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Printjmc
algebra intermediate
Problem
The first four terms in an arithmetic sequence are and in that order. What is the fifth term?
Solution
Note that which simplifies to Solving for we find Also, which simplifies to Substituting we get This simplifies to which factors as so or
If then is not defined, so Then Then the common difference of the arithmetic sequence is so the fifth term is
If then is not defined, so Then Then the common difference of the arithmetic sequence is so the fifth term is
Final answer
\frac{123}{40}