Related Formula
- An Arithmetic Progression (A.P.) with common difference d$d$ sets consecutive terms as: Tₙ = T₁ + (n-1)d$T_n = T_1 + (n-1)d$
- A Geometric Progression (G.P.) ensures: T₂² = T₁ · T₃$T_2^2 = T_1 \cdot T_3$
Core Logic
Since 3, a, b, c$3, a, b, c$ are elements of an A.P., let d$d$ denote the common difference:
- a = 3 + d$a = 3 + d$
- b = 3 + 2d$b = 3 + 2d$
- c = 3 + 3d$c = 3 + 3d$
Substituting these values into the sequence configurations of the given G.P. (3, a-1, b+1, c+9$3, a-1, b+1, c+9$):
G.P. terms: 3, (3+d-1), (3+2d+1), (3+3d+9)$$\text{G.P. terms: } 3, \, (3+d-1), \, (3+2d+1), \, (3+3d+9)$$
G.P. terms: 3, 2+d, 4+2d, 12+3d$$\text{G.P. terms: } 3, \, 2+d, \, 4+2d, \, 12+3d$$
Step 1: Compute the Common Difference
Using the geometric mean property for the first three terms (3, 2+d, 4+2d$3, 2+d, 4+2d$):
(2+d)² = 3(4 + 2d)$$(2+d)^2 = 3(4 + 2d)$$
4 + 4d + d² = 12 + 6d$$4 + 4d + d^2 = 12 + 6d$$
d² - 2d - 8 = 0$$d^2 - 2d - 8 = 0$$
(d-4)(d+2) = 0 d = 4 or d = -2$$(d-4)(d+2) = 0 \implies d = 4 \quad \text{or} \quad d = -2$$
Step 2: Evaluate both cases for the Progressions
- Case A: If d = 4$d = 4$
The G.P. sequence reads: 3, 6, 12, 24$3, 6, 12, 24$ (common ratio r=2$r=2$, valid layout).
The values are: a = 7, b = 11, c = 15$a = 7, b = 11, c = 15$.
- Case B: If d = -2$d = -2$
The G.P. sequence reads: 3, 0, 0, 6$3, 0, 0, 6$ (contains zeros, violating standard geometric definitions).
Hence, select d = 4$d = 4$.
Step 3: Calculate the Final Arithmetic Mean
The required arithmetic mean of a, b, c$a, b, c$ is:
Arithmetic Mean = (a+b+c)/(3) = (7+11+15)/(3) = (33)/(3) = 11$$\text{Arithmetic Mean} = \frac{a+b+c}{3} = \frac{7+11+15}{3} = \frac{33}{3} = 11$$
Pattern Recognition
Sees: Transition parameters mapping from A.P. linear spacing into G.P. ratios.
Shortcut: Notice that the arithmetic mean of a, b, c$a, b, c$ is exactly equal to the middle value b$b$ for any linear sequence. Thus, finding b = 3 + 2(4) = 11$b = 3 + 2(4) = 11$ directly yields the final answer.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Mathematics: Sequences and Series