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1.6 The sum of the first 15 terms of an arithmetic progression is 165 . The common difference is 2 . Calculate the first term of the sequence.

Ask by Davison Davey. in South Africa
Nov 04,2024

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The first term of the sequence is -3.

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Bonus Knowledge

To find the first term of the arithmetic progression, we can use the formula for the sum of the first n terms (S_n) of an arithmetic sequence: S_n = n/2 * (2a + (n - 1)d). In this case, we know: - S_n = 165 (the sum), - n = 15 (the number of terms), - d = 2 (the common difference). Plugging the values into the formula gives: 165 = 15/2 * (2a + (15 - 1) * 2). This simplifies to: 165 = 15/2 * (2a + 28). Multiplying both sides by 2 to eliminate the fraction: 330 = 15 * (2a + 28). Now, divide both sides by 15: 22 = 2a + 28. Next, subtract 28 from both sides: 2a = 22 - 28, 2a = -6. Finally, divide by 2 to find a: a = -3. So, the first term of the sequence is -3.

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