In the given AP, the first term = a = 18
Common difference = d = (31/2) - 18 = (-5/2)
Last term = - 47
To find: No. of terms in the AP.
Since, we know that
an = a + (n - 1) × d
∴ - 47 = 18 + (n - 1) × (-5/2)
⇒ - 47 - 18= (n - 1) × (-5/2)
⇒ - 65 = (n - 1) × (-5/2)
⇒ - 65 × (-2/5) = n - 1
⇒ n - 1 = 26
⇒ n = 26 + 1
⇒ n = 27
∴ Number of terms = 27.