Problem in finding sum of an Arithmetic Sequence - 2IIM : CAT Correspondence Course, CAT Coaching Classes

2IIM - IIM, CAT Classes, Correspondence Course, Mock CATs  
 
CAT Classroom Program
 
CAT Correspondence Course
 
CAT eBooks
 
Other Links
2IIM Success Stories
 
Contact Us
+91 44 4500 8484
+91 44 93825 48484
 
2IIM on facebook
 
2IIM on twitter
You are here: Home  »  CAT Practice Questions  »  Quant, Math  »  AP, GP, Progressions  »  Question 5

Progressions : Sum of terms of an Arithmetic Sequences

Question

The sum of 20 terms of the series -12 + 22 - 32 + 42 - 52 + 62.... is:
  1. 210
  2. 519
  3. 190
  4. 420

Correct Choice is (1) and Correct Answer is 210

Explanatory Answer


-12 + 22 - 32 + 42 - 52 + 62.... upto 20 terms can be written as

(-12 + 22) + (-32 + 42) + (-52 + 62) + ..... upto 20 terms.

= (-1 + 2) (1 + 2) + (-3 + 4) (3 + 4) + (-5 + 6) (5 + 6) +..... (-19 + 20) (19 + 20)

= (1 + 2) + (3 + 4) + (5 + 6) + ..... + (19 + 20)

Sum of the first 'n' natural numbers = n(n+1)/2

Therefore, sum of the given series = (20 * 21) / 2 = 210.


More Questions on Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions



CAT Practice Questions and Answers : Listed Topicwise

   
Data sufficiency
 
Inequalities
 
Mensuration
 
Trigonometry
 
Percentages
 
Profit Loss
 
Ratio Proportion
 
Mixtures Alligation
Speed Time Distance
     
 
New Topic
 
New Topic
 
New Topic





Add to del.icio.us Add to del.icio.us Stumble It Stumble It digg this digg this

Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms of Use | © 2008-09 2IIM - An Ascent Education Initiative. All rights reserved.