The first term of an AP is (x), and the common difference is (x+2). If the sum of the first (10) terms is (365), what is the value of (x)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: \(5\)
Here, the first term is \(a=x\), the common difference is \(d=x+2\), and \(n=10\). Using \(S_n=\frac{n}{2}[2a+(n-1)d]\), we get \(365=\frac{10}{2}[2x+9(x+2)]\). Thus, \(365=5(11x+18)=55x+90\), so \(x=5\). Substituting \(x=6\) gives a sum of \(420\), so it is incorrect despite being the closest distractor. Exam tip: In AP questions involving variables, identify \(a\), \(d\), and \(n\) before applying the formula.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
\(5\)
Why is this the correct answer?
Here, the first term is \(a=x\), the common difference is \(d=x+2\), and \(n=10\). Using \(S_n=\frac{n}{2}[2a+(n-1)d]\), we get \(365=\frac{10}{2}[2x+9(x+2)]\). Thus, \(365=5(11x+18)=55x+90\), so \(x=5\). Substituting \(x=6\) gives a sum of \(420\), so it is incorrect despite being the closest distractor. Exam tip: In AP questions involving variables, identify \(a\), \(d\), and \(n\) before applying the formula.
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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