3 2 a b 17 are terms of an AP find a and bSolution3 2 a b 17

3, -2, a, b, -17 are terms of an A.P find a and b

3, -2, a, b, -17 are terms of an A.P

Let us calculate the common difference (r).

r= -2 - 3 = -5

==> r= -5

Now we know that:

a3 =a = a1 + 2*r

= 3 + 2r

= 3 + 2*-5

= 3 - 10 = -7

==> a= -7

also:

a4 = b = a1+ 3*r

= 3+ 3*-5

= 3 -15 = -12

==> b = -12

Then ,

3, -2, -7, -12, -17 is an A.P with r = -5