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