01 If (a_8=66) and (a=17), what is (d)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. \(7\)
Explanation: In an arithmetic progression, \(a_n=a+(n-1)d\). Therefore, \(a_8=a+7d\). Substituting the given values gives \(66=17+7d\), so \(7d=49\) and \(d=7\). Hence, option C is correct. If \(d=8\), the eighth term would be \(17+7\times8=73\), not 66. Exam tip: use \(n-1\), not \(n\), in the formula for the \(n\)th term.