SEQUENCE

5 & SERIES
For IOQM

INTRODUCTION
1. Sequence:
A succession of terms a1, a2, a3, a4........ formed according to some rule or law.
Examples are : 1, 4, 9, 16, 25
–1, 1, –1, 1,........
x x2 x3 x4
, , , ,......
1! 2 ! 3 ! 4 !
A finite sequence has a finite (i.e. limited) number of terms, as in the first example above. An
infinite sequence has an unlimited number of terms, i.e. there is no last term, as in the second
and third examples.
Series:
The indicated sum of the terms of a sequence. In the case of a finite sequence a1, a2,
n

a3,................, an the corresponding series is a1 + a2 + a3 + ........ + an =  a k .This series has a

k =1

finite or limited number of terms and is called a finite series.

2. ARITHMETIC PROGRESSION (A.P.):

A.P. is a sequence whose terms differ by a fixed number. This fixed number is called the
common difference. If a is the first term & d the common difference, then A.P. can be written
as
a, a + d, a + 2d, .............., a + (n – 1) d, ..........
(a) nth term of AP Tn = a + (n – 1)d , where d = tn – tn–1
n n
(b) The sum of the first terms: Sn= [a+]= [2a + (n–1)d] where  is nth term.
2 2

Mind it:
(i) nth term of an A.P. is of the form An + B i.e. a linear expression in 'n', in such a case the
coefficient of n is the common difference of the A.P. i.e. A.
(ii) Sum of first 'n' terms of an A.P. is of the form An2 + Bn i.e. a quadratic expression in
'n', in such case the common difference is twice the coefficient of n2. i.e. 2A
(iii) Also nth term Tn = Sn – Sn–1

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Example : If (x + 1), 3x and (4x + 2) are first three terms of an A.P. then its 5th term is -
(A) 14 (B) 19 (C) 24 (D) 28
Solution : (x + 1), 3x, (4x + 2) are in AP
 3x – (x + 1) = (4x + 2) – 3x  x=3
 a = 4, d = 9 – 4 = 5
 T5 = 4 + (4)5 = 24 Ans. (C)

Example : The sum of first four terms of an A.P. is 56 and the sum of it's last four terms is 112. If
its first term is 11 then find the number of terms in the A.P.
Solution : a + a + d + a + 2d + a + 3d = 56
4a + 6d = 56
44 + 6d = 56 (as a = 11)
6d = 12 hence d = 2
Let total number of terms = n
Now sum of last four terms.
a + (n – 1)d + a + (n – 2)d + a + (n – 3)d + a + (n – 4)d = 112
 4a + (4n – 10)d = 112  44 + (4n – 10)2 = 112
 4n – 10 = 34
 n = 11 Ans.

7n + 1
Example : The sum of first n terms of two A.Ps. are in ratio . Find the ratio of their 11th
4n + 27
terms.
Solution: Let a1 and a2 be the first terms and d1 and d2 be the common differences of two A.P.s
respectively then

n  n −1 
 2a 1 + ( n − 1) d1  a1 +   d1
7n + 1  2  7n + 1
2 =  =
n 4n + 27  n −1  4n + 27
 2a 2 + ( n − 1) d 2  a2 +   d2
2  2 

For ratio of 11th terms

n −1
= 10  n = 21
2

7 ( 21) + 1 148 4
so ratio of 11th terms is = = Ans.
4 ( 21) + 27 111 3

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Do yourself - 1:

3 + ( − 1)
n
2n
(i) Write down the sequence whose nth terms is: (a) (b)
n 3n
(ii) For an A.P, show that tm + t2n+m = 2tm + n
(iii) If the sum of p terms of an A.P. is q and the sum of its q terms is p, then find the sum of
its (p + q) term.

3. PROPERTIES OF A.P. :
(a) If each term of an A.P. is increased, decreased, multiplied or divided by the some
nonzero number, then the resulting sequence is also an A.P.
(b) Three numbers in A.P. : a – d, a, a + d
Four numbers in A.P. : a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d
Five numbers in A.P. : a – 2d, a – d, a, a + d, a + 2d
Six numbers in A.P. : a – 5d, a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d, a + 5d etc.
(c) The common difference can be zero, positive or negative.
(d) kth term from the last = (n – k +1)th term from the beginning (If total number ofterms =
n).
(e) The sum of the two terms of an AP equidistant from the beginning & end is constant
and equal to the sum of first & last terms.  Tk + Tn–k+1 = constant = a + .

(f) Any term of an AP (except the first) is equal to half the sum of terms which are
equidistant from it. an = (1/ 2) (an–k + an+k ), k < n
For k = 1, an = (1/ 2)(an–k + an+k ) ; For k = 2, an = (1/ 2)(an–2 + an+2 ) and so on.
(g) If a, b, c are in AP, then 2b = a + c.

Example : Four numbers are in A.P. If their sum is 20 and the sum of their squares is 120, then the
middle terms are -
(A) 2, 4 (B) 4, 6 (C) 6, 8 (D) 8, 10
Solution : Let the numbers are a – 3d, a – d, a + d, a + 3d
given, a – 3d + a – d + a + d + a + 3d = 20
 4a = 20  a = 5
and (a – 3d)2 + (a – d)2 + (a + d)2 + (a + 3d)2 = 120
 4a2 + 20d2 = 120
 4 × 52 + 20d2 = 120
 d2 = 1 d = ± 1
Hence numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8 or 8, 6, 4, 2 Ans. (B)
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Example : If a1, a2, a3,...........,an are in A.P. where ai> 0 for all i, show that :
1 1 1 ( n − 1)
+ + .......... + =
a1 + a 2 a 2 + a3 a n −1 + a n a1 + an

1 1 1
Solution: L.H.S. = + + .........+
a1 + a 2 a2 + a3 a n −1 + a n

1 1 1
= + + .......+
a 2 + a1 a3 + a2 an + an − 1

a2 − a1 a3 − a2 an − an− 1
= + + ...........+
( a2 − a1 ) ( a 3 − a2 ) an − an− 1

Let 'd' is the common difference of this A.P.

then a2 – a1 = a3 – a2 = ....... = an – an–1 = d
Now L.H.S.
1 1
= { a 2 − a1 + a 3 − a 2 + ........ + a n −1 − a n − 2 + a n − a n −1 } =
d d

 an − a1 
a n − a1 a1 + ( n − 1) d − a1 1 ( n − 1) d n −1
( ) ( )
= = = = = R.H.S.
d ( a n + a1 ) d a n + a1 dd a n + a1 an + a1

Do yourself - 2:
(i) Find the sum of first 24 terms of the A.P. a1, a2, a3......, if it is know that
a1 + a5 + a10 + a15 + a20 + a24 = 225.
(ii) Find the number of terms common to the two A.P.'s 3, 7, 11, ...... 407 and 2, 9, 16, ......,
709

4. GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION (G.P.):

G.P. is a sequence of non zero numbers each of the succeeding term is equal to the preceeding
term multiplied by a constant. Thus in a GP the ratio of successive terms is constant. This
constant factor is called the COMMON RATIO of the sequence & is obtained by dividing any
term by the immediately previous term. Therefore a, ar, ar2, ar3, ar4 , .......... is a GP with 'a' as
the first term & 'r' as common ratio.
(a) nth term ; Tn = a rn–1

(b) Sum of the first n terms; Sn=

(
a rn − 1 ) , if r  1
r −1
a
(c) Sum of infinite G.P. , S∞ = ; 0 < |r|< 1
1− r

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5. PROPERTIES OF GP :
(a) If each term of a G.P. be multiplied or divided by the some non-zero quantity, then the
resulting sequence is also a G.P.
(b) Three consecutive terms of a GP : a/r, a, ar ;
Four consecutive terms of a GP : a/r3, a/r, ar, ar3& so on.
(c) If a, b, c are in G.P. then b2 =ac.
(d) If in a G.P, the product of two terms which are equidistant from the first and the last
term, is constant and is equal to the product of first and last term.
 Tk. Tn–k+1 = constant = a.
(e) If each term of a G.P. be raised to the same power, then resulting sequence is also a
G.P.
(f) In a G.P., Tr2 = Tr–k. Tr+k, k < r, r  1
(g) If the terms of a given G.P. are chosen at regular intervals, then the new sequenceis also a
G.P.
(h) If a1, a2, a3.....an is a G.P. of positive terms, then log a1, log a2,.....log an is an A.P. and
vice-versa.
a a a
(i) If a1, a2, a3..... and b1, b2, b3..... are two G.P.'s then a1b1, a2b2, a3b3..... & 1 , 2 , 3
b1 b 2 b 3
.........is also in G.P.

Example : If a, b, c, d and p are distinct real numbers such that

(a2+ b2+ c2)p2− 2p (ab + bc + cd)+(b2+ c2+ d2) 0 then a, b, c, d are in
(A) A.P. (B) G.P. (C) H.P. (D) none of these
Solution: Here, the given condition (a + b + c )p − 2p (ab + bc + ca)+ b + c + d2 0
2 2 2 2 2 2

 (ap – b)2 + (bp – c )2 + (cp – d)2  0

 a square can not be negative
b c d
ap− b = 0, bp − c = 0, cp − d = 0  p = = = a, b, c, d are in G.P. Ans.
a b c
(B)

Example : If a, b, c are in G.P., then the equations ax2+ 2bx + c = 0 and dx2+ 2ex + f = 0 have a
d e f
common root if , , are in -
a b c
(A) A.P. (B) G.P. (C) H.P. (D) none of these
Solution: a, b, c are in G.P  b = ac
2

Now the equation ax2+ 2bx + c = 0 can be rewritten as ax2 + 2 acx + c = 0

( ) c c
2
 ax + c =0=– ,–
a a
c
If the two given equations have a common root, then this root must be – .
a
c c d f 2e c 2e 2e d e f
Thus d – 2e +f=0 + = = =  , , are in A.P.
a a a c c a ac b a b c
Ans. (A)

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Example : A number consists of three digits which are in G.P. the sum of the right hand and left
hand digits exceeds twice the middle digit by 1 and the sum of the left hand and middle
digits is two third of the sum of the middle and right hand digits. Find the numbers.
Solution: Let the three digits be a, ar and ar2 then number is
100a + 10ar + ar2 ....(i)
2
Given, a + ar = 2ar +1
or a(r2 – 2r + 1) = 1
or a(r – 1)2 = 1 ....(ii)
2
Also given a + ar = (ar + ar2)
3
 3 + 3r = 2r + 2r2  2r2 – r – 3 = 0  (r + 1)(2r – 3) = 0
 r = –1, 3/2
1 1
for r = –1, a= = I  r  –1
( r = 1)
2
4

1
for r = 3/2, a= 2
=4 {from (ii)}
3 
 − 1
2
3 9
From (i), number is 400 + 10.4. + 4. = 469 Ans.
2 4

Example : Find the value of 0.32 58

Solution: Let R = 0.32 58  R = 0.32585858.... ......... (i)

Here number of figures which are not recurring is 2 and number of figures which are
recurring is also2.
then 100 R = 32.585858...... ..........(ii)
and 10000 R = 3258.5858..... ..........(iii)
Subtracting (ii) from (iii) , we get
1613
9900 R = 3226  R=
4950
Aliter Method: R = .32 + .0058 + .0058 + .000058 +...........
58  1 1 
= .32 + 4 
1+ + 4 + ........ 
10  10 10 

 
58  1 
= .32 + 4 
10 1 
 1 − 
100 
32 58 3168 + 58 3226 1613
= + = = =
100 9900 9900 9900 4950

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Do yourself - 3:
(i) Find a three digit number whose consecutive digits form a G.P. If we subtract 792 from
this number, we get a number consisting of the same digits written in the reverse order.
Now, if we increase the second digit of the required number by 2, then the resulting
digits will form an A.P.
(ii) If the third term of G.P. is 4, then find the product of first five terms.
(iii) If a, b, c are respectively the pth, qth and rth terms of the given G.P., then show that(q –
r) log a + (r – p) log b + (p – q)log c = 0, where a, b, c > 0.
(iv) Find three numbers in G.P., whose sum is 52 and the sum of whose products in pairs is
624.
(v) The rational number which equals the number 2. 357 with recurring decimal is -
2357 2379 785 2355
(A) (B) (C) (D)
999 997 333 1001

6. HARMONIC PROGRESSION (H.P.):

A sequence is said to be in H.P. if the reciprocal of its terms are in AP.
If the sequence a1, a2, a3, ......., an is an HP then 1/a1, 1/a2,........., 1/an is an AP . Here we do not
have the formula for the sum of the n terms of an HP. The general form of a harmonic
1 1 1 1
progression is , , ............ Note: No term of any H.P. can be zero.
a a + d a + 2d a + ( n − 1) d
2ac a a−b
(i) If a, b, c are in HP, then b = or =
a+c c b−c
Example : The sum of three numbers are in H.P. is 37 and the sum of their reciprocals is 1/4. Find
the numbers.
Solution: Three numbers are in H.P. can be taken as
1 1 1
, ,
a−d a a+d
1 1 1
then + + = 37 ........(i)
a−d a a+d
1 1
and a–d+a+a+d=  a=
4 12
12 12 12 12
from (i), + 12 + = 37  + = 25
1 − 12d 1 + 12d 1 − 12d 1 + 12d
24 24 1
 = 25  1 – 144d2 =  d2 =
1 − 144d 2
25 25  144
1
 d= 
60
1 1 1 1 1 1
 a – d, a, a + d are , , or , ,
15 12 10 10 12 15
Hence, three numbers in H.P. are 15, 12, 10 or 10, 12, 15 Ans.

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a−x a−y a−y
Example : Suppose a is a fixed real number such that = =
px qy rz
If p, q, r are in A.P., then prove that x, y, z are in H.P.
Solution :  p, q, r are in A.P.

 q–p=r–q ........ (i)

 p – q = q – r = k (let)
a−x a−y a−z
given = =
px qy rz
a a a
−1 −1 −1
x y
 = = z
p q r

a  a  a  a 
 − 1 −  − 1  y − 1 −  z − 1
x y 
 = (by law of proportion)
p−q q−r
a a a a
− −
x y y z
 = {from (i)}
k k
1 1 1 1
 a  −  =a  − 
 x y  y z
1 1 1 1
 − = −
x y y z

2 1 1
 = =
y x z
1 1 1
 , , are in A.P.
x y z

Hence x, y, z are in H.P.

Do yourself - 4:
(i) If the 7th term of a H.P. is 8 and the 8th term is 7. Then find the 28th term.
(ii) In a H.P., if 5th term is 6 and 3rd term is 10. Find the 2nd term.
(iii) If the pth, qth and rth terms of a H.P. are a,b,c respectively, then prove that
q−r r−p p−q
+ + =0
a b c

7. MEANS
(a) ARITHMETIC MEAN:
If three terms are in A.P. then the middle term is called the A.M. between the other two,
a+c
so if a, b, c are in A.P., b is A.M. of a & c. So A.M. of a and c = = b.
2

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n-ARITHMETIC MEANS BETWEEN TWO NUMBERS:
If a, b be any two given numbers & a, A1, A2, .........., An, b are in AP, then A1,
A2,........An are the 'n' A.M’s between a & b then. A1 = a + d , A2 = a + 2d ,......, An= a +
n d or b – d, where
b−a
d=
n +1
b−a  2b − a 
 A1= a + , A2 = a +   ,............
n +1  n +1 

Mind it: Sum of n A.M's inserted between a & b is equal to n times the single A.M.
between a &b
n

i.e. A r = nA where A is the single A.M. between a & b.

r =1

(b) GEOMETRIC MEAN:

If a, b, c are in G.P., then b is the G.M. between a & c, b2 = ac. So G.M. of a and
c= ac = b

n-GEOMETRIC MEANS BETWEEN TWO NUMBERS:

If a, b are two given positive numbers & a, G1, G2, ........, Gn, b are in G.P. Then G1, G2,
G3,.......Gn are 'n' G.Ms between a & b. where b = arn+1 r = (b/a)1/n+1
G1 = a(b / a) 1/ n +1, G2 = a(b / a) 2/ n +1..........., Gn = a(b / a) 1/ n +1,
= ar, = ar2, ................ = arn = b/r
Mind it: The product of n G.Ms between a & b is equal to nth power of the single G.M.
n
between a & b i.e. G r
= (G)n where G is the single G.M. between a & b
r =1

(c) HARMONIC MEAN:

2ac
If a, b, c are in H.P., then b is H.M. between a & c. So H.M. of a and c = = b.
a+c
Insertion of 'n' HM's between a and b:
a, H1, H2, H3 ,........, Hn, b → H.P
     
, , , ,............ , → A.P.
a H1 H2 H3 Hn b

1 1 b a
= + (n + 1) DD =
b a n +1
 1 1
−
1  1
= +n  b a
Hn a n +1
 

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Important note:
(i) If A, G, H, are respectively A.M., G.M., H.M. between two positive number a & b
then(a) G2 = AH (A, G, H constitute a GP) (b) A  G  H (c) A = G = H  a = b
(ii) Let a1, a2,........ ,an be n positive real numbers, then we define their arithmetic mean
a 1 + a 2 + ...... + a n
(A),geometric mean (G) and harmonic mean (H) as A =
n
n
G = (a1 a2...........an)1/n and H =
1 1 1 1
 a + + + ......
1 a2 a3 a n 

It can be shown that A  G  H. More over equality holds at either place if and only if
a1 = a2 =......= an

Example : If 2x3 + ax2 + bx + 4 = 0 (a and b are positive real numbers) has 3 real roots, then prove
that a + b  6(21/3 + 41/3).
Solution: Let ,, be the roots of 2x3 + ax2 + bx + 4 = 0. Given that all the coefficients are
positive, so all the roots will be negative.
a
Let 1 = –, 2 = –, 3 = –  1 + 2 + 3 =
2
b
12 + 23 + 31=
2
123 = 2
Applying AM  GM, we have
 1 2  3
 (123)1/3  a  6 × 21/3
3
 1 2 +  2  3 +  1 3
Also > (123)2/3  b  6 × 41/3
3
Therefore a + b  6(21/3 + 41/3).

n
Example : If ai> 0  i  N such that a i
= 1, then prove that (1 + a1) (1 + a2)(1 + a3).....(1 + an)
i =1

 2n
Solution : Using A.M.  G.M.
1 + a1  2 a 1

1 + a2 2 a2

1 + an 2 a n  (1 + a1) (1 + a2) .......(1 + an)  2n(a1a2a3.....an)1/2

As a1a2a3.....an = 1
Hence (1 + a1)(1 + a2)..........(1 + an)  2n.

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1 1 ax by
Example : If a, b, x, y are positive natural numbers such that + = 1 then prove that + 
x y x y
ab.
Solution: Consider the positive numbers ax, ax,.......y times and by, by,......x times
For all these numbers,

AM =
a x
 
.a x ....y time + b y + b y + .....x times  =
ya x + xa y
x+y ( x + y)
1
1 xy
(x+y)
x x
GM = {(a , a .......y times) (b . b .....x times) y y
 = ( a xy ) . ( b xy )  ( x + y ) = ( ab ) ( x + y )

1 1 x+y
As + = 1, = 1,i.e,x+y = xy
x y xy
ya x + xa y xy
So using AM  GM  ( ab ) x + y
x+y
ya x + xa y ax ay
 ab or +  ab.
xy x y

Do yourself - 5:
a n + bn
(i) If is the G.M. between a & b then find the value of 'n'.
a n −1 + b n −1
1 1 1 1
(ii) If b is the harmonic mean between a and c, then prove that + = + .
b−a b−c a c

8. ARITHMETICO - GEOMETRIC SERIES:

A series, each term of which is formed by multiplying the corresponding term of an A.P. &
G.P. is called the Arithmetico-Geometric Series , e.g. 1+ 3x + 5x2 + 7x3 + .........
Here 1, 3, 5, ........ are in A.P. & 1, x, x2, x3 ............. are in G.P.

(a) SUM OF N TERMS OF AN ARITHMETICO-GEOMETRIC SERIES:

Let Sn = a + (a + d)r + (a + 2d) r2 + ..........+ [a + (n –1)d] rn–1
a dr (1 − r n −1 )  a + ( n − 1) d  r n
then Sn = + – ,r1
1− r (1 − r ) 1− r
2

(b) SUM TO INFINITY:

a dr
If 0 < |r| < 1 & n → , then lim rn = 0, S∞ = +
n → 1− r (1 − r )
2

Example : Find the sum of series 4 – 9x + 16x2 – 25x3 + 36x4 – 49x5 + ......... .
Solution : Let S = 4 – 9x + 16x2 – 25x3 + 36x4 – 49x5 + ......... 
– Sx = – 4x + 9x2 – 16x3 + 25x4 – 36x5 + .......... 
On subtraction, we get
S(1 + x) = 4 – 5x + 7x2 – 9x3 + 11x4 – 13x5 +........ 
–S(1 + x)x = –4x + 5x2 – 7x3 + 9x4 – 11x5 +........ 
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On subtraction, we get
S(1 + x)2 = 4 – x +2x2 – 2x3 + 2x4 – 2x5 +........ 

2x 2 4 + 3x + x 2
= 4 – x + 2x (1 – x + x –..........) = 4 – x +
2 2
=
1+ x 1+ x

4 + 3x + x 2
S= Ans.
(1 + x )
3

 2n + 1 
2 3
 2n + 1   2n + 1 
Example : Find the sum of series upto n terms   + 3  + 5  +.......
 2n − 1   2n − 1   2n − 1 

Solution : For x  1, let

S = x + 3x2 + 5x3 + ....... + (2n – 3)xn –1 + (2n – 1)xn ....... (i)
 xS = x2 + 3x3 + ....... + (2n – 5)xn –1 + (2n – 3)xn + (2n – 1)xn+1 ....... (ii)
Subtracting (ii) from (i), we get
(1 – x)S = x +2x2 + 2x3 + ......... + 2xn – 1 + 2xn – (2n – 1)xn+1

2x 2 (1 − x n −1 )
=x+ – (2n – 1)xn+1
1− x

x
= [1 – x + 2x – 2xn – (2n – 1)xn + (2n – 1)xn+1]
1− x
x
 S= [(2n – 1)xn+1 – (2n + 1)xn + 1 + x]
(1 − x )
2

 2n + 1 
2 n
 2n + 1   2n + 1 
Thus   + 3  + .............+ (2n – 1)  
 2n − 1   2n − 1   2n − 1 
n +1
2n + 1   2n − 1 
2
  2n + 1   2n + 1 
n
2n + 1 
=     (2 n − 1)   − ( 2n + 1)   + 1 + 
 2n − 1   2    2n − 1   2n − 1  2n − 1 

4n 2 − 1 4n
= . = n(2n + 1) Ans.
4 2n − 1

Do yourself - 6:
1 1
(i) Find sum to n terms of the series 3 + 5 × +7× + ...........
4 42
44
(ii) If the sum to the infinity of the series 3 + 5r + 7r2 + ........is , then find the value of r.
9
1 1 44
(iii) If the sum to infinity of the series 3 + (3 + d). + (3 + 2d). 2
+......is then find d.
4 4 9

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9. SIGMA NOTATIONS (  )
THEOREMS:
n n n n n n
(a)  ( a r  b r ) =  a r ±  b r (b)  ka r = k  a r (c)  k = nk ; where k is a constant.
r =1 r =1 r =1 r =1 r =1 r =1

10. RESULTS
n
n ( n + 1)
(a) r = 2
(sum of the first n natural numbers)
r =1

n n ( n + 1)( 2n + 1)
(b) r 2
=
6
(sum of the squares of the first n natural numbers)
r =1

n 2 ( n + 1)
2 2
n
 n 
(c) r 4
= =   r  (sum of the cubes of the first n natural numbers)
r =1 4  r =1 
n
n
(d) r 4
=
30
(n + 1)(2n + 1)(3n2 + 3n – 1)
r =1

n
(e)  ( 2r − 1) = n2(sum of first n odd natural numbers)
r =1

n
(f)  2r = n(n + 1) (sum of first n even natural numbers)
r =1

Mind it:
If nth term of a sequence is given by Tn = an3 + bn2 + cn + d where a, b, c, d are constants, then
sum of n terms Sn = Tn = an3 + bn2 + cn + d
This can be evaluated using the above results.

13 13 + 2 3 13 + 2 3 + 33
Example : Sum up to 16 terms of the series + + + ........is
1 1+ 3 1+ 3 + 5
(A) 450 (B) 456 (C) 446 (D) none of these

 n ( n + 1) 
2

n 2 ( n + 1) ( n + 1)
2 2

 
13 + 23 + 33 + ..... + n 3  2  4 4 n2 n 1
Solution: tn = = = = = + +
1 + 3 + 5 + ... ( 2n − 1) n2 n2
2 + 2 ( n − 1)
n 4 2 4
2

1 1 1 1 n ( n − 1)( 2n − 1) 1 n ( n + 1) 1
Sn = tn =  +  +  =  +  + n
4 2 4 4 6 2 2 4
16.17.33 16.17 16
 S16 = + + = 446 Ans.(C)
24 4 4

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11. METHOD OF DIFFERENCE:
Some times the nth term of a sequence or a series can not be determined by the method, we
have discussed earlier. So we compute the difference between the successive terms of given
sequence for obtained the nth terms.
If T1, T2, T3,........,Tn are the terms of a sequence then some times the terms T2– T1, T3–
T2,.........
constitute an AP/GP. nth term of the series is determined & the sum to n terms of the sequence
can easily be obtained.
Case 1:
(a) If difference series are in A.P., then
Let Tn = an2 + bn + c, where a, b, c are constant
(b) If difference of difference series are in A.P.
Let Tn = an3 + bn2 + cn + d, where a, b, c, d are constant
Case 2:
(a) If difference are in G.P., then
Let Tn = arn + b, where r is common ratio & a, b are constant
(b) If difference of difference are in G.P., then
Let Tn = arn + bn + c, where r is common ratio & a, b, c are constant
Determine constant by putting n = 1, 2, 3 ....... n and putting the value of T1, T2, T3
......and sum of series (Sn) =Tn

Do yourself - 7:
1+ 2 1+ 2 + 3 1+ 2 + 3 + 4
(i) Find the sum of the series upto n terms 1 + + + + ...........
2 3 4
(ii) Find the sum of 'n' terms of the series whose nth term is tn = 3n2 + 2n.

Miscellaneous Example ::
n n
1
T
n
Example : If  Tr = 8
(n + 1) (n + 2) (n + 3), then find
r =1
.
r =1 r

Solution:  Tn = Sn – Sn – 1
n n −1 n ( n + 1)( n + 2 )( n + 3 ) ( n − 1)( n + 1)( n + 2 )
=  Tr −  Tr = –
r =1 r =1 8 8
n ( n + 1)( n + 2 )
= [(n + 3) – (n – 1)]
8
n ( n + 1)( n + 2 ) n ( n + 1)( n + 2 )
Tn = (4) =
8 2


1
=
2
=
( n + 2) − n = 1 – 1
........(i)
Tn n ( n + 1)( n + 2 ) n ( n + 1)( n + 2 ) n ( n + 1) ( n + 1)( n + 2 )

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1
Let Vn =
n ( n + 1)
1
 = Vn – Vn+1
Tn
Putting n = 1, 2, 3, .... n
n 2 + 3n
n
1
= (V1 – Vn+1 )  
1 1 1 1
 + + + + =
T1 T2 T3 Tn r =1 Tr 2 ( n + 1)( n + 2 )

Example : Find the sum of n terms of the series 1 . 3 . 5 + 3 . 5 . 7 + 5 . 7 . 9 + .......

Solution: The nth term is (2n – 1)(2n + 1)(2n + 3)
Tn = (2n – 1) (2n + 1) (2n + 3 )
1
Tn = (2n–1) (2n + 1) (2n + 3) {(2n + 5) – (2n – 3)}
8
1
= (Vn – Vn–1) [Let Vn = (2n – 1) (2n + 1) (2n + 3) (2n + 5)]
8
1
Sn= Tn= [Vn – V0 ]
8
( 2n − 1)( 2n + 1)( 2n + 3 )( 2n + 5 ) 15
 Sn = + = n (2n3 + 8n2 + 7n – 2) Ans.
8 8

Example : Find the sum of n terms of the series 3 + 7 + 14 + 24 + 37 + ..........

Solution: Clearly here the differences between the successive terms are
7 – 3, 14 – 7, 24 – 14, ........ i.e. 4, 7, 10, 13, ........., which are in A.P.
Let S = 3 + 7 + 14 + 24 + ........ + Tn
S = 3 + 7 + 14 + ....... + Tn – 1 + Tn
Subtracting, we get
0 = 3 + [4 + 7 + 10 + 13 +........ (n –1) terms] – Tn
 Tn = 3 + Sn – 1 of an A.P. whose a = 4 and d = 3.
 n −1  6 + ( n − 1)( 3n + 2 ) 1
 Tn = 3 +   (2.4 (n – 2)3) = or, Tn = (3n2 – n + 4)
 2  4 2
Now putting n = 1, 2, 3, ........, n and adding
1 1  n ( n + 1)( 2n + 1) n(n + 1)  n
Sn = [3n2– n + 4n ] = 3 − + 4n  = (n2 + n + 4)
2 2  6 2  2

Ans.
Aliter Method:
Let Tn = an2 + bn + c
Now, T1 = 3 = a + b + c .....(i)
T2 = 7 = 4a + 2b + c .....(ii)
T3 = 14 = 8a + 3 b + c .....(iii)
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Solving (i), (ii) & (iii) we get
3 1
a= ,b=– & c= 2
2 2
1
 Tn = (3n2 – n + 4)
2
1 1  n ( n + 1)( 2n + 1) n ( n + 1) 
 sn = Tn = [3n2 – n + 4n] = 3 − + 4n 
2 2  6 2 
n
= (n2 + n + 4) Ans.
2

Example : Find the sum of n-terms of the series 1 + 4 + 10 + 22 + .....

Solution: Let S = 1 + 4 + 10 + 22 +.......+ Tn ........ (i)
S = 1 + 4 + 10 + ....... + Tn – 1 + Tn ........ (ii)
(i) – (ii)  Tn = 1 + (3 + 6 + 12 + ........ + Tn – Tn – 1)
 2 n −1 − 1 
Tn = 1 + 3  
 2 −1 
Tn = 3 . 2n – 1– 2
So Sn = Tn = 32n–1 – 2
 2n − 1 
 –2n = 3.2 – 2n – 3 Ans.
n
=3 
 2 − 1 
Aliter Method:
Let Tn = arn + b, where r = 2
Now T1 = 1 = ar + b ....(i)
T2 = 4 = ar2 + b ....(ii)
Solving (i) & (ii), we get
3
a= ,b=–2
2
 Tn = 3.2n–1 – 2
 Sn = Tn = 32n–1 – 2
 2n − 1 
 –2n = 3.2 – 2n – 3
n
=3  Ans.
 2 −1 

Example : The series of natural numbers is divided into groups (1), (2, 3, 4), (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) .......
and so on. Show that the sum of the numbers in nth group is n3 + (n – 1)3
Solution: The groups are (1), (2, 3, 4), (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) .......
The number of terms in the groups are 1, 3, 5......
 The number of terms in the nth group = (2n – 1)
the last term of the nth group is n2
If we count from last term common difference should be –1
 2n − 1 
 {2n + (2n – 2) (– 1)}
2
So the sum of numbers in the nth group = 
 2 
= (2n – 1) (n2 – n + 1) = 2n3 – 3n2 + 3n – 1 = n3 + (n – 1)3

PW OLYMPIAD WALLAH 16
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n
Example : Find the natural number 'a' for which  f (a + k) = 16(2n – 1), where the function f
k =1

satisfied f (x+y) = ƒ(x). ƒ(y) for all natural number x,y and further f(1) = 2.
Solution: It is given that
f (x+y) = f (x) f (y) and f (1) = 2
f (1+1) =f (1) f (1)  f (2) = 22, f (1+2) = f (1) f (2)
 f (3) = 23, f (2 + 2) = f (2) f (2)
 f(4) = 24
Similarly f (k) = 2k and f (a) = 2a
n n n
Hence,  f (a + k) =  f (a) f(k) = f (a)  f(k) = 20a {21 + 22 + ......... + 2n}
k =1 k =1 k =1

 2 ( 2 n − 1) 
a a+1
=2   = 2 (2n–1)
 2 − 1 
n
But  f (a + k) = 16 (2n – 1)
k =1

2a+1 (2 –1) = 16 (2n–1)

n

2a+1= 24
a+1 = 4  a = 3 Ans.

ANSWERS FOR DO YOURSELF

2 4 8 16 2 4 2 4
1: (i) (a) , , , ,........, (b) , , , ,......... (iii) –(p + q)
1 2 3 4 3 9 27 81
2: (i) 900 (ii) 14

3: (i) 931 (ii) 45 (iv) 4, 12, 36 (v) C

4: (i) 2 (ii) 15

1
5: (i)
2
8  1   2n + 1  1
6: (i) 4 +  1 − n −1  –   (ii) (iii) 2
9  4   3  4 n −1  4
n(n + 3) n(n + 1)(2 n + 3)
7: (i) (ii)
4 2

PW OLYMPIAD WALLAH 17
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EXERCISE # 1

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
ARITHMETIC PROGRESSION (nth term, selection of terms, sum of n terms, arithmetic mean)

1. If t54 of an A.P. is – 61 and t4 = 64, find t10.

(A) 59 (B) 49 (C) 36 (D) 64

2. Find the number of terms in the sequence 4, 12, 20, ........108.

(A) 12 (B) 19 (C) 13 (D) 14

3. Find the sum of all natural numbers divisible by 5, but less than 100.
(A) 950 (B) 925 (C) 880 (D) 1050

4. Find the sum of all the three digit natural numbers which on division by 7 leaves remainder 3.
(A) 70441 (B) 70821 (C) 50821 (D) 40821

5. If sum of n terms of a sequence is given by Sn = 2n2 + 3n, find its 50th term.
(A) 250 (B) 225 (C) 201 (D) 205

6. If 9th term of an A.P. be zero then the ratio of its 29th and 19th term is:
(A) 2 : 1 (B) 1 : 2 (C) 1 : 3 (D) 3 : 1

7. If four numbers in A. P. are such that their sum is 50 and the greatest number is 4 times the
least, then the numbers are:
(A) 5, 10, 15, 20 (B) 4, 10, 16, 22 (C) 3, 7, 11, 15 (D) None of these

8. If S1 is the sum of an arithmetic progression of ‘n’ odd number of terms and S 2 is the sum of
S1
the terms of the series in odd places, then =
S2

2n n n +1 n +1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
n +1 n +1 2n n
9. The sum of three numbers in A.P. is 12 and the sum of their cubes is 288. Find the numbers.
(A) 3, 4, 5 (B) 2, 4, 6 (C) 2, 5, 8 (D) 3, 6, 9

10. The angles of a quadrilateral are in A.P. whose common difference is 10º. Find the angles.
(A) 70º, 80º, 90º, 100º (B) 60º, 80º, 100º, 120º
(C) 72º, 85º, 98º, 111º (D) 75º, 85º, 95º, 105º

PW OLYMPIAD WALLAH 18
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GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION (nth term, selection of terms, sum of n terms, geometric mean)

 n 
1. The value of  ( −1) n +1
 n  equals
5 
h =1

   
(A) (B) (C) (D)
12 24 36 16

2. 3 geometric means between 1/9 and 9 is:

2 1 1 1
(A) , 1, 3 (B) , 2, 3 (C) , 1, 6 (D) , 1, 3
3 3 3 3

3. The first term of a G.P. is 7, the last term is 567 and sum of terms is 847. Find the common
ratio of the G.P.
(A) 3 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 6

1 1 1
4. Find the sum of the infinite G.P.: 1 + + + + ......
3 9 27
3 3 49 8
(A) (B) (C) (D)
5 2 27 5

5. The eighth term of G.P. is 128 and common ratio is 2. The product of its first five terms is
(A) 46 (B) 43 (C) 45 (D) 44

HARMONIC PROGRESSION (nth term, selection of terms, sum of n terms, harmonic mean)
H+a H+b
1. If H is the harmonic mean between a and b then + is equal to
H−a H−b
1 1
(A) (B) – (C) 2 (D) None of these
2 2
a1 a2 an
2. If a1, a2, a3, ......., an are in H.P. then , , ….., are
a 2 + a 3 + ... + a n a 1 + a 3 + ... + a n a 1 + a 2 + ... + a n −1

in
(A) A.P. (B) G.P. (C) H.P. (D) None of these

3. If a, b, c, d are in H.P. then ab + bc + cd is

(A) 3 a d (B) (a + b)(c + d) (C) 3 a c (D) 3 b d

4. Greatest positive term of a H.P. whose first two terms are 2/5 and 12/23 is -
(A) 6 (B) 5 (C) 1/6 (D) 37/7
5. If a, b, c are three distinct numbers in G.P. and a + x, b + x, c + x are in H.P., then x is equal to
(A) a (B) b (C) c (D) None of these
PW OLYMPIAD WALLAH 19
 IOQM
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Which one of the following is true about A.M., G.M. and H.M. :
(A) H.M.  G.M.  A.M. (B) A.M.  H.M.  G.M.
(C) A.M.  G.M.  H.M. (D) G.M.  H.M.  A.M.

2. If the numbers a, b, c are in A.P., b, c, d are in G.P. and c, d, e are in H.P., then a, c, e are in
(A) A.P. (B) G.P. (C) H.P. (D) None of these

3. The sum of first p-terms of a sequence is p(p + 1) (p + 2). The 10th term of the sequence is
(A) 396 (B) 600 (C) 330 (D) 114

4. If a > 0, b > 0, c > 0 and a, b, c are distinct then (a + b) (b + c) (c + a) is greater than

(A) 2(a + b + c) (B) 3(a + b + c) (C) 6 a b c (D) 8 a b c

5. If 2a + 3b + c = 3; a > 0, b > 0, c > 0, then the greatest value of a2 b5 c2

55 2 2 5 5.2 2 4.5 5 5 6.2 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 23 314 99 3 4.910

PW OLYMPIAD WALLAH 20
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EXERCISE # 2

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. If a1, a2, a3,...., an,..... are in A.P. such that a4– a7+ a10= m, then the sum of first 13 terms of this
A.P., is: [JEE-MAINS Online 2013]
(A) 15 m (B) 10 m (C) 12 m (D) 13 m

a 1 + a 2 + ..... + a p p3 a6
2. Let a1, a2, a3, ... be an A.P. such that = ; p  q. Then is equal to:
a 1 + a 2 + a 3 + .....a q
3
q a 21

[JEE-MAINS Online 2013]

121 11 121 41
(A) (B) (C) (D)
1861 41 1681 11

3. Given sum of the first n terms of an A. P. is 2n + 3n2. Another A. P. is formed with the same
first term and double of the common difference, the sum of n terms of the new A. P. is:
[JEE-MAINS Online 2013]
(A) n + 4n2 (B) n2+ 4n (C) 3n + 2n2 (D) 6n2– n

4. If a, b, c are in AP, then (a – c)2equals

(A) 4 (b2–ac) (B) 4 (b2+ac) (C) 4b2– ac (D) b2– 4ac

5. If the sum of n terms of an AP is Pn + Qn2, where P, Q are constants, then its common
difference is
(A) 2Q (B) P + Q (C) 2P (D) P – Q

6. Given a sequence of 4 numbers, first three of which are in G.P. and the last three are in A.P.
with common difference six. If first and last terms of this sequence are equal, then the last term
is: [JEE-MAINS Online 2013]
(A) 8 (B) 16 (C) 2 (D) 4

7. The first term of an infinite G.P. is 1 and every term is equal to the sum of the successive
terms, then its fourth term will be-
1 1 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 8 4 16

PW OLYMPIAD WALLAH 21
 IOQM
1 1
8. If G be the GM between x and y, then the value of + is equal to
G −x
2 2
G − y2
2

2 
(A) G2 (B) 2
(C) (D) 3G2
G G2

9. 2 + 4 + 7 + 11 + 16 + ........... to n terms =
1 n
(A) (n2+ 3n + 8) (B) (n2+ 3n + 8)
6 6
1 n
(C) (n2– 3n + 8) (D) (n2– 3n + 8)
6 6

a−b
10. If a, b, c are in HP, then is equal to
b−c
a b a c
(A) (B) (C) (D)
b a c b

a b c
11. If a, b and c are positive real numbers then + + is greater than or equal to
b c a
(A) 3 (B) 6 (C) 27 (D) 5

12. If a1, a2, a3.... anR+and a1. a2.a3....an= 1, then minimum value of (1+ a1+ a 12 )

(1 + a2+ a 22 ) (1 + a3+ a 32 ) .... (1 + an+ a 2n ) is equal to:

(A) 3n+1 (B) 3n (C) 3n–1 (D) none of these

13. The value of 12+ 32+ 52+ ...........+ 252 is [JEE-MAINS Online 2013]
(A) 1728 (B) 1456 (C) 2925 (D) 1469

1 1
14. The sum of the series: 1+ + +.... up to 10 terms, is:
1+ 2 1+ 2 + 3
[JEE-MAINS Online 2013]
22 18 20 16
(A) (B) (C) (D)
13 11 11 9

  

 xn , b =  yn , c =  ( xy )
n
15. If a = where |x|, |y| < 1; then-
n =0 n =0 n =0

(A) abc = a + b + c (B) ab + bc = ac + b

(C) ac + bc = ab + c (D) ab + ac = bc + a

PW OLYMPIAD WALLAH 22
 IOQM
a a b b c c
16. If r > 1 and x = a + + 2
+ ...... to  , y = b – + 2
–... to  and z = c + 2
+ +.....to ,
r r r r r r4
xy
then =
z
ab ac bc
(A) (B) (C) (D) None of these
c b a

1 2 3
17. If a, b, c are positive real numbers such that ab2c3= 64 then minimum value of  + +  is
 a b c
equal to
(A) 6 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) None of these

18. In a GP, first term is 1. If 4T2+ 5T3is minimum, then its common ratio is
 2 3 3
(A) (B) − (C) (D) −
5 5 5 5

3 5 7
19. The sum + + +...... upto 11-terms is - [JEE-MAINS Online 2013]
2
1 1 +2
2 2
1 + 2 2 + 32
2

11 60 7 11
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 11 2 2

20. The sum of the series: (2)2+ 2(4)2+ 3(6)2+... upto 10 terms is [JEE-MAINS Online 2013]
(A) 11300 (B) 12100 (C) 12300 (D) 11200

a 1 + a 2 + .... + a p p2 a6
21. Let a1, a2, a3,....... be terms of an A.P. If = , p  q then equals-
a 1 + a 2 + ..... + a q
2
q a 21

[AIEEE-2006]
2 11 41 7
(A) (B) (C) (D)
7 41 11 2

22. If a1, a2,....., an are in H.P., then the expression a1a2 + a2a3 + .......+ an–1anis equal to-
[AIEEE-2006]
(A) na1an (B) (n – 1)a1an (C) n(a1– an) (D) (n – 1)(a1– an)

23. In a geometric progression consisting of positive terms, each term equals the sum of the next
two terms. Then the common ratio of this progression equals- [AIEEE-2007]

(A)
1
2
5 (B) 5 (C)
1
2
( 5 −1 ) (D)
1
2
(1 − 5 )

PW OLYMPIAD WALLAH 23
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24. The first two terms of a geometric progression add up to 12. The sum of the third and the
fourth terms is 48. If the terms of the geometric progression are alternately positive and
negative, then the first term is [AIEEE 2008]
(A) –4 (B) –12 (C) 12 (D) 4

2 6 10 14
25. The sum to infinity of the series 1 + + 2
+ 3
+ +...... is: [AIEEE-2009]
3 3 3 34
(A) 4 (B) 6 (C) 2 (D) 3

26. A person is to count 4500 currency notes. Let andenote the number of notes he counts in the
nthminute. If a1= a2= ... = a10= 150 and a10, a11, .... are in an AP with common difference –2,
then the time taken by him to count all notes is: [AIEEE-2010]
(A) 24 minutes (B) 34 minutes (C) 125 minutes (D) 135 minutes

27. A man saves Rs. 200 in each of the first three months of his service. In each of the subsequent
months his saving increases by Rs. 40 more than the saving of immediately previous month.
His total saving from the start of service will be Rs. 11040 after: [AIEEE-2011]
(A) 20 months (B) 21 months (C) 18 months (D) 19 months

100 100
28. Let anbe the nthterm of an A.P. If a 2r
=  and a 2r −1
= , then the common difference of
r =1 r =1

the A.P. is: [AIEEE-2011]

 −  −
(A) (B)  –  (C) (D) – 
200 100

29. Statement–1: The sum of the series

1 + (1 + 2 + 4) + (4 + 6 + 9) + (9 + 12 + 16) + ....... + (361 + 380 + 400) is 8000.
n
Statement–2:  ( k 3 − (k − 1)3 ) = n3, for any natural number n.
k =1

(A) Statement–1 is true, Statement–2 is false.

(B) Statement–1 is false, Statement–2 is true.
(C) Statement–1 is true, Statement–2 is true ;Statement–2 is a correct explanation for
Statement–1.
(D) Statement–1 is true, Statement–2 is true ; Statement–2 is not a correct explanation for
Statement–1.

30. If 100 times the 100thterm of an A.P. with non-zero common difference equals the 50 times its
50thterm, then the 150thterm of this A.P. is:
(A) zero (B) –150
(C) 150 times its 50thterm (D) 150

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31. The sum of first 20 terms of the sequence 0.7, 0.77, 0.777, ......, is:
7 7
(A) (179 – 10–20) (B) (99 – 10–20)
81 9
7 7
(C) (179 + 10–20) (D) (99 – 10–20)
81 9

32. Let and be the roots of equation px2+ qx + r = 0, p 0. If p, q, r are in A.P. and
1 1
+ = 4, then the value of | – | is:
 

61 2 17 34 2 13
(A) (B) (C) (D)
9 9 9 9

33. Three positive numbers form an increasing G.P. If the middle term in this G.P. is doubled, the
new numbers are in A.P. Then the common ratio of the G.P. is:

(A) 2 + 3 (B) 3 + 2 (C) 2 – 3 (D) 2 + 3

34. If (10)9+ 2(11)1(10)8+ 3(11)2(10)7+ ......+ 10 (11)9= k (10)9, then k is equal to:
121 441
(A) (B) (C) 100 (D) 110
10 100

35. If m is the A.M. of two distinct real numbers and n(, n > 1) and G1, G2and G3are three

geometric means between and n, then G 14 + 2 G 42 + G 34 equals-

(A) 4 mn2 (B) 4 2m2n2 (C) 4 2mn (D) 4 m2n

36. If the 2nd, 5thand 9thterms of a non-constant A.P. are in G.P., then the common ratio of this G.P.
is:
7 8 4
(A) (B) (C) (D) 1
4 5 3

2 2 2 2

If the sum of the first ten terms of the series  1  +  2  +  3  + 42 +  4  +....., is

3 2 1 4
37.
 5  5  5  5
16
m, then m is equal to -
5
(A) 99 (B) 102 (C) 101 (D) 100

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EXERCISE # 3

IJSO STAGE-I (PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS)

1. Consider the sequence 1, – 2, 3, – 4, 5, – 6, .........., n (– 1)n+ 1. What is the average of the first
300 terms of the sequence? [NSTSE 2009]
(A) – 1 (B) 0.5 (C) 0 (D) – 0.5

2. If the first four terms of an arithmetic sequence are : a, 2a, b and a – 6 – b for some numbers
"a" and "b", then the value of the 100th term is : [NSTSE 2009]
(A) – 100 (B) – 300 (C) 150 (D) – 150

3. If l2 + m2 + n2 = 5, then (lm + mn + In) is: [IJSO-2009]

(A)  (–5/2) (B)  (–1) (C)  4 (D)  3

4. Let Sn denote the sum of the first 'n' terms of an A.P. and S2n = 3Sn. Then, the ratio S3n: Sn is
equal to : [NSTSE 2010]
(A) 4 : 1 (B) 6 : 1 (C) 8 : 1 (D) 10 : 1

5. If a2 + b2 + c2 = 1 and p = ab + bc + ca, then [IJSO-2010]

1 1 1 1 1
(A) p2 (B) –  p  (C) –  p  1 (D) – 1  p 
2 2 2 2 2

6. If a2 + b2 + c2 + d2 = 25, out of the following statements the correct one is [IJSO-2011]

(A) ab + bc + cd + da  25 (B) ab + bc + cd + da  25.
25 25
(C) ab + bc + cd + da  (D) ab + bc + cd + da 
2 2

b+c−a c+a−b a+b−c

7. If , and are in A.P. and a + b + c  0, then [IJSO-2011]
a b c
2ac 2ac a+c
(A) b = (B) b = (C) b = (D) b = ac
a−c a+c 2

8. Find the value

2 2 2 2 
+ + + + ....... + [IJSO-2012]
15 35 63 99 9999
(A) 8/33 (B) 2/11 (C) 98/303 (D) 222/909

1 1 1
9. x + y + z = 1; x  z; x, y, z are real numbers and + + = m. How many of the following
x y z
values of m are always possible. [IJSO-2012]
(i) m = 6, (ii) m = 8, (iii) m = 10 and (iv) m = 12
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) all
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1 1 1 1 1 1 1
10. The sum 1– + – + – ……… – + equals [IJSO-2013]
2 3 4 5 6 2012 2013
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(A) + + + ........ + (B) + + + ........ +
1006 1007 1008 2013 1007 1008 1009 2013
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(C) + + + ........ + (D) + + + ........ +
1006 1007 1008 2012 1007 1008 1009 2012

11. A number of bacteria are placed in a glass. 1 second later each bacterium divides in three, the
next second each of the resulting bacteria divides in three again, and so on. After one minute the
glass, is full. When was 1/9th of the glass full? [IJSO-2014]
(A) 15 sec (B) 45 sec (C) 58 sec (D) 38 sec

12. A number is said to be triangular number if it is the sum of consecutive numbers beginning
with 1. Which one of the following is not a triangular number: [IJSO-2014]
(A) 1431 (B) 190 (C) 28 (D) 506

13. The houses of a row are numbered consecutively from 1 to 49. Find the value of x such that the
sum of the numbers of houses preceding the house numbered x is equal to the sum of the
numbers of the houses following it. [IJSO-2014]
(A) 25 (B) 35 (C) 37 (D) No such value exists

14. Along a road lie an odd number of stones placed at intervals of 10 metre. These stones have to
be assembled around the middle stone. A person can carry only one stone at a time. If a man
starts from one of the end stones, and by carrying them in succession he covers 3 km to pile all
stones at the centre. The number of stones is then: [IJSO-2014]
(A) 12 (B) 15 (C) 30 (D) 25

3 3 3 3 3
15. + + + + ..... + =? [IJSO-2015]
4 28 70 130 9700
(A) 0.97 (B) 0.99 (C) 1 (D) 1.03

16. The sum of first four terms of an A.P is 56. The sum of last four terms of same A.P is 112. The
first term of the A.P is 11. Find the number of terms in that A.P. [IJSO-2015]
(A) 7 (B) 8 (C) 11 (D) 13

17. There are ten numbers in a certain A.P. The sum of first three terms is 321. The sum of last
three numbers is 405. Find the sum of all the ten numbers. [IJSO-2015]
(A) 1165 (B) 1210 (C) 1221 (D) 1252

18. If a, b > 0 then [IJSO-2016]

(A) a + b  ab (B) a + b > ab
(C) a + b  2ab (D) None of the above inequalities will hold

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19. A triangle has perimeter 316 and its sides are of integer length. The maximum possible area for
such a triangle is achieved for [IJSO-2016]
(A) Single triangle (B) Two triangles
(C) Three triangles (D) More than three triangle

1 1
20. If for x, y > 0 we have + = 2 then the minimum value of xy is [IJSO-2016]
x y

(A) 2 (B) 1 (C) 4 (D) 2

1 1 1 1 1 1
21. 1 +1 +1 +1 + 1 + ....... + 1 = _________ [IJSO 2017]
2 6 12 20 30 380

(A) 20.25 (B) 20.05 (C) 19.95 (D) 19.85

22. What is the sum of all odd numbers between 500 and 600? [IJSO 2017]
(A) 26000 (B) 27000 (C) 27500 (D) 29500

23. Let Tk denote the k-th term of an arithmetic progression. Suppose there are positive integers
m  n such that Tm = 1/n and Tn = 1/m. Then Tmn equals - [IJSO (Stage-I) – 2018]
1 1 1
(A) (B) + (C) 1 (D) 0
mn m n

24. The sum of 5 numbers in geometric progression is 24. The sum of their reciprocals is 6. The
product of the terms of the geometric progression is [IJSO (Stage-I) – 2018]
(A) 36 (B) 32 (C) 24 (D) 18

25. The integer closest to 111...1 − 222...2 , where there are 2018 ones and 1009 twos, is
[IJSO (Stage-I) – 2018]
101009 − 1 101009 − 1 10 2018 − 1 10 2018 − 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 9 3 9

26. Find the value of the expressions :

(3 4
+ 32 + 1)( 54 + 52 + 1) (7 4 + 7 2 + 1)(9 4 + 9 2 + 1)(114 + 112 + 1)(134 + 132 + 1)
(2 4 + 2 2 + 1)(4 4 + 4 2 + 1)(6 4 + 6 2 + 1)(8 4 + 8 2 + 1)(10 4 + 10 2 + 1)(12 4 + 12 2 + 1)

when written in lowest form [PRMO 2016]

n 99
1 1
27. Let Sn =  What is the value of S ? [PRMO 2013]
k =0 k +1 + k n =1 n + S n −1
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 IOQM
28. The first term of a sequence is 2014. Each succeeding term is the sum of the cubes of the digits
of the previous term. What is the 2014th term of sequence [PRMO 2014]

29. If a, b, c  4 are integers, not all equal and 4 abc = (a + 3) (b + 3) (c + 3), then what is the value
of a + b + c?
[PRMO-2018]

30. What is the value of 

1 i  j10
(i + j) −  ( i + j)
1 i  j10
i + j = odd i + j = even

[PRMO-2018]

31. Let N = 6 + 66 + 666 + ….. + 666 ….. 66, where there are hundred 6's in the last term in the
sum. How many times does the digit 7 occur in the number N?
[PRMO-2018]

32. Each of the numbers x1, x2..., x101 is  1 . What is the smallest positive value of  XiX j ?
1  i  j  101

[PRMO-2019]

40
1 1  b
33. 
If  1 + + =a+
( k + 1) 
2 2
k =1 k c

Where a, b, c  N, b  c gcd(b, c) =1 then what is the value of a + b?

PW OLYMPIAD WALLAH 29
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Answer Key

EXERCISE # 1

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

ARITHMETIC PROGRESSION (nth term, selection of terms, sum of n terms, arithmetic mean)
1. (B) 2. (D) 3. (A) 4. (B) 5. (C) 6. (A) 7. (A)

8. (A) 9. (B) 10. (D)

GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION (nth term, selection of terms, sum of n terms, geometric mean)
1. (C) 2. (D) 3. (A) 4. (B) 5. (C)

HARMONIC PROGRESSION (nth term, selection of terms, sum of n terms, harmonic mean)
1. (C) 2. (A) 3. (A) 4. (A) 5. (B)

MISCELLANEOUS
1. (C) 2. (B) 3. (C) 4. (D) 5. (B)

EXERCISE # 2

1. (D) 2. (C) 3. (D) 4. (A) 5. (A)

6. (A) 7. (B) 8. (C) 9. (B) 10. (C)
11. (A) 12. (B) 13. (C) 14. (C) 15. (C)
16. (A) 17. (C) 18. (B) 19. (D) 20. (B)
21. (B) 22. (B) 3. (C) 4. (B) 5. (D)
6. (B) 7. (B) 8. (C) 9. (C) 10. (A)
11. (C) 12. (D) 13. (D) 14. (C) 15. (D)
16. (C) 17. (C)

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EXERCISE # 3

Ques. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. D A A B C A B C B B C D B D B C B B A B
Ques. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
Ans. C C C B A 61 9 370 16 55 33 10 80

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PW OLYMPIAD WALLAH 32