A3B2C1D4 Step-by-Step SolutionS9=29(2a+8d)=162 gives 2a+8d=36. S12=212(2a+11d)=288 gives 2a+11d=48. Subtract: 3d=12,d=4. Then 2a+8(4)=36,2a=36−32=4,a=2.Answer: B) 2