
Sp

p
2a
2

Sq

q
2a q 1 d
2

p 1 d

According to the given conditions,

p
2a
2

p 1 d

p 2a

q
2a q 1 d
2

p 1 d

VMC/CBSE Notes

q 2a q 1 d

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes

2ap pd p 1 2aq qd q 1

2a p q d p p 1 q q 1 0

2a p q d p 2 p q 2 q 0

2a p q d p q p q

2a p q d p q p q 1 0

2a d p q 1 0

S p q

pq
2a
2

S p q

2a
pq
2a p q 1

2
p q 1

2a
p q 1

p q

(1)

q 1 .d
[From (1)]

pq
2a 2a
2

=0
Thus, the sum of the first ( p q) terms of the A.P. is 0.
8.

Let a1 and d be the first term and the common difference of the A.P. respectively.
Sp

p
2a1
2

2a1 p 1 d

Sq

q
2a1 q 1 d b
2

2a1 q 1 d

Sr

r
2a1 r 1 d c
2

2a1 r 1 d

p 1 d

2a
p

2b
q

2c
r

(1)

(2)

(3)

Subtracting (2) from (1), we obtain

p 1 d q 1 d

VMC/CBSE Notes

2a 2a

p
q

10

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes

d p 1 q 1

2aq 2bq
pq

2 aq bp
pq p q

(4)

Subtracting (3) from (2), we obtain

q 1 d r 1 d

2b 2c

q
r

d q 1 r 1

d q r

2b 2c

q
r

2br 2qc
qr

2 br qc
qr q r

(5)

Equating both the values of d obtained in (4) and (5), we obtain

aq bq
br qc

pq p q qr q r

qr p q aq bq pq p q br qc

r aq bq q r p br qc p q

aqr bpr q r bpr pqc p q

Dividing both sides by pqr, we obtain

a b
q r
p q

b c

q r

p q

a
b
c
q r q r p q p q 0
p
q
r

a
b
c
q r r p p q 0
p
q
r

Thus, the given result is proved.

9.

Let a and b be the first term and the common difference of the A.P. respectively.
According to the given condition,
Sum of m terms m 2
2
Sum of n terms
n

m
2a m 1 d
m2
2
2
n
n
2a n 1 d
2

VMC/CBSE Notes

11

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
2a m 1 d m

2a n 1 d n

(1)

Putting m 2m 1 and n 2n 1 in (1), we obtain

2a (2m 2)d 2m 1

2a (2n 2)d 2n 1

2a ( m 1) d 2m 1

2a ( n 1) d 2n 1

(2)

m th term of A.P. a m 1 d

n th term of A.P. a n 1 d

(3)

From (2) and (3), we obtain

m th term of A.P. 2m 1

n th term of A.P. 2n 1
Thus, the given result is proved.
10.

Let a and b be the first term and the common difference of the A.P. respectively.
am a (m 1)d 164
Sum of n terms, Sn

n
2a n 1 d
2

n
2a nd d 3n 2 5n
2

Here,

(1)

na n 2 .

d
3n 2 5n
2

Comparing the coefficient of n2 on both sides, we obtain

d
3
2

d 6

Comparing the coefficient of n on both sides, we obtain

a

d
5
2

a 3 5

a 8

Therefore, from (1), we obtain

8 ( m 1)6 164

(m 1)6 164 8 156

m 1 26

m 27

VMC/CBSE Notes

12

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
Thus, the value of m is 27.
11.

A.M. of a and b

ab
2

According to the given condition,

ab
an bn
n1 n1
2
a b

12.

(a b) a n1 b n1 2 a n b n

a n ab n1 ba n1 b n 2a n 2b n

ab n1 a n1b a n b n

ab n1 b n a n a n1b

b n1 a b a n1 a b

b n1 a n1

a

b

n 1 0

n 1

n 1

a
1
b

Let A1 , A2 ,... Am be m numbers such that 1, A1 , A2 ,... Am , 31 is an A.P.

Here, a 1, b 31, n m 2

31 1 ( m 2 1)(d )

30 ( m 1) d

30
m 1

(1)

A1 a d
A2 a 2d
A3 a 3d

A7 a 7 d

Am1 a (m 1)d
According to the given condition,
a 7d
5

a m 1 d 9

VMC/CBSE Notes

13

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes

30

5
m 1

9
30
1 m 1

m 1

m 1 7(30)
5

m 1 30(m 1) 9

m 1 210
5

m 1 30m 30 9

m 211 5

31m 29 9

9m 1899 155m 145

1 7

[From (1)]

155m 9m 1899 145

146m 2044

m 14

Thus, the value of m is 14.

13.

The angles of the polygon will form an A.P. with common difference d as 5 and first term a as 120.
It is known that the sum of all angles of a polygon with n sides is 180 (n 2).

14.

Sn 180 n 2

n
2a n 1 d 180
n 2
2

n
240 n 1 5 180 n 2
2

n 240 n 1 5 360 n 2

240n 5n 2 5n 360n 720

5n 2 235n 360n 720 0

5n 2 125n 720 0

n 2 25n 144 0

n 2 16n 9n 144 0

n n 16 9 n 16 0

n 9 n 16 0

n 9 or 16

Let

a
, a, ar be the first three terms of the G.P. Then
r

VMC/CBSE Notes

14

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
a
13
ar a
r
12

(1)

a
a ar 1
r

(2)

From (2), we get a 3 1, i.e., a 1 (considering only real roots)

Substituting a 1 in (1), we have
1
13
1 r
or 12r 2 25r 12 0.
r
12
This is a quadratic in r, solving, we get r
Thus, the three terms of G.P. are:
15.

3
4
or .
4
3

4
3
3
3
4
4
, 1, for r
and , 1, for r
3
4
4
4
3
3

Sn 7 77 777 7777 ... to n terms

7
[9 99 999 9999 ... to n term]
9
7
[(10 1) (102 1) (103 1) (104 1) ...n terms]
9
7
[(10 102 103 ...n terns) (1 1 1 ...n terms)]
9

16.

7 10(10n 1)
7 10(10n 1)

n .

9
9 10 1
9

The given numbers are

Common ratio

2 7
, x, .
7
2

x
7 x

2
2
7

7
7
Also, common ratio
2
x
2x

7 x 7

2
2x

x2

x 1

x 1

2 7
1
2 7

Thus, for x 1, the given numbers will be in G.P.

VMC/CBSE Notes

15

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
17.

Let the G.P. be a, ar , ar 2 , ar 3 ,...

According to the given condition,
a ar ar 2 16 and ar 2 ar 4 ar 5 128

a (1 r r 2 ) 16

(1)

ar 3 (1 r r 2 ) 128

(2)

Dividing equation (2) by (1), we obtain,

r3 8

r2

ar 3 (1 r r 2 ) 128

a(1 r r 2 )
16

Substituting r 2 in (1), we obtain

a (1 2 4) 16

18.

a (7) 16

n
16 2 1 16 n
Sn
2 1
7 2 1
7

16
7

Sn

a r n 1
r 1

Let a be the first term and r be the common ratio of the G.P.
a1 a, a2 ar , a3 ar 2 , a4 ar 3
By the given condition,
a3 a1 9

ar 2 a 9

(1)

a2 a4 18 ar ar 3 18

(2)

From (1) and (2), we obtain

a r 2 1 9

(3)

ar 1 r 2 18

(4)

Dividing (4) by (3), we obtain

ar 1 r 2
a r 1
2

r 2

r 2

18
9

Substituting the value of r in (1), we obtain

4a a 9

3a 9

VMC/CBSE Notes

16

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes

a3

Thus, the first four numbers of the G.P. are 3,3 2 ,3 2 , and 3 2 i.e., 3, 6,12, and 24.
2

19.

Let A be the first term and R be the common ratio of the G.P.
According to the given information,
AR p1 a
AR q1 b
AR r 1 c
a q r b r p c p q
Aqr R ( p1) q r Ar p R q1 r p A pq R r 1 pq
Aq r r p p q R pr pr qr rq r p pq pr p pr q
A0 R 0
1
Thus, the given result is proved.

20.

The first term of the G.P is a and the last term is b.

Therefore, the G.P. is

a, ar , ar 2 , ar 3 , ... ar n1 , where r is the common ratio.

b ar n1

(1)

P Product of n terms
(a )(ar )( ar 2 )...( ar n1 )
(a a ...a)( r r 2 ...r n1 )
a n r 1 2... n1

(2)

Here, 1, 2, n 1 is an A.P.

1 2 ..... n 1

P anr

n 1
2 n 2
2

n n 1
2

n n 1
2

P 2 a 2 n r n n1
a 2 r n1
a ar n1
ab

21.

n 1
2 n 1 1 1
2

G.M. of a and b is

VMC/CBSE Notes

[Using (1)]
ab .

17

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
By the given condition,

a n1 b n1
ab
a n bn

Squaring both sides, we obtain

a
a

n 1

22.

b n1
bn

ab

a 2 n 2 2a n1b n1 b 2 n 2 ab a 2 n 2a nb n b 2 n

a 2 n 2 2a n1b n1 b 2 n 2 a 2 n1b 2a n1b n1 ab 2 n1

a 2 n 2 b 2 n 2 a 2 n1b ab 2 n1

a 2 n 2 a 2 n1b ab 2 n1 b 2 n1

a 2 n1 a b b 2 n1 a b

a

b

2n 1 0

2 n 1

1
2

Let the two numbers be a and b.

G.M. ab
According to the given condition,
a b 6 ab

(1)

a b

36 ab

a b

a b 4ab 36ab 4ab 32ab

2

a b 32 ab

4 2 ab

(2)

Adding (1) and (2), we obtain

2a 6 4 2

ab

a 3 2 2

ab

Substituting the value of a in (1), we obtain

b 6 ab 3 2 2

b 3 2 2

VMC/CBSE Notes

ab

ab

18

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes

3 2 2
a

b
3 2 2

ab
ab

3 2 2
3 2 2

Thus, the required ratio is 3 2 2 : 3 2 2 .

23.

It is given that A and G are A.M. and G.M. between two positive numbers. Let these two positive numbers
be a and b.

AM A

ab
2

(1)

GM G ab

(2)

From (1) and (2), we obtain

a b 2A

(3)

ab G 2

(4)

Substituting the value of a and b from (3) and (4) in the identity a b a b 4ab, we obtain
2

a b

a b

4 A2 4G 2 4 A2 G 2
4 A G A G

a b 2 A G A G

(5)

From (3) and (5), we obtain

2a 2 A 2

a A

A G A G
A G A G

Substituting the value of a in (3), we obtain

b 2A A

A G A G

Thus, the two numbers are A

24.

A G A G

A G A G .

Let the root of the quadratic equation be a and b.

According to the given condition,
A.M .

ab
8 a b 16
2

G.M . ab 5 ab 25

(1)
(2)

The quadratic equation is given by,

x 2 x (Sum of roots) + (Product of roots) = 0
x 2 x a b ab 0
x 2 16 x 25 0 [Using (1) and (2)]

VMC/CBSE Notes

19

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
Thus, the required quadratic equation is x 2 16 x 25 0
25.

Sn 5 11 19 29 ... an1 an
Or

Sn 5 11 19 ... an2 an1 an

On subtraction, we get
0 5 6 8 10 12 ... n 1 terms an

n 1 12 n 2

an 5

Or

5 n 1 n 4 n 2 3n 1
n

k 1

k 1

k 1

2
2
Hence Sn ak k 3k 1 k 3 k n

26.

n n 1 2n 1 3n n 1
n n 2 n 4

n
6
2
3

The given series is 1 2 3 2 3 2 3 4 3 4 5 ...n th term, an n n 1 n 2

n2 n n 2
n3 3n 2 2n

Sn ak
k 1

k 1

k 1

k 1

k 3 3 k 2 2 k
n n 1

n n 1

3n n 1 2n 1 2n n 1

6
2

n n 1 2n 1
n n 1
2

n n 1 n n 1

2n 1 2

2
2

n n 1 n 2 n 4n 6

2
2

n n 1 2
n 5n 6
4

n n 1 2
n 2n 3n 6
4

n n 1 n n 2 3 n 2
4

VMC/CBSE Notes

20

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes

27.

n n 1 n 2 n 3
4

2
3
2
The given series is 3 12 5 22 7 32 ...n th term, an 2n 1 n 2n n

k 1

k 1

k 1

k 1

Sn ak 2k 3 k 2 2 k 3 k 2
n n 1

n n 1 2n 1
6

n 2 n 1
n n 1 2n 1

2
6

n n 1
2

n n 1 3n 2 3n 2n 1

2
3

n n 1 3n 2 5n 1

2
3

28.

n n 1

2n 1
3

n n 1 3n 2 5n 1
6

2
2
2
2
2
3
2
2
3
2
The given series is 1 1 2 1 2 3 ...an 1 2 3 ... n

n n 1 2n 1
6
n 2n 2 3n 1
6

23 3n 2 n
6

1
1
1
n3 n 2 n
3
2
6

Sn ak

1 3 1 2 1
k k k
2
6
k 1 3
n

k 1

1 n 3 1 n 2 1 n
k k
k 2
3 k 1
6 k 1
k 1

2
1 n n 1
1 n n 1 2n 1 1 n n 1

2
3 2
2
6
6
2
2

n n 1 n n 1 2n 1 1

6
2
2
2

VMC/CBSE Notes

21

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes

n n 1 n 2 n 2n 1 1

6
2

n n 1 n 2 n 2n 2

6
2

n n 1 n n 1 2 n 1

6
2

n n 1 n 1 n 2

6
2

n n 1 n 2
12
2

29.

Let a x b y c z k Then
a k x , bk k y and c k z .

(1)

Since a, b, c are in G.P., therefore,

b 2 ac

(2)

Using (1) in (2), we get

k 2 y k x z , which gives 2 y x z.
Hence, x, y and z are in A.P.
30.

Let a and b be the first term and the common difference of the A.P. respectively.
It is known that the kth term of an A.P. is given by
ak a k 1 d

amn a m n 1 d
amn a m n 1 d
am a m 1 d

amm amn a m n 1 d a m n 1 d
2a m n 1 m n 1 d
2a 2m 2 d
2a 2 m 1 d
2 a m 1 d
2am

VMC/CBSE Notes

22

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
Thus, the sum of m n
31.

th

and m n

th

terms of an A.P. is equal to twice the mth term.

Let a and b be the first term and the common difference of the A.P. respectively.
Therefore,
S1

n
2a n 1 d
2

S2

2n
2a 2n 1 d n 2a
2

S3

3n
2a 3n 1 d
2

(1)

2n 1 d

... (2)
(3)

From (1) and (2), we obtain

n
S2 S1 n 2a 2n 1 d 2a n 1 d
2
4a 4nd 2d 2a nd d

2a 3nd d

32.

n
2a 3n 1 d
2

3 S 2 S1

3n
2a 3n 1 d
2

S3

[From (3)]

The integers from 1 to 100, which are divisible by 2, are 2, 4, 6 100.

This forms an A.P. with both the first term and common difference equal to 2.
100 2 n 1 2

n 50

2 4 6 ... 100

50
2 2 50 1 2
2
50
4 98
2

25 102
2550
The integers from 1 to 100, which are divisible by 5, are 5, 10 100.
This forms an A.P. with both the first term and common difference equal to 5.

100 5 n 1 5

5n 100

VMC/CBSE Notes

23

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes

n 20

5 10 ... 100

20
2 5 20 1 5
2

10 10 19 5
10 10 95 10 105
1050
The integers, which are divisible by both 2 and 5, are 10, 20, 100.
This also forms an A.P. with both the first term and common difference equal to 10.

100 10 n 1 10

100 10n

n 10

10 20 ... 100

10
2 10 10 1 10
2

5 20 90 5 110 550

Required sum 2250 1050 550 3050

Thus, the sum of the integers from 1 to 100, which are divisible by 2 or 5, is 3050.
33.

Let the three numbers in G.P. be a, ar, and ar2.

From the given condition, a ar ar 2 56

a 1 r r 2 56

(1)

a 1, ar 7, ar 2 21 forms an A.P.

ar 7 a 1 ar 2 21 ar 7

ar a 6 ar 2 ar 14

ar 2 2ar a 8

ar 2 ar ar a 8

a r 2 1 2r 8

a r 1 8

7 r 2 2r 1 1 r r 2

7r 2 14r 7 1 r r 2 0

6r 2 15r 6 0

6r 2 12r 3r 6 0

6r r 2 3 r 2 0

VMC/CBSE Notes

(2)

24

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes

6r 3 r 2 0

When r 2, a 8
When
Therefore, when r 2, the three numbers in G.P. are 8, 16, and 32.
1
When r , the three numbers in G.P. are 32, 16, and 8.
2
Thus, in either case, the three required numbers are 8, 16, and 32.
34.

Let the G.P. be T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 ,...T2 n .

Number of terms 2n
According to the given condition,
T1 T2 T3 ... T2 n 5 T1 T3 ... T2 n1

T1 T2 T3 ... T2 n 5 T1 T3 ... T2 n 1 0

T2 T4 ... T2 n 4 T1 T3 ... T2 n1

Let the G.P. be a, ar , ar 2 , ar 3 ,...

ar r n 1

ar 4a

r4

r 1

4 a r n 1
r 1

Thus, the common ratio of the G.P. is 4.

35.

Let the A.P. be a, a d , a 2d , a 3d ,... a n 2 d , a n 1 d .

Sum of first four terms a a d a 2d a 3d 4a 6d
Sum of last four terms a n 4 d a n 3 d

a n 2 d

n 1 d

4a 4n 10 d
According to the given condition, 4a 6d 56

4 11 6d 56 [Since a 11 (given)]

6d 12 d 2

4a 4n 10 d 112

4 11 4n 10 2 112

4n 10 2 68

4n 10 34

4n 44

VMC/CBSE Notes

25

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes

n 11

Thus, the number of terms of the A.P. is 11.

36.

Let the G.P. be a, ar , ar 2 , ar 3 ,... ar n1...

According to the given information,
S

a r n 1

anr
R

P a n r 1 2...n1

r 1

n n 1
2

n 1

Sum of first n natural numbers in n

1 1
1
... n1
a ar
ar
1 r n 1

r 1

1
ar n1

r n1 r n2 ... r 1
ar n1

Q 1, r ,... r n1 forms a G.P.

r n 1
ar r 1
n 3

2 n n n 1

P R a r
2

a n r n n1 r 1

a n r n 1

r 1

a r n 1

r 1

Sn
Hence, P 2 R n S n

37.

a p A p 1 D a
aq A q 1 D b
ar A r 1 D c
LHS q r a r p b p q c
q r A

p 1 D r

p A
q 1 D

p q A r 1 D

q r A q r p 1 D r p A r p q 1 D p q A p q r 1 D
A q r r p p q D qp q rp r rq r pq p pr p qr q
0 RHS
38.

1 1
1 1 1 1
, b
, c

a b
b c c a

VMC/CBSE Notes

are in A.P.

26

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
a a b b c c
, , are in A.P.
b c c a a b
Adding 1 to each term,
c c
a a b b
1 , 1 are in A.P
1 ,
a b
b c c a
bc ac
ac ab bc ab bc ca

ab

,
,

bc
ca
ab

Multiply each term by
39.

are in A.P

abc
, we get a, b, c are in A.P.
ab bc ca

It is given that a and b are the roots of x2 3x + p = 0

a + b = 3 and ab = p

(1)

Also, c and d are the roots of

c + d = 12 and cd = q

(2)

It is given that a, b, c, d are in G.P.

Let a = x, b = xr, c = xr2, d = xr3
From (1) and (2), we obtain
x + xr = 3

x (1 + r) = 3
xr2 + xr3 =12

xr2 (1 + r) = 12

On dividing, we obtain
xr 2 1 r
x1 r

r2 4

r 4

12
3

When r 2, x

3
3
1
1 2 3

When r 2, x

3
3

3
1 2 1

Case I:
When r = 2 and x =1,
ab = x2r = 2
cd = x2r5 = 32

q p 32 2 34 17

q p 32 2 30 15

VMC/CBSE Notes

27

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
i.e., q p : q p 17 :15
Case II:
When r = 2, x = 3,
ab = x2r = 18
cd = x2r5 = 288
q p 288 18 306 17

q p 288 18 270 15

i.e., q p : q p 17 :15
Thus, in both the cases, we obtain (q + p): (q p) = 17:15
40.

It is given that a, b, c are in A.P.

ba cb

(1)

It is given that b, c, d , are in G.P.

c 2 bd

Also

1 1 1
, , are in A.P.
c d c

(2)

1 1 1 1 2 1 1
,

d c e d d c e

(3)

It has to be proved that a, b, e are in G.P. i.e., c 2 ae

From (1), we obtain
2b a c

ac
2

From (2), we obtain

d

c2
b

Substituting these values in (3), we obtain

2b 1 1

c2 c e

2 a c
2c

1 1

c e

ac ec

c2
ce

ac ec

c
e

a c e e c c

ae ce ec c 2

VMC/CBSE Notes

28

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes

c 2 ae

Thus, a, c, and e are in G.P.

41.

Let Sn 06. 0.66 0.666 ... to n terms

6 0.1 0.11 0.111 ... to n terms

6
0.9 0.99 0.999 ...to n terms
9

6

9

1
1
10

1
1
1 3 ...to n terms

2
10

10

2
1
1
1

1 1 ... n terms 1 2 ...n terms

3
10
10 10

10
1
1
10

2
1
n
3
10

2
2 10
n 1 10 n
3
30 9
2
2
n 1 10 n
3
27
42.

The given series is 3 7 13 21 31 ...

S 3 7 13 21 31 ... an 1 an
S 3 7 13 21 ... an 2 an 1 an
On subtracting both the equations, we obtain
S S 3 7 13 21 31 ... an 1 an

3 7
13 21 31 ... an1

a n

S S 3 7 3 13 7 21 13 ... an an 1 an
0 3 4 6 8 ... n 1 terms an
an 3 4 6 8 ... n 1 terms

n 1
2 4 n 1 1 2
2

an 3

n 1
8
2

3
3

n 1
2

VMC/CBSE Notes

n 2 2

2n 4
29

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
3 n 1 n 2
3 n2 n 2
n2 n 1

k 1

k 1

k 1

k 1

ak k 2 k 1

n n 1 2n 1
6

n n 1
2

n 1 2n 1 3 n 1 6

2n 2 3n 1 3n 3 6

2n 2 6n 10

n 2
n 3n 5
3

If S1 , S 2 , S3 are the sum of first n natural numbers, their squares and their cubes, respectively, show that
9S 22 S3 1 8S1 .
43.

S1

n n 1
2

S3

n 2 n 1
4

n 2 n 1
8n n 1
Here, S3 1 8S1
1

4
2

n 2 n 1
1 4n 2 4n

4
2

n 2 n 1
4

2n 1

n n 1 2n 1

4
n n 1 2n 1
Also, 9S 9
2
6

(1)

2
2

9
n n 1 2n 1
36

VMC/CBSE Notes

30

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
n n 1 2n 1

(2)

2
Thus, from (1) and (2), we obtain 9S 2 S3 1 8S1

n n 1

th
3
3
3
3
The n term of the given series is 1 2 3 ... n
2

1 3 5 ... 2n 1 1 3 5 ... 2 n 1
2

46.

Here, 1,3,5,...(2n 1) is an A.P. with first term a, last term 2n 1 and number of terms as n
n
2 1 n 1 2
2

1 3 5 ... 2n 1

n 2 n 1
n 1 1 n2 1 n 1
an

2
4n
4
4
2
4

Sn ak

n2

1
1 2 1
K K
2
4
k 1 4

k 1

1 n n 1 2n 1 1 n n 1 1

n
4
6
2
2
4

n n 1 2n 1 6 n 1 6

24

n 2n 2 3n 1 6n 6 6
24
n 2n 2 9n 13
24

1 22 2 32 ... n n 1
3n 5

2
2
2
1 2 2 3 ... n n 1 3n 1
2

47.

Show that:

nth term of the numerator n n 1 n3 2n 2 n

2

2
3
2
nth term of the denominator n n 1 n n
n

1 2 2 3 ... n n 1

12 2 22 3 ... n 2 n 1
2

a
K 1
n

a
K 1

Here,

K
K 1

K
K 1

2K 2 K

K 1

(1)

2K 2 K

n 2 n 1
2n n 1 2n 1 n n 1

4
6
2
2

VMC/CBSE Notes

31

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes

Also,

n n 1 n n 1 2

2n 1 1

2
2
3

n n 1 3n 2 3n 8n 4 6

2
6

n n 1
3n 2 11n 10
12

n n 1
3n 2 6n 5n 10
12

n n 1
3n n 2 5 n 2
12

n n 1 n 2 3n 5
12
n

K 1

(2)

n 2 n 1
n n 1 2n 1

4
6
2

n n 1 n n 1 2n 1

2
2
3

n n 1 3n 2 3n 4n 2

2
6

n n 1
3n 2 7 n 2
12

n n 1
3n 2 6n n 2
12

n n 1
3n n 2 1 n 2
12

n n 1 n 2 3n 1
12

From (1), (2), and (3), we obtain

n n 1 n 2 3n 5
2
1 22 2 32 ... n n 1
12

12 2 22 3 ... n 2 n 1 n n 1 n 2 3n 1
12

48.

n n 1 n 2 3n 5 3n 5

n n 1 n 2 3n 1 3n 1

The numbers of letters mailed forms a G.P. : 4, 42, 48

First term = 4
Common ratio = 4

VMC/CBSE Notes

32

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
Number of terms = 8
It is known that the sum of n terms of a G.P. is given by
Sn

a r n 1
r 1

S8

4 48 1
4 1

4 65536 1 4 65535

4 21845 87380
3
3

It is given that the cost to mail one letter is 50 paisa.

Cost of mailing 87380 letters Rs 87380

50
Rs 43690
100

Thus, the amount spent when 8th set of letter is mailed is Rs 43690.
49.

Let x be the number of days in which 150 workers finish the work.
According to the given information,
150x = 150 + 146 + 142 + . (x + 8) terms
The series 150 + 146 + 142 + . (x + 8) terms is an A.P. with first term 146, common difference 4 and
number of terms as (x + 8)
150 x

x 8
2 150 x 8 1 4
2

150 x x 8 150

x 7 2

150 x x 8 150 2 x 14
150 x x 8 136 2 x

75 x x 8 68 x

75 x 68 x x 2 544 8 x

x 2 75 x 60 x 544 0

x 2 15 x 544 0

x 2 32 x 17 x 544 0

x x 32 17 x 32 0

x 17 x 32 0

x 17 or x 32

However, x cannot be negative.

x = 17

Therefore, originally, the number of days in which the work was completed is 17.
Thus, required number of days = (17 + 8) = 25
50.

It is given that Shamshad Ali buys a scooter for Rs 22000 and pays Rs 4000 in cash.

Unpaid amount = Rs 22000 Rs 4000 = Rs 18000

VMC/CBSE Notes

33

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
According to the given condition, the interest paid annually is
10% of 18000, 10% of 17000, 10% of 16000 10% of 1000
Thus, total interest to be paid = 10% of 18000 + 10% of 17000 + 10% of 16000 + + 10% of 1000
= 10% of (18000 + 17000 + 16000 + + 1000)
= 10% of (1000 + 2000 + 3000 + + 18000)
Here, 1000, 2000, 3000 18000 forms an A.P. with first term and common difference both equal to 1000.
Let the number of terms be n.

18000 = 1000 + (n 1) (1000)

n = 18

1000 2000 .... 18000

18
2 1000 18 1 1000
2

9 2000 17000
171000

Total interest paid = 10% of (18000 + 17000 + 16000 + + 1000)

= 10% of Rs 171000 = Rs 17100

Cost of scooter = Rs 22000 + Rs 17100 = Rs 39100

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1.

The first term of an A.P. is a, the second term is b and the last term is c. Show that the sum of the A.P. is

b c 2a c a
2 b a
2.

The pth term of an A.P. is a and qth term is b. Prove that the sum of its (p + q) terms is

VMC/CBSE Notes

34

pq
a b
ab
2
p q

11th_Sequences And
Series

Vidyamandir Classes
3.

If there are (2n + 1) terms in an A.P., then prove that the ratio of the sum of odd terms and the sum of even
terms is (n + 1) : n

4.

Show that (x2 + xy + y2), (z2 + xz + x2) and (y2 + yz + z2) are consecutive terms of an A.P., if x, y and z are in
A.P.

5.

If the sum of m terms of an A.P. is equal to the sum of either the next n terms or the next p terms, then
1

prove that m n
6.

1
1 1

m p
p
m n

The first term of an A.P.is a, and the sum of the first p terms is zero, show that the sum of its next q terms
is

a p q q
p 1
1
pq

7.

p
If the p and q terms of a G.P. are q and p respectively, show that its (p + q) term is q q
p

8.

If A is the arithmetic mean and G1, G2 be two geometric means between any two numbers, then prove that

th

2A

th

th

G12 G22

.
G2 G1

9.

If pth, qth, and rth terms of an A.P. and G.P. are both a, b and c respectively, show that a bc . bc a . c a b 1

10.

If a1, a2, a3, ..., an are in A.P., where ai > 0 for all i, show that
1
2
1
n 1

...

a1 a2
a2 a3
an1 an
a1 an

VMC/CBSE Notes

35

11th_Sequences And
Series