If (S_{5p}=5050), what is the value of (p)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: 20
The sum of the first n natural numbers is \(S_n=\frac{n(n+1)}{2}\). From \(S_{5p}=5050\), we get \(\frac{5p(5p+1)}{2}=5050\). Since \(\frac{100\times101}{2}=5050\), \(5p=100\), so \(p=20\). If p were 18, the index would be 90, whose sum is not 5050. Exam tip: recognise 5050 as half the product of two consecutive numbers first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
20
Why is this the correct answer?
The sum of the first n natural numbers is \(S_n=\frac{n(n+1)}{2}\). From \(S_{5p}=5050\), we get \(\frac{5p(5p+1)}{2}=5050\). Since \(\frac{100\times101}{2}=5050\), \(5p=100\), so \(p=20\). If p were 18, the index would be 90, whose sum is not 5050. Exam tip: recognise 5050 as half the product of two consecutive numbers first.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 9 Mathematics question. Chapter: Sequences and Progressions. Topic: Sum of first n natural numbers.
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