Arithmetic Progression: Expressing d in Terms of x,y,z,n

In summary, an arithmetic progression is a sequence of numbers where each term is obtained by adding a fixed number to the preceding term. The common difference can be expressed as (y-x)/(n-1) or (z-y)/(n-1) when the first term is x or y respectively. Knowing the common difference is important because it allows us to easily find any term in the progression and determine if it is truly an arithmetic progression. The formula for the common difference can be used for any arithmetic progression where the first term, number of terms, and last term are known. This formula can also be used to solve problems related to arithmetic progression, such as finding the common difference, first term, or any term in the progression, and checking
  • #1
anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
3,883
115
Let $a_1,a_2,\,\cdots,\,a_{2n}$ be an arithmetic progression of positive real numbers with common difference $d$. Let
(1) $a_1^2+a_3^2+\cdots+a_{2n-1}^2=x$
(2) $a_2^2+a_4^2+\cdots+a_{2n}^2=y$
(3) $a_n+a_{n+1}=z$
Express $d$ in terms of $x,\,y,\,z,\,n$.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
We are given

$\sum_{k=1}^{n} a_{2k-1}^2 = x\cdots(1)$

$\sum_{k=1}^{n} a_{2k}^2 = y\cdots(2)$

Subtract (1) from (2) to get

$\sum_{k=1}^{n} (a_{2k}^2- a_{2k-1}^2) = y-x$

Or $\sum_{k=1}^{n} (a_{2k}- a_{2k-1})(a_{2k} + a_{2k-1}) = y-x$

But $(a_{2k}- a_{2k-1}= d)$ common difference so we get

$\sum_{k=1}^{n} d(a_{2k} + a_{2k-1}) = y-x$Or $d \sum_{k=1}^{n} (a_{2k} + a_{2k-1}) = y-x$Or $d \sum_{k=1}^{2n} (a_{k}) = y-x\cdots(3)$As $a_k = a_1 + (k-1) d$ for any k so we have$a_k + a_{2n+1-k} = a_1 + (k-1)d + a_1 + (2n+1-k-1)d = 2a_1 + (2n-1) d = = a_1 + a_1 + (2n-1) d = a_1 + a_{2n}$So $a_n + a_{n+1}d = a_1 + a_{2n} = z$So $a_k + a_{2n+1-k} = z$So$d \sum_{k=1}^{2n} (a_{k}) $
$= d \sum_{k=1}^{n} (a_{k} + a_{2n+1-k})$
$= d \sum_{k=1}^{n} z$
= dnz

So $dnz = y-x$

Or $d = \frac{y-x}{nz}$
 
Last edited:

1. What is an arithmetic progression?

An arithmetic progression is a sequence of numbers where the difference between any two consecutive terms is constant. This difference is known as the common difference, denoted by 'd'.

2. How do you express the common difference (d) in terms of the first term (x), second term (y), third term (z), and number of terms (n)?

The common difference (d) can be expressed as:
d = (y - x) / (n - 1) = (z - y) / (n - 2) = (z - x) / (n - 3)

3. Can the common difference (d) be negative?

Yes, the common difference (d) can be negative. This indicates that the sequence is decreasing rather than increasing.

4. What is the formula for finding the nth term in an arithmetic progression?

The formula for finding the nth term in an arithmetic progression is:
an = a1 + (n - 1)d
where an is the nth term, a1 is the first term, and d is the common difference.

5. How can arithmetic progressions be used in real life?

Arithmetic progressions can be used in various real-life scenarios, such as calculating interest rates, determining the growth of populations or investments, and predicting future trends. They are also commonly used in mathematics and statistics to analyze data and make predictions.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
1K
  • General Math
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
35
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
20
Views
1K
  • General Math
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
929
  • General Math
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
673
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top