1 of 2

Arithmetic

Progressions

  • Sums based on Sn formula

2 of 2

9) If the sum of first 7 terms of an AP is 49 and that of 17 terms is 289,

find the sum of first n terms.

Sol:

For given AP:

S7 = 49

& S17 = 289

That means find ‘Sn

We know that,

Sn =

For given value of S7,

Lets use the formula

Substitute, n = 7

∴ S7 =

∴ 49 =

Take 2 common

∴ 49 =

× 2

(a + 3d)

∴ a + 3d =

7

….(i)

For given value of S17,

Lets use the formula

Sn =

∴ S17 =

∴ 289 =

Take 2 common

∴ 289 =

× 2

(a + 8d)

∴ a + 8d =

17

….(ii)

Equations (i) & (ii) form a pair of linear equations

Lets solve it by elimination method

Subtracting (i) from (ii)

a + 8d =

17

a + 3d =

7

( - )

( - )

( - )

5d =

10

∴ d =

2

∴ a + 6 =

7

Substituting d = 2 in (i)

∴ a + 3(2) =

a =

1

7

Sn =

Substitute,

a = 1 & d = 2

[2(1)

2]

+ (n – 1)

[2

+ 2n – 2]

× 2n

∴ Sn =

n2

Substitute, n = 17

Lets find Sn

Exercise 5.3 9