Let a ,   b and c be in G . P . with common ratio r , where a ≠ 0 and 0 < r ≤ 1 2 . If…

Let a, b and c be in G.P. with common ratio r, where a0 and 0<r12. If 3a, 7b and 15c are the first three terms of an A.P., then the 4th term of this A.P. is :
  1. a
  2. 73a
  3. 5a
  4. 23a

Solution

We know that, the nth term of a G.P. with first term a and common ratio r is tn=arn-1.

Then, b=ar and c=ar2

Now, 3a, 7b and 15c are in A.P.

14b=3a+15c

14ar=3a+15(ar2)

14r=3+15r2

15r2-14r+3=0

3r-15r-3=0

r=13 or  r=35

The only acceptable value is r=13, because r0, 12

 the first term of the A.P. is A=3a and the common difference is d=7b-3a=7ar-3a=73a-3a=-23a

Also, we know that the nth term of an A.P. with first term A and common difference d is Tn=A+n-1d

 T4=3a+4-1-23a= 3a-2a=a.

Asked in: JEE Main 2019 (10 Apr Shift 2)

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