The sum of the first n terms of an AP is given by Sn = (3n2 - n) . Find its
(i) nth term,
(ii) first term and
(iii) Common difference.
(i) Let an be the nth term of the AP.
To find: an
Then an =Sn - Sn - 1
= (3n2 - n) - (3(n - 1)2 - (n - 1))
= (3n2 - n) - (3n2 + 3 - 6n - n + 1)
= 6n - 4
(ii) Since an = 6n - 4
∴ For first term, n = 1
By putting n = 1 in the nth term, we get,
a1 = 6(1) - 4
= 2
∴ a = 2
(iii) Put n = 2 in the nth term, we get
a2 = 6 × (2) - 4
= 12 - 4
= 8
Now common difference = d = a2 - a1
= 8 - 2
= 6
∴ Common difference = 6