Which formula correctly represents the sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic progression, where the first term is a and the common difference is d?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: \(S_n=\frac{n}{2}[2a+(n-1)d]\)
The sum of the first n AP terms is \(S_n=\frac{n}{2}[2a+(n-1)d]\). It also equals \(\frac{n}{2}(a+l)\), where \(l=a+(n-1)d\). Option B gives only the nth term. Exam tip: distinguish the sum formula from the nth-term formula.
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 sum of the first n AP terms is \(S_n=\frac{n}{2}[2a+(n-1)d]\). It also equals \(\frac{n}{2}(a+l)\), where \(l=a+(n-1)d\). Option B gives only the nth term. Exam tip: distinguish the sum formula from the nth-term 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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