+0  
 
+1
1191
8
avatar+302 

find the 20th term from the last term of the A.P: 3,8,13,,,,,253

 Mar 22, 2017
 #1
avatar+37153 
0

Common difference between terms is  5       (8-3 = 5      13-8 = 5 etc)

this is of the form    3 + 5 (n-1)    

                                3 + 5n -5 = 5n-2         where n= number of the term

           20th term       5(20)-2 = 98

 Mar 22, 2017
 #2
avatar+302 
+1

can we find the answer by reversing the A.P?

SARAHann  Mar 22, 2017
 #3
avatar+129899 
+1

Good idea.....!!!

 

The last term  is   253

 

And the common difference in terms is 5

 

So......the 20th term from the last  =

 

253 - 5(n - 1) =

 

253 - 5(20 - 1)  =  

 

253 - 5(19)  =

 

158

 

 

cool cool cool

 Mar 22, 2017
 #4
avatar+302 
+1

Is d= -5 or 5?

then if it's 5 shouldn't it  be 253+(n-1)*5?

SARAHann  Mar 22, 2017
 #5
avatar+129899 
+1

I suppose that you're technically correct......the common difference is -5 [ we are subtracting 5 each time ]

 

 

cool cool cool

 Mar 22, 2017
 #8
avatar+302 
+1

OK I get it! thx!

SARAHann  Mar 25, 2017
 #6
avatar+37153 
0

Chris pointed out to me that I mis-read your question.....

I will continue the way I started

we have 5n-2  gives the nth term

253 = 5n-2

255 = 5n

yields n = 51st term for 253      20 terms before this would be 31st term

5(31)-2 = 153   = 20 terms before 253

 

I think Chris answer may be the 19th before 253

 if you use his equation    the tem that is ONE before would be 253 - 5(1-1) = 253    which would be incorrect.

 Mar 22, 2017
 #7
avatar+129899 
+1

OK.....thanks, EP....

 

 

cool cool cool

 Mar 22, 2017

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