CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions | CAT Algebra - Progressions questions
CAT Questions | Algebra | Geometric Progressions - Third term
CAT Questions
The question is about a particular term of a Geometric Progression. Sum of two terms in A GP is equal to zero, what we can infer from this. With some simple but very powerful ideas, one can cut down on a lot of working when it comes to progressions. For example, anchoring a progression around its middle term can be very useful. CAT Exam tests the idea of progression often in the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section and this could also be tested in DI LR section of the CAT Exam as a part of a puzzle.
Question 2: Sum of first 12 terms of a GP is equal to the sum of the first 14 terms in the same GP. Sum of the first 17 terms is 92, what is the third term in the GP?
- 92
- -92
- 46
- 231
92
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Explanatory Answer
Method of solving this CAT Question from CAT Algebra - Progressions: It appears that we are adding two additional terms, but the sum does not appear to change. When would this be the case?
Sum of first 12 terms is equal to sum of first 14 terms.
Sum of first 14 terms = Sum of first 12 terms + 13th term + 14th term
=> 13th term + 14th term = 0
Let us assume 13th term = k, common ratio = r. 14th term will be kr.
k + kr = 0
k (1 + r) = 0
=> r = -1 as k cannot be zero
Common ratio = -1.
Now, if the first term of this GP is a, second term would be -a, third would be a and so on
The GP would be a, -a, a, -a, a, -a,...
Sum to even number of terms = 0
Sum to odd number of terms = a
Sum to 17 terms is 92 => a = 92
Third term = a = 92
The question is "what is the third term in the GP?"
Hence the answer is "92"
Choice A is the correct answer.
