Solution
Core Logic
Let the 3 elements of set A in A.P. be a-d, a, a+d. Their sum is 3a = 36 a = 12. Their product is p = a(a² - d²) = 12(144 - d²).
Similarly, let the 3 elements of set B be b-D, b, b+D. Their sum is 3b = 36 b = 12. Their product is q = b(b² - D²) = 12(144 - D²).
Step 1: Using the Ratio Condition
We are given the relation:
(p + q)/(p - q) = (19)/(5)Using componendo and dividendo:
(p)/(q) = (19 + 5)/(19 - 5) = (24)/(14) = (12)/(7)Substitute the expression blocks for p and q:
(12(144 - d²))/(12(144 - D²)) = (12)/(7) (144 - d²)/(144 - D²) = (12)/(7) 7(144 - d²) = 12(144 - D²)Step 2: Substituting D in terms of d
We are given D = d + 3:
7(144 - d²) = 12(144 - (d + 3)²) 1008 - 7d² = 12(144 - (d² + 6d + 9)) 1008 - 7d² = 12(135 - d² - 6d) = 1620 - 12d² - 72d 5d² + 72d - 612 = 0Solving this quadratic equation:
(d - 6)(5d + 102) = 0Since d > 0, we choose d = 6. This implies D = 6 + 3 = 9.
Step 3: Finding p - q
Now calculate the targeted metric:
p - q = 12(144 - d²) - 12(144 - D²) = 12(D² - d²) p - q = 12(9² - 6²) = 12(81 - 36) = 12(45) = 540Pattern Recognition
For 3-element symmetric AP sequences, choosing terms as x-d, x, x+d ensures the sum isolates the middle term instantly (3x = S). This drastically drops algebraic variables from the start.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Mathematics: Sequences and Series