If an denotes the nth term of the AP 2, 7, 12, 17, ..., find the value of (a30 – a20).
Here, First term = a = 2
Common difference = d = 7 - 2 = 5
To find: a30 – a20
So, nth term is given by:
an = a + (n - 1)d
∴ 30th term is:
a30 = 2 + (30 - 1) × 5
= 2 + 145
= 147
Now, 20th term is:
a20 = 2 + (20 - 1) × 5
= 2 + 95
= 97
Now, (a30 – a20) = 147 - 97
= 50
∴ (a30 – a20) = 50