If the sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic progression is S_n = 6n² − 5n, what is the 18th term?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: 205
The correct answer is C, 205. For any sequence, the nth term can be obtained from consecutive partial sums: a_n = S_n − S_(n−1). Here, S_18 = 6(18²) − 5(18) = 6(324) − 90 = 1944 − 90 = 1854. Similarly, S_17 = 6(17²) − 5(17) = 6(289) − 85 = 1734 − 85 = 1649. Therefore a_18 = S_18 − S_17 = 1854 − 1649 = 205. The other options result from arithmetic or substitution errors, such as using the wrong preceding sum or mishandling the negative linear term.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
205
Why is this the correct answer?
The correct answer is C, 205. For any sequence, the nth term can be obtained from consecutive partial sums: a_n = S_n − S_(n−1). Here, S_18 = 6(18²) − 5(18) = 6(324) − 90 = 1944 − 90 = 1854. Similarly, S_17 = 6(17²) − 5(17) = 6(289) − 85 = 1734 − 85 = 1649. Therefore a_18 = S_18 − S_17 = 1854 − 1649 = 205. The other options result from arithmetic or substitution errors, such as using the wrong preceding sum or mishandling the negative linear term.
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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