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Bunuel
The sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic progression, \(a_1, \ a_2, \ ...\), is given by \(S_n= 29n - n^2\). If \(a_k = 4\), what is the value of k ? (An arithmetic progression is a sequence of numbers such that the difference between the consecutive terms is constant)

A. 12
B. 13
C. 14
D. 15
E. 100


 


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Good question as always.
\(S_n= 29n - n^2\)
We can find the first term by putting n=1
\(a_1=29*1-1^2=28\)
\(S_2=29*2-2^2=54\). Hence, \(a_2=54-28=26\)
Hence, commond difference=26-28=-2
Therefore, the AP is: 28, 26, 24...
to find the term of 4:
\(4=28+(n-1)*(-2)\)
\(n=13.\)
Hence B is correct.
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Bunuel
The sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic progression, \(a_1, \ a_2, \ ...\), is given by \(S_n= 29n - n^2\). If \(a_k = 4\), what is the value of k ? (An arithmetic progression is a sequence of numbers such that the difference between the consecutive terms is constant)

A. 12
B. 13
C. 14
D. 15
E. 100


 


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for the Around the World in 80 Questions

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S1 = First Term = T1

S1 = 29 - 1 = T1 = 28

S2 = 29*2 - 4 = 58 - 4 = 54

T2 = S2 - S1 = 26

Difference = d = -2

an = T1 + (n-1)d

4 = 28 + (n - 1) * (-2)

-24 = (n - 1)* (-2)

12 = n - 1

n = 12+1 = 13

IMO B
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Bunuel
The sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic progression, \(a_1, \ a_2, \ ...\), is given by \(S_n= 29n - n^2\). If \(a_k = 4\), what is the value of k ? (An arithmetic progression is a sequence of numbers such that the difference between the consecutive terms is constant)

A. 12
B. 13
C. 14
D. 15
E. 100

\(S_1\) = \(a_1\) = (29*1) - \(1^2\) = 29 - 1 = 28
\(S_2\) = \(a_1\) + \(a_2\) = (29*2) - \(2^2\) = 58 - 4 = 54
Therefore, \(S_2 = S_1 + a_2\)
=>\( 54 = 28 + a_2\)
=> \(54 - 28 = a_2\)
=>\( 26 = a_2\)
Since, the sequence is A.P.
then difference between two terms,d = a_2 - a_1 = 26 - 28 = -2

Substituting the values of \(a_n\) = \(a_k \)= 4, d and \(a_1 \)in the formula \(a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d\), we get
4 = 28 + (k-1)*(-2)
=> -24 = -2k + 2
=> 26 = 2k
=> 13 = k

Hence, OA should be B.
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Bunuel
The sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic progression, \(a_1, \ a_2, \ ...\), is given by \(S_n= 29n - n^2\). If \(a_k = 4\), what is the value of k ? (An arithmetic progression is a sequence of numbers such that the difference between the consecutive terms is constant)

A. 12
B. 13
C. 14
D. 15
E. 100
 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the Around the World in 80 Questions

Win over $20,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 


Sum of the first n terms of an AP = (n/2)[2a + (n-1)d] where a is the first term and d is the common difference
Thus: (n/2)[2a + (n-1)d] = n(29 - n)
=> 2a + (n-1)d = 58 - 2n
=> (2a - d) + nd = 58 - 2n
Comparing: d = -2; 2a - d = 58 => a = (58 + d)/2 = 28

Thus, if the k-th term is 4: 28 + (k - 1)(-2) = 4
=> 28 - 2(k - 1) = 4
=> k - 1 = 12
=> k = 13

Answer B
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