Arithmetic Progression in Terms of Two Terms

Rarely Tested

Arithmetic Progression in Terms of Two Terms

## Formula

If the $$p$$th and $$q$$th terms of an AP are $a_p$ and $a_q$:

$$a_p=a+(p-1)d$$

$$a_q=a+(q-1)d$$

Therefore:

$$a_q-a_p=(q-p)d$$

Hence:

$$d=\frac{a_q-a_p}{q-p}$$

## Usage

- Used when two terms of an AP are given and the general term or common difference is required.

Question 1

The common difference of the $$A.P.: a_{1},a_{2},.....,a_{m}$$ is 13 more than the common difference of the $$A.P.:b_{1},b_{2},....,b_{n}$$. If $$b_{31}=-277,b_{43}=-385 \text{ and } a_{78}=327$$ then $$a_{1}$$ is equal to

Go back to topics

Join CAT 2026 course by 5-Time CAT 100%iler

Start your IIM journey with the right preparation and crack CAT 2026.