If $t_n$ denotes the number of triangles formed with $n$ points in a plane, no three of which are collinear…

If $t_n$ denotes the number of triangles formed with $n$ points in a plane, no three of which are collinear and if $t_{n+1}-t_n=36$, then $n$ is equal to
  1. $7$
  2. $8$
  3. $9$
  4. $10$

Solution

$t_n=$ The number of triangles formed with $n$ points in a plane, no three of which are collinear. i.e., $ \begin{aligned} & t_n={ }^n C_3 \\ & t_{n+1}={ }^{n+1} C_3 \end{aligned} $ $ \Rightarrow \quad t_{n+1}={ }^{n+1} C_3 $ Now, $t_{n+1}-t_n=36$ $ \begin{array}{crrl} \Rightarrow & { }^{n+1} C_3-{ }^n C_3=36 \\ \Rightarrow & \frac{(n+1) !}{(n-2) ! 3 !}-\frac{n !}{(n-3) ! 3 !}=36 \\ \Rightarrow & \frac{(n+1) n(n-1)}{6}-\frac{n(n-1)(n-2)}{6}=36 \\ \Rightarrow & & n(n-1)(n+1-n+2)=36 \times 6 \\ \Rightarrow & & 3 n(n-1)=36 \times 6 \\ \Rightarrow & & n^2-n-72=0 \\ \Rightarrow & & n^2-9 n+8 n-72=0 \\ \Rightarrow & & n(n-9)+8(n-9)=0 \\ \Rightarrow & & (n-9)(n+8)=0 \\ \therefore & & n=9 \quad(\because n \neq-3) \end{array} $

Asked in: AP EAMCET 2013

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