Given that \(-6, -2\frac{1}{2}, ..., 71\) is a linear sequence , calculate the number of

FURTHER MATHEMATICS
WAEC 2016

Given that \(-6, -2\frac{1}{2}, ..., 71\) is a linear sequence , calculate the number of terms in the sequence.

  • A. 20
  • B. 21
  • C. 22
  • D. 23

Correct Answer: D. 23

Explanation

\(T_{n} = a + (n - 1)d\) (for a linear or arithmetic progression)

Given: \(T_{n} = 71, a = -6, d = -2\frac{1}{2} - (-6) = 3\frac{1}{2}\)

\(\implies 71 = -6 + (n - 1)\times 3\frac{1}{2}\)

\(71 = -6 + 3\frac{1}{2}n - 3\frac{1}{2} = -9\frac{1}{2} + 3\frac{1}{2}n\)

\(71 + 9\frac{1}{2} = 3\frac{1}{2}n \implies n = \frac{80\frac{1}{2}}{3\frac{1}{2}}\)

\(= 23\)



Post an Explanation Or Report an Error
If you see any wrong question or answer, please leave a comment below and we'll take a look. If you doubt why the selected answer is correct or need additional more details? Please drop a comment or Contact us directly. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Add Math
Don't want to keep filling in name and email whenever you make a contribution? Register or login to make contributing easier.