Q. The 3rd and 6th terms of a series in A.P. are 13 and 31 respectively. Find 20th term.
Solution:
Let us assume that first term=a, common difference=d.
Given,
3rd term=t₃=13
⇒a+(3-1)d=13 (by the formula tₙ=a+(n-1)d)
⇒a+2d=13……………..(i)
and,
6th term=t₆=31
⇒a+(6-1)d=31
⇒a+5d=31………………(ii)
(ii)-(i)⇒(a+5d)-(a+2d)=31-13
⇒3d=18
⇒d=18/3
⇒d=6
Now substituting the value of d to the equation (i)
(i)⇒a+2*6=13
⇒a+12=13
⇒a=13-12
⇒a=1
So, 20th term=t₂₀=a+(20-1)d
=1+19*6
=1+114
=115






