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The difference between the third and first terms of a GP is 3. If the first term and the common ratio of the GP are positive integers, then find the sum of the first three terms of the progression.
  • a)
    6
  • b)
    7
  • c)
    9
  • d)
    10
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The difference between the third and first terms of a GP is 3. If the...
First, let's denote the first term of the GP as 'a' and the common ratio as 'r'.

- Given Information:
The difference between the third and first terms of the GP is 3. This can be expressed as:
ar^2 - a = 3

- Using the formula for the terms of a GP:
The third term of the GP can be expressed as ar^2, and the first term as a.
So, ar^2 - a = 3 can be rewritten as ar^2 = a + 3

- Since both 'a' and 'r' are positive integers:
We can assume 'a = 1' and 'r = 2' to fulfill the condition above.
Therefore, the GP becomes 1, 2, 4.

- Sum of the first three terms:
The sum of the first three terms of a GP is given by:
Sum = a(1 - r^3) / (1 - r)

Plugging in the values of 'a' and 'r', we get:
Sum = 1(1 - 2^3) / (1 - 2) = 1(1 - 8) / -1 = -7 / -1 = 7

Therefore, the sum of the first three terms of the progression is 7, which corresponds to option 'B'.
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Community Answer
The difference between the third and first terms of a GP is 3. If the...
Let the 3 terms of the GP be a, ar and ar2.
Given: ar2 – a = 3
a(r2 – 1) = 3
a(r + 1)(r – 1) = 3
Since ‘a’ and ‘r’ are positive integers,
⇒ a = 1 and r = 2
So, the numbers are 1, 2 and 4.
Sum = 1 + 2 + 4 = 7
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The difference between the third and first terms of a GP is 3. If the first term and the common ratio of the GP are positive integers, then find the sum of the first three terms of the progression.a)6b)7c)9d)10Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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