Arithmetic Progression: General Term

Let, $$d_a$$ and $$d_b$$ be the common differences of the two APs.

We have, 

$$ b_{43}-b_{31} = (b_1+42d_b) - (b_1+30d_b) = 12d_b $$

$$ \Rightarrow 12d_b =-385 - (-277) = -108 \Rightarrow d_b = -9 $$

And, $$ d_a = d_b + 13 = -9 + 13 = 4 $$

Now, $$ a_{78} = a_1 + 77d_a = 327 $$

$$\Rightarrow a_1 + 77 \cdot 4 = 327$$

$$ \Rightarrow a_1 = 327 - 308 = 19 $$