Answers>Maths>IB>Article

The sixth term of an arithmetic sequence is 8 and the sum of the first 15 terms is 60. Find the common difference and list the first three terms.

Formulae to be used: nth term of an arithmetic sequence un= u1 + (n-1)d and sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic series Sn = (n/2) * (2u1 + (n-1)d) Substitute known values: u1 + 5d = 8(15/2) * (2u1 + 14d) = 60 Attempt to solve simultaneous equations, by eliminating u1 and d, in turn, to get d = -2, and u1 = 18, u2 = 16, u3 = 14.

BC
Answered by Bence C. Maths tutor

1541 Views

See similar Maths IB tutors

Related Maths IB answers

All answers ▸

When integrating by parts, how do I decide which part of the integrand is u or f(x) and which dv or g'(x)?


Differentiate y = e^(x^2 - 3x).


What is integration by parts, and how is it useful?


Consider the arithmetic sequence 5,7,9,11, …. Derive a formula for (i) the nth term and (ii) the sum to n terms. (iii) Hence find the sum of the first 20 terms.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning