If the sum of first 7 terms of an AP is 49 and that of 17 terms is 289, find the sum offirst n terms.

According to the question:




49 = 7*(a + 3d)


7= a + 3d


We can observe that it is 4th term,


Similarly,


S17 =


289 = 17(a + 8d)


17 = a + 8d


We can observe that it is 9th term,


This is the 9th term


Subtracting 4th term from 9th term, we get;


a + 8d – a – 3d = 17 – 7


Or, 5d = 10


Or, d = 2


Using the value of d in equation for fourth term, we can find a as follows:


a + 3d =7


Or, a + 6 = 7


Or, a = 1


Using the values of a and d; we can find the sum of first n terms as follows:





= N2


12