learnohub
Question:
the sum of first three terms of a geometric progression is 13 and the sum of their squares is 91. find the terms of the geometric progression
Answer:

Let the 3 terms of the GP are: a, ar, ar2

Given, a + ar + ar2 = 13 

=> a(1 + r + r2 )= 13 .................1

Again, a2 + (ar)2 + (ar2 )2 = 91

=> a2 + a2 r2 + a2 r4 = 91

=> a2 (1 + r2 + r4 ) = 91 .............2

Square equation 1, we get

     a2 (1 + r + r2 )2 = 169

=> a2 (1 + r2 + r4 + 2r + 2r2 + 2r3 ) = 169 ..........3

Now, equation3 - equation2, we get

      2ra2 (1 + r + r2 ) = 169 - 91

=> 2ra*13 = 169 - 91

=> 26ar = 78

=> ar = 78/26

=> ar = 3

=> r = 3/a ...............4

From eqaution1, we get

      a{1 + 3/a + (3/a)2 } = 13

=> a{1 + 3/a + 9/a2 } = 13

=> a + 3 + 9/a  = 13

=> a + 9/a  = 13 - 3

=> a + 9/a  = 10

=> (a2 + 9)/a  = 10

=> a2 + 9  = 10a

=> a2 - 10a + 9 = 0

=> (a - 9)*(a - 1) = 0

=> a = 1, 9

From eqaution 4, we get

      r = 3/1 and r = 3/9

=> r = 3 and r = 1/3

Now, the geometric terms are when a = 1 and r = 3 

    1, 1*3, 1*32 

=  1, 3, 9

Again, the geometric terms are when a = 9 and r = 1/3 

    9, 9* (1/3), 9*(1/3)2 

=  9, 9/3, 9/9

= 9, 3, 1

So, the geometric series are: 1, 3, 9 or 9, 3, 1 

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.