If the square of the 7th term of an arithmetic progression with positive common difference equals the product of the 3rd and 17th terms, then the ratio of the first term to the common difference is

Question 31:
If the square of the 7th term of an arithmetic progression with positive common difference equals the product of the 3rd and 17th terms, then the ratio of the first term to the common difference is

Option: 1
Explanation:

The seventh term of an AP = a + 6d. Third term will be a + 2d and second term will be a + 16d. We are given that
$ (a + 6d)^2 = (a + 2d)(a + 16d)$
=> $ a^2 $ + $36d^2$ + 12ad = $ a^2 + 18ad + 32d^2 $
=> $4d^2 = 6ad$
=> $ d:a = 3:2$
We have been asked about a:d. Hence, it would be 2:3

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CAT 2017 [slot 1] Question with solution 31

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