Q) In which of the following situations does the list of numbers involved make an arithmetic progression and why?

Ans: Let’s first start making a sequence and then check if the sequence makes an AP or not..

It is given that the cost of digging for the 1^st metre is Rs 15.0 clearly this becomes our 1^st term,

Next, it is given that the cost increase by Rs. 50 for each additional metre.

It means if we dig 2 metres, then the cost for 1st metre (Rs. 150) will be counted PLUS cost for 2^nd  metre (Rs. 50) will be counted.

Hence, cost for 2 metres will become 150 + 50 = 200

This becomes 2^nd term of sequence

Next, if we go 3 metres, then cost for 1^st metre (Rs. 150) will be counted PLUS cost for 2^nd metre (Rs. 50) will be counted + PLUS cost  for 3^rd metre (Rs. 50) will be counted

Hence, cost for 3 metres will become = 150 + 50 + 50

or we can write it as: 15 + 2 x 50 = 150 + 100 = 250

This becomes 3^rd term of sequence

Similarly, if we go 3 metres, then cost for 1^st metre (Rs. 150) will be counted PLUS cost for 2^nd metre (Rs. 50) will be counted + PLUS cost  for 3^rd metre (Rs. 50) will be counted + PLUS cost  for 4^th metre (Rs. 50) will be counted

Hence, cost for 4 metres will become 150 + 3 x 50 = 300

This becomes 4^th term of sequence

Thus, the sequence starts to emerge as 150, 200, 250, 300,……

Here the difference between any two consecutive terms will be 50 because we have added Rs. 50 for each additional metre.

Therefore, the difference will be common across the sequence

and since the common difference is same across any two consecutive terms, the sequence formed is an AP.

Please do press “Heart” button if you liked the solution