learnohub
Question:
If the sum of the first n terms of an AP is 4n - n2, what is the first term (that is S1)? What is the sum of first two terms? What is the second term? Similarly, find the 3rd, the 10th and the nth terms.
Answer:

Given sum of first n terms of the AP is

 Sn = 4n - n2

Put n = 1, we get

S1 = 4*1 - 12

     = 4 – 1

      = 3

So first term = 3

Now, sum of first two terms S2 = 4*2−22        (Put n=2)

                                                = 8−4

                                                = 4

So sum of first two terms = 4

 

Therefore Second term =S2 −S1

                                    =4−3

                                     =1

So second term = 1

 

Again  S3 = 4×3 - 32                 (Put n= 3)

               = 12 – 9

               = 3

Therefore Third term = S3 − S2

                                 = 3 – 4 

                                 = – 1

So third term = -1

Again

S9 = 4×9−92                               (Put n = 9)

     = 36 – 81

     = – 45

and

  S10 = 4×10−102                 (Put n = 10)

        = 40 – 100

        = – 60

Therefore Tenth term = S10 − S9 

                                 = – 60 – (– 45)

                                 = – 60 + 45

                                 = – 15

Now

          Sn = 4n−n2

and    Sn-1 = 4(n−1)−(n−1)2

                = 4n − 4 − (n2 - 2n + 1)

                = 4n − 4 − n2 + 2n - 1

                = −n2 + 6n - 5

Therefore, nth term = Sn − Sn-1

                               =  4n−n2 −(−n2 +6n−5)

                               = 4n − n2 + n2 − 6n + 5

                               = 5 − 2n

So nth term of AP is 5 − 2n

 

Not what you are looking for? Go ahead and submit the question, we will get back to you.

learnohub

Classes

  • Class 6
  • Class 7
  • Class 8
  • Class 9
  • Class 10
  • Class 11
  • Class 12
  • ICSE 6
  • ICSE 7
  • ICSE 8
  • ICSE 9
  • ICSE 10
  • NEET
  • JEE

YouTube Channels

  • LearnoHub Class 11,12
  • LearnoHub Class 9,10
  • LearnoHub Class 6,7,8
  • LearnoHub Kids

Overview

  • FAQs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • About Us
  • NGO School
  • Contribute
  • Jobs @ LearnoHub
  • Success Stories
© Learnohub 2026.