In an A.P., the first term is 2 and the sum of the first five terms is one-fourth of the next five terms. Show that 20th term is –112.

Given, first term a = 2


Let d be the common difference


Let Sn denote sum of n terms,



tn denote nth term.


tn = a + (n – 1)d


S1 = Sum of first five terms.


S2 = Sum of next five terms.



S1 = 10 × (1 + d)



S2 = 20 + 45d – 10 – 10d = 10 + 35d


Also, S1 = 1/4 S2


10 + 10d = 1/4 (10 + 35d)


40 + 40d = 10 + 35d


30 = -5d


d = -6


t20 = 2 + (20 – 1) × (-6)


t20 = 2 – 19 × 6 = 2 – 114


t20 = -112


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