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Arithmetic Progression Questions

Arithmetic Progression Questions

One of the most crucial concepts for pupils in Class 10 is Arithmetic Progression (AP). It basically establishes the foundation for comprehending sequences, patterns, and series and is a rather fundamental idea in mathematics. In addition to improving students' problem-solving abilities, completing arithmetic progression problems gets them ready for more complex mathematical ideas in the future. 

Here are the Arithmetic Progression problems to help students better comprehend the subject. The questions provided here will cover both fundamental and advanced topics, catering to students of all levels. Let's start with the basics, then go on to a few arithmetic progression answers to questions to help you comprehend.

1.0What is an Arithmetic Progression (AP)?

An AP or Arithmetic Progression is a sequence of nos in which each term after the 1st is obtained by adding a constant difference, known as the common difference (d), to the preceding term. The general form of an AP is:

a, a + d, a + 2d, a + 3d,… 

Here:

  • A is the first term.
  • d is the common difference.
  • n is the number of terms.
  • Tn represents the nth term.

To find the nth term = Tn = A+(n-1)d

  • Sn represents the Sum of n terms.

To find the sum of n terms = Sn = n/2 × [2a + (n−1)d]

Sequences, Series and Progressions

  • A list of numbers in a certain order, whether finite or infinite, is called a sequence. For instance, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6… is an infinite sequence of natural numbers.
  • A series consists of the sum of elements in the related sequence. For instance, 1+ 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + …. is the sequence of natural nos. Each number in a sequence or a series is called a term.
  • A series in which a general term may be represented by a mathematical formula is called a progression.

2.0Why Study Arithmetic Progressions in Class 10?

In Class 10, arithmetic progressions are studied to help you identify and organise patterns in numbers or objects for use in everyday life and in maths. It increases self-assurance and problem-solving abilities. Understanding mathematical progressions is crucial for the following reasons:

  • Real-World Applications: Arithmetic progressions may be used to describe systematic events or time periods, such as the distance of one hour from the next.
  • Interconnected Learning: Solving problems from other maths chapters requires a comprehension of arithmetic progressions.
  • Formula-Based Approach: Much of this question-based material depends on formulas and is, therefore, imperative to understand for dealing with more complex questions.
  • Familiarity: The concepts build on patterns introduced in primary school, making the content easier to relate to.
  • Improves Reasoning: Studying AP fosters logical reasoning and analytical thinking, which are key skills in maths.

By mastering these concepts, students gain a solid foundation for advanced topics while applying them to real-world scenarios.

3.0Common Types of AP Problems

  • Finding the nth Term: Questions typically ask for the value of a specific term in an AP sequence using the Tn formula.
  • Summation Problems: These problems require calculating the sum of a given number of terms.
  • Identifying the Sequence: Given certain conditions, students might be asked to construct an AP or determine a and d.

4.0Arithmetic Progression Solved Questions

Here are some arithmetic progression solved questions to guide you:

Question 1: The 7th term of an AP is -39/12 and the 15th term is -103/12. What is the 27th term?

Solution: a + 6d = -39/12 - - -(1)

a + 14d = -103/12 - - -(2)

Subtract equations (1) and (2)

a +14d - (a + 6d) = -103/12 - (-39/12)

8d = (-103+39)/12

8d = (-64)/12

d = [(-64)/12] × (1/8)

d = (-8/12)

d = (-2/3)

Substitute d = (-2/3) in equation (1) or (2) , substituting in equation (1)

a + 6d = (-39/12)

a + 6 (-2/3) = (-39/12)

a + (-4) = (-39/12)

a - 4 = (-39/12)

a = (-39/12) + 4

a = (-39+48) /12

a = 9/12=3/4

The 27 th term = a + 26d

27th term = (3/4) + 26(-2/3)

27th term = (3/4) - (52/3)

27 th term = (9–208) /12

27 th term = 199/12

Answer: The 27th term is 199/12.

Question 2: The first term of an AP is 7 and the common difference is 3. Find the 15th Term of an AP.

Given: a = 7, d = 3 

Solution: Using the formula T= a + (n−1)d:

T15 = 7 + (15−1)×3 

T15 ​= 7 + 42 = 49

Answer: The 15th term is 49.


Question 3: For what value of n, nth terms of the two Arithmetic Progressions (A.P.'s) 63, 65, 67,... and 3, 10, 17,.... will be equal ?

Solution: The formula for nth term of an AP is aₙ = a + (n - 1) d

Here, aₙ is the nth term, a is the first term, d is the common difference and n is the number of terms.

Let the nth term of the two APs be aₙ and aₙ'

Given that the nth term of the two APs are equal.

In first AP 63, 65, 67, . . ., a = 63 , d = 65 - 63 = 2

and in second AP 3, 10, 17, . . ., a = 3, d = 10 - 3 = 7 

Then,

aₙ = aₙ'

63 + (n - 1) 2 = 3 + (n - 1) 7......... equation (1)

By Simplifying equation (1)

7(n - 1) - 2(n - 1) = 63 - 3

7n - 7 - 2n + 2 = 60

5n - 5 = 60

n = 65/5

n = 13

Answer: The 13th term of the two given APs are equal.

Question 4: Determine the AP whose third term is 16 and the 7th term exceeds the 5th term by 12.

Solution: aₙ = a + (n - 1)d is the nth term of  an AP, where aₙ is the nth term, a is the first term, d is a common difference and n is the number of terms.

Let a be the first term and d the common difference.

According to the question, a₃ = 16 and a₇ - a₅ = 12

a + (3 - 1) d = 16

a + 2d = 16 ... equation(1)

Using a₇ - a₅ = 12

[a + (7 - 1) d] - [a + (5 - 1) d] = 12

[a + 6d] - [a + 4d] = 12

2d = 12

d = 6

By substituting this in equation (1), we obtain

a + 2 × 6 = 16

a + 12 = 16

a = 4

Therefore, A.P. will be 4, 4 + 6, 4 + 2 × 6, 4 + 3 × 6, ...

Answer: The sequence will be 4, 10, 16, 22, ...

5.0Properties of Arithmetic Progressions (AP)

  1. A new sequence is produced by adding or deleting the same number from each term of an AP; this sequence is also an AP with the same common difference.
  2. If the same non-zero value is multiplied or divided by each term of an AP, it remains an AP.
  3. Three numbers, x, y, and z, are in AP if 2y = x+z.
  4. A sequence qualifies as an AP if its nth term can be expressed as a linear equation.
  5. Selecting terms at regular intervals from an AP will result in another sequence that is also an AP.

6.0Tips for Tackling Arithmetic Progression Questions

  1. Understand the Problem: Read the question carefully to identify a, d, and n.
  2. Use Formulas Wisely: Ensure you’re applying the correct formula for Tn or Sn.
  3. Practice Regularly: Solving more problems will build confidence and precision.

By mastering class 10 arithmetic progression questions, students can approach their exams with greater confidence. Whether solving basic sequences or real-world problems, arithmetic progression remains a vital mathematical tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

AP is used in scheduling events, financial planning, and understanding patterns like population growth or evenly spaced time intervals.

Since many maths topics are related through the principles of arithmetic progressions, mastering APs can make problems in other chapters, such as word problems, sequences, and series, easier.

The nth term of an AP can be found using the formula Tn = a+ (n−1) × d, where a is the 1st term and d is the common difference.

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