How to find the common difference of AP when the first and last term are given
Question:
The first and last terms of an AP are 6.7 and 17.1 respectively. If there are 14 terms in the sequence, find its common difference.
Solution
First term of the sequence a = 6.7
Last term of the sequence Tn = 17.1
Since the sequence has 14 terms, it means that the 14th term is the last term
Therefore:
Tn = T14 = 17.1
Recall the nth term formula
Tn = a + (n-1)d
Substitute Tn for T14, a for 6.7 and n for 14 to get the formula below
T14 = 6.7 + (14-1)d
T14 = 6.7 + 13d
Substitute T14 for 17.1
T14 = 6.7 + 13d
17.1 = 6.7 + 13d
Subtract 6.7 from both sides to get
17.1 - 6.7 = 6.7-6.7 +13d
10.4 = 13d
Divide through by 13
10.4/13 = 13d/13
d = 104/130
The common difference is 104/130
CHECK
Substitute 104/130 for d in T14 = 6.7 + 13d
T14 = 6.7 + 13*104/130
= (6.7*130 + 13*104)/130
= (871 + 1352)/130
= 2223/130
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