The sum of the first three terms of a geometric progression is 26, and the sum of their squares is 364. Find the terms of the GP.
2, 6, 18
Explanation
The problem requires finding the terms of a geometric progression using the given sum and the sum of their squares. By representing the first three terms as a, ar, and , we can form two equations. Dividing the equation for the sum of squares by the equation for the sum of terms and applying the algebraic identity for (1++)/(1+r+) simplifies the system, allowing us to find the second term and subsequently solve a quadratic equation for the common ratio.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Let the first three terms of the GP be a, ar, , where 'a' is the first term and 'r' is the common ratio.
Step 2: Given the sum of the first three terms is 26: a + ar + = 26 => a(1 + r + ) = 26 ... (1).
Step 3: Given the sum of their squares is 364: + ^2 + ^4 = 364 => (1 + + ) = 364 ... (2).
Step 4: Divide equation (2) by equation (1): (1 + + ) / a(1 + r + ) = 364 / 26. Using the identity (1 + + ) / (1 + r + ) = 1 - r + , we get a(1 - r + ) = 14 ... (3).
Step 5: Subtract equation (3) from equation (1): a(1 + r + ) - a(1 - r + ) = 26 - 14, which simplifies to 2ar = 12. Thus, the second term ar = 6.
Step 6: Substitute ar = 6 into equation (1): a + 6 + = 26 => a + = 20. Since a = 6/r and = 6r, we get 6/r + 6r = 20.
Step 7: Multiply by r and simplify: 6 + = 20r => - 10r + 3 = 0. Factoring gives (3r - 1)(r - 3) = 0, so r = 3 or r = 1/3.
Step 8: If r = 3, a = 2, and the terms are 2, 6, 18. If r = 1/3, a = 18, and the terms are 18, 6, 2. In both cases, the terms of the GP are 2, 6, and 18.