We know that,
an=a+(n−1)da4=a+(4−1)da4=a+3dSimilarly,a8=a+7da6=a+5da10=a+9d (1mark)Given that, a4+a8=24a+3d+a+7d=24a+5d=12…(i)a6+a10=44a+5d+a+9d=442a+14d=44
a+7d=22 .....(ii)
(1mark)
On subtracting equation (i) from (ii), we get,
2d = 22 - 12
2d = 10
d = 5
(0.5mark)
From equation (i), we get
a + 5d = 12
a + 5 (5) = 12
a + 25 = 12
a = −13
a2=a+d=−13+5=−8
a3=a2+d=−8+5=−3
Therefore, the first three terms of this A.P. are −13, −8, and −3.
(1.5marks)