Question

How many terms of the AP: –15, –13, –11,... are needed to make the sum –55? Explain the reason for double answer.

Answer 1

Let n number of terms are needed to make the sum –55

Here, first term (a) = –15,

Common difference (d) = –13 + 15 = 2

∵ Sum of n terms of an AP,

S_n = `n/2[2a + (n - 1)d]`

⇒ –55 = `n/2[2(-15) + (n - 1)2]`  ...[∵ S_n = –55 (Given)]

⇒ –55 = –15n + n(n – 1)

⇒ n² – 16n + 55 = 0

⇒ n² – 11n – 5n + 55 = 0   ...[By factorisation method]

⇒ n(n – 11) – 5(n – 11) = 0

⇒ (n – 11)(n – 5) = 0

∴ n = 5, 11

Hence, either 5 or 11 terms are needed to make the sum –55 when n = 5,

AP will be –15, –13, –11, –9, –7,

So, resulting sum will be –55 because all terms are negative.

When n = 11,

AP will be –15, –13, –11, –9, –7, –5, –3, –1, 1, 3, 5

So resulting sum will be –55 because the sum of terms 6^th to 11^th is zero.