Question

(2x + 23), (8x + 2) and (20x – 52) are three consecutive terms of an arithmetic sequence.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Given (2x + 23), (8x + 2) and (20x - 52) are three consecutive terms of an arithmetic sequence.

(8x + 2) - (2x + 23) = (20x - 52) - (8x + 2)

or, 6x - 21 = 12x - 54

or, 12x - 6x = - 21 + 54 = 33

or, 6x = 33

or, 2x = 11

∴ x = 11/2

∴2x + 23 = 2 × 11/2 + 23 = 34

8x + 2 = 8 × 11/2 + 2 = 46 and

20x - 52 = 20 × 11/2 - 52 = 110 - 52 = 58

34, 46 and 58 are three consecutive terms of an arithmetic sequence.

∴ Common difference(d) = 46 - 34 = 58 - 46 = 12, it is proved.

Hence, the common difference of the sequence is 12.