Answer:
The common difference is 1/2
Step-by-step explanation:
Data obtained from the question include:
3rd term (a3) = 0
Common difference (d) =.?
From the question given, we were told that the 7th term (a7) and the 4th term (a4) are related by the following equation:
a7 – 2a4 = 1
Recall:
a7 = a + 6d
a4 = a + 3d
a3 = a + 2d
Note: 'a' is the first term, 'd' is the common difference. a3, a4 and a7 are the 3rd, 4th and 7th term respectively.
But, a3 = 0
a3 = a + 2d
0 = a + 2d
Rearrange
a = – 2d
Now:
a7 – 2a4 = 1
Substituting the value of a7 and a4, we have
a + 6d – 2(a + 3d) = 1
Sustitute the value of 'a' i.e –2d into the above equation, we have:
–2d + 6d – 2(–2d + 3d) = 1
4d –2(d) = 1
4d –2d = 1
2d = 1
Divide both side by 2
d = 1/2
Therefore, the common difference is 1/2
***Check:
d = 1/2
a = –2d = –2 x 1/2 = –1
a3 = 0
a3 = a + 2d
0 = –1 + 2(1/2)
0 = –1 + 1
0 = 0
a7 = a + 6d = –1 + 6(1/2) = –1 + 3 = 2
a4 = a + 3d = –1 + 3(1/2) = –1 + 3/2
= (–2 + 3)/2 = 1/2
a7 – 2a4 = 1
2 – 2(1/2 = 1
2 – 1 = 1
1 = 1
