Divide 24 in three parts such that they are in AP and their product is 440.
Let 24 be divided in numbers which are in AP as (a - d), a, (a + d).
Now, sum of the numbers = 24
∴ (a - d) + a + (a + d) = 24
⇒ 3a = 24
⇒ a = 8
Now, product of the numbers = 440
⇒ (a - d) × a × (a + d) = 440
⇒ a3 - ad2 = 440
Put the value of a, we get,
512 - 8d2 = 440
⇒ 8d2 = 512 - 440 = 72
d2 = 9
d = � 3
∴ If d = 3, then the numbers are 5, 8, 11.
If d = - 3, then the numbers are 11, 8, 5.