If , , are in an A.P. and , , are also in an A.P., then is equal to:
- A
- B
- C
- D
If , , are in an A.P. and , , are also in an A.P., then is equal to:
Correct answer:A
Standard Method
Given: are in A.P. Also, are in A.P.
Find: The ratio .
Since are in A.P., the middle term property gives
So,
Hence,
Now rewrite the second A.P. terms using logarithm properties:
Therefore, are in A.P.
Again using the middle term property for A.P.,
So,
Thus,
Simplifying,
Using and ,
Hence,
Therefore, the correct option is A, and .
Using common ratio form
Given: Both sets of logarithmic terms are in A.P.
Find: .
From in A.P., we get
Now let
Since their logarithms are in A.P., satisfy
But
So,
which gives
Then from ,
Therefore,
So the correct option is A.
Assuming that terms in A.P. imply a constant ratio. For logarithmic terms in A.P., the correct condition is equality of differences, which leads to the middle term relation , not a geometric progression directly.
Failing to combine logarithms correctly. Expressions like must be written as . Without this conversion, the second A.P. condition cannot be applied properly.
Using the A.P. condition on the second set incorrectly. If three terms are in A.P., the correct relation is . Applying any product or sum relation without this step leads to wrong algebra.
Get unlimited AI-adaptive practice, mastery tracking, and an AI tutor that explains every step — free to start.