In an AP, the first term is 2, the last term is 29 and the sum of all the terms is 155. Find the common difference.
Here, first term = a = 2
Let the Common difference = d
Last term = l = 29
Sum of all terms = Sn = 155
Let there be n terms in the AP.
Now, Sum of n terms of this arithmetic series is given by:
Sn = [2a + (n - 1)d]
= [a + a + (n - 1)d]
= [a + l]
Therefore sum of n terms of this arithmetic series is given by:
∴ Sn = [2 + 29] = 155
⇒ 31n = 310
⇒ n = 10
∴ there are 10 terms in the AP.
Thus 29 be the 10th term of the AP.
∴ 29 = a + (10 - 1)d
⇒ 29 = 2 + 9d
⇒ 27 = 9d
⇒ d = 3
∴ common difference = d =3