The sum of first n terms of an AP is (3n2 + 6n). The common difference of the AP is
Let Sn denotes the sum of first n terms of an AP.
Sum of first n terms = Sn = 3n2 + 6n
Then nth term is given by: an = Sn - Sn - 1
∴ an = (3n2 + 6n) - [3(n - 1)2 + 6(n - 1)]
= (3n2 + 6n) - [3(n2 + 1 - 2n) + 6n - 6]
= 3n2 + 6n - 3n2 - 3 + 6n - 6n + 6
= 3 + 6n
Now, common difference = d = an - an - 1
= 3 + 6n - [3 + 6(n - 1)]
= 3 + 6n - 3 - 6n + 6
= 6
∴ Common difference = 6