Solution
Related Formula
Tₙ = a + (n-1)d Dcommon = LCM(d₁, d₂)Core Logic
First Progression (S₁): 4, 9, 14, 19, Common difference d₁ = 5. Last term (T₂₅) = 4 + (25-1)5 = 4 + 120 = 124.
Second Progression (S₂): 3, 6, 9, 12, Common difference d₂ = 3. Last term (T₃₇) = 3 + (37-1)3 = 3 + 108 = 111.
Step 1: Forming the Common AP
By inspecting the sequences, the first common term (acommon) is 9. The common difference of the new series is the LCM of the original differences:
Dcommon = LCM(5, 3) = 15Thus, the common terms form a new AP: 9, 24, 39, 54,
Step 2: Bounding the Sequence
The last term of the common AP must be less than or equal to the smallest maximum limit of the two series. Here, (124, 111) = 111. So, the n-th term of the common sequence is bounded by 111:
9 + (n-1)15 ≤ 11115(n-1) ≤ 102
(n-1) ≤ (102)/(15) = 6.8n ≤ 7.8 Since n must be an integer, n = 7.
Pattern Recognition
The common terms of two APs always form a new AP. Its common difference is the LCM of the original differences. Find the first common term manually, then cap the n-th term inequality with the smallest end-boundary of the original sets.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Maths: Sequences and Series