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For the AP with first term 5 and common difference 4, the term a + (n−1)d equals 5 + (n−1)4. What is the 1st term obtained by putting n = 1?

Class 10Arithmetic ProgressionsAlgebra — Sequences
  • A6
  • B5
  • C10
  • D4

Step-by-Step Solution

Putting n = 1: 5 + (1−1)4 = 5 + 0 = 5. The (n−1) factor makes the formula return the first term a when n = 1.
Answer: B) 5

Key idea: n-th term formula

**aₙ = a + (n − 1)d**

Where a is the first term, d is the common difference, n is the position.

**Why**: a₁ = a; a₂ = a + d; a₃ = a + 2d; … aₙ = a + (n − 1)d. Each step adds another d.

**Example**: AP 3, 7, 11, 15, …. Find the 20th term.
a = 3, d = 4. a₂₀ = 3 + 19·4 = 79.

**Reverse use**: 'In the AP 5, 11, 17, …, which term is 89?' a + (n−1)d = 89 → 5 + 6(n−1) = 89 → n = 15.

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