In an AP .Given an = 4, d = 2, Sn = − 14, find n and a.
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Solution
Given that, an = 4, d = 2, Sn = −14
an = a + (n − 1)d
4 = a + (n − 1)2
4 = a + 2n − 2
a + 2n = 6
a = 6 − 2n (i)
`S_n = n/2[a+a_n]`
`-14=n/2[a+4]`
−28 = n (a + 4)
−28 = n (6 − 2n + 4) {From equation (i)}
−28 = n (− 2n + 10)
−28 = − 2n2 + 10n
2n2 − 10n − 28 = 0
n2 − 5n −14 = 0
n2 − 7n + 2n − 14 = 0
n (n − 7) + 2(n − 7) = 0
(n − 7) (n + 2) = 0
Either n − 7 = 0 or n + 2 = 0
n = 7 or n = −2
However, n can neither be negative nor fractional.
Therefore, n = 7
From equation (i), we obtain
a = 6 − 2n
a = 6 − 2(7)
= 6 − 14
= −8
Concept: Sum of First n Terms of an AP
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