How many terms must be added in an arithmetic sequence whose first term is 78 and whose common difference is -4 to obtain a sum of 702?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Number of terms either 27 or 13

Step by step solution

01

Given information 

In an arithmetic sequence,

first term is 78 , a1=78

common difference is -4, d=-4

sum is 702

02

Sum formula 

Sn=n22a1+(n-1)d702=n22(78)+(n-1)(-4)multiplyby2onbothsides1404=n(156-4n+4)1404=-4n2+160n4n2-160n+1404=0

03

Quadratic formula 

Solve for n using quadratic formula

4n2-160n+1404=0n=--160±-1602-4·4·14042·4n=--160±568n=--160+568=27n=--160-568=13

Number of terms either 27 or 13

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free