The first and last term of an A.P. are a and l respectively. If S is the sum of all the terms of the A.P. and the common difference is given by , then k=
Let the common difference and number of terms of AP be d and n respectively.
Last term of AP = an = l (given)
l = a + (n–1) d
n = + 1……………… (1)
S= (2a + (n–1) d)
S = + 1) (2a + (
+ 1 –1) d) …………… using (1)
S= + 1) (2a + l –a)
S= + 1) (a + l)
( + 1) =
=
–1
=
D =
Comparing this with
We get k =2S