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arithmetic series help

The sum of the first three numbers of an arithmetic series is 12. If the 20th term is -32, find the first term and the common difference.

how do i do this?
Reply 1
Use the formula for the sum of an arithmetic series for the 3 first values. Use the formula for Un=U20 = -32. Solve simultaneously.
Reply 2
Original post by TVIO
Use the formula for the sum of an arithmetic series for the 3 first values. Use the formula for Un=U20 = -32. Solve simultaneously.


I did the formula and got 3a+3d=12. So what do I do now?
Reply 3
Nevermind, I've worked it out. Thanks to TVIO.
Reply 4
Original post by Year11guy
I did the formula and got 3a+3d=12. So what do I do now?


You know that the 20th number is -32, so use the formula for Un and use it for U(20) = -32
Reply 5
Original post by TVIO
You know that the 20th number is -32, so use the formula for Un and use it for U(20) = -32

Thanks for the help, I've worked it out now!
Reply 6
Original post by Year11guy
Thanks for the help, I've worked it out now!


Glad to help! I personally found some of those sequences questions the hardest things in the course as you have to be really careful with them.

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