The ratio of the sums of m and n terms of an A.P. is m2 : n2. Show that the ratio of the mth and nth term is (2m–1):(2n–1). [4 MARKS]
Formula: 1 Mark each
Steps: 1 Mark
Answer: 1 Mark
Let a be the first term and d the common difference of the given A.P. Then, the sums of m and n terms are given by
Sm = (m2) [2a + (m – 1) d], and
Sn = (n2) [2a + (n – 1) d]
SmSn = m2n2
m2[2a+(m−1)d]n2[2a+(n−1)d] = m2n2
⇒ 2a+(m−1)d2a+(n−1)d = mn
⇒[2a+(m−1)d]n=[2a+(n−1)d]m
⇒2a(n−m)=d((n−1)m−(m−1)n)
⇒2a(n−m)=d(n−m)
⇒d=2a
TmTn = a+(m−1)×2aa+(n−1)×2a=a+(m−1)×2aa+(n−1)×2a=2m−12n−1
(∵d=2a)