If an arithmetic progression has first term \(a\), common difference \(d\), and \(n\) terms, which formula correctly gives the sum \(S_n\) of its first \(n\) terms?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: \(S_n=\frac{n}{2}[2a+(n-1)d]\)
The last term is \(l=a+(n-1)d\). Substituting it in \(S_n=\frac{n}{2}(a+l)\) gives option A. Option B gives only the last term, not the sum. Exam tip: check the \((n-1)d\) factor carefully.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
\(S_n=\frac{n}{2}[2a+(n-1)d]\)
Why is this the correct answer?
The last term is \(l=a+(n-1)d\). Substituting it in \(S_n=\frac{n}{2}(a+l)\) gives option A. Option B gives only the last term, not the sum. Exam tip: check the \((n-1)d\) factor carefully.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Mathematics question. Chapter: Arithmetic Progressions (AP). Topic: Finding the sum of the first $n$ terms of an AP.
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