Let $a_1, a_2, a_3, \ldots$ be in an A.P. such that $\sum_\limits{k=1}^{12} a_{2 k-1}=-\frac{72}{5} a_1, a_1 \neq 0$. If $\sum_\limits{k=1}^n a_k=0$, then $n$ is :
Solution
<p><strong>Given:</strong> </p>
<p>$ \sum\limits_{k=1}^{12} a_{2k-1} = -\frac{72}{5} a_1 $</p>
<p>This means:</p>
<p>$ a_1 + a_3 + \cdots + a_{23} = -\frac{72}{5} a_1 $</p></p>
<p><p><strong>Express each term in A.P.:</strong> </p>
<p>The general term of the A.P. is given by $ a_k = a + (k-1)d $. Thus, for the odd indices:</p>
<p>$ a_1 + (a + 2d) + (a + 4d) + \cdots + (a + 22d) $</p></p>
<p><p><strong>Simplify the equation:</strong> </p>
<p>$ 12a + 2d(1 + 2 + \cdots + 11) = -\frac{72}{5} a $</p></p>
<p><p><strong>Use the formula for sum of an arithmetic series (first 11 terms):</strong> </p>
<p>$ 1 + 2 + \cdots + 11 = \frac{11 \times 12}{2} = 66 $</p>
<p>So, the equation becomes:</p>
<p>$ 12a + 2d(66) = -\frac{72}{5} a $</p>
<p>$ 12a + 132d = -\frac{72}{5} a $</p></p>
<p><p><strong>Solve for the relationship between $a$ and $d$:</strong> </p>
<p>$ 132d = -\frac{72}{5} a - 12a $</p>
<p>$ 132d = -\frac{132}{5} a $</p>
<p>So, </p>
<p>$ a = -5d \quad \text{(i)} $</p></p>
<p><p><strong>Second condition:</strong> </p>
<p>$ \sum_{k=1}^{n} a_k = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad S_n = 0 $</p>
<p>$ \frac{n}{2} [2a + (n-1)d] = 0 $</p>
<p>$ 2a = -(n-1)d \quad \text{(ii)} $</p></p>
<p><p><strong>Combine equation (i) and (ii):</strong> </p>
<p>Substitute $ a = -5d $ into equation (ii):</p>
<p>$ 2(-5d) = -(n-1)d $</p>
<p>$ -10d = -(n-1)d $</p>
<p>Therefore:</p>
<p>$ n-1 = 10 $</p>
<p>$ n = 11 $</p></p>
<p>Thus, $ n = 11 $.</p>
About this question
Subject: Mathematics · Chapter: Sequences and Series · Topic: Arithmetic Progression
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