Create an abstract representation of a mathematical problem with a hint of mystery. Think of the progression of numbers along two graphical axes, one showing a linear increase - representing the arithmetic sequence, and the other showing an exponential growth - the geometric sequence. Both sequences are intertwined denoting that some terms overlap. Near the far end of the arithmetic sequence, mark the 21st term valued at 72. For the geometric sequence, mark the summation of the first 10 terms, but keep the actual sum abstract and ambiguous.

The 1st, 5th and 13th terms of an arithmetic sequence are the first three terms of a geometric sequence with a common ratio 2. If the 21st term of the arithmetic sequence is 72, calculate the sum of the first 10 terms of the geometric sequence.

My answer is 12276, is this correct?

or, analytically,

a+4d = 2a
a+12d = 4a

a = 4d, so, since a+20d=72
24d=72, and d=3
so, a=12

Tn = 12*2^(n-1)
S10 = 12*(2^10-1)/(2-1) = 12*1023 = 12276

Looks like you're right.

drwls, I think the sequence is

12,24,48,96,... :-(

the sum of the first 10 terms of the geometric sequence.

Math

You're welcome! If you need further assistance, feel free to ask.

Steve is right. I messed up doubling one term. Sorry about that

12 + 24 + 48 + 96 +192 +384 +768 + 1536 +3072 + 6144 = 12,276

Congratulations!

I used a brute force method. Steve's is better

2+5+8+11+14+17+20......=?

a=a

a+4d=ar
a+12d=ar^2
an=a+(n-1)d
72=a+(21-1)d
72=a+20d............(i)
a+12d/a+4d=a+4d/a this is because the ratio is same
a(a+12d)=(a+4d)(a+4d)
a^2+12da=a^2+4da+4da+16d^2
a^2+12da=a^2+8da+16d^2
4da=16d^2
4a=16d
a=16d/4
a=4d................(ii)

72=4d+20d
72=24d
d=3
hence a=4*3=12

GP sum=[a(1-r^n)]/1-r
[12(1-2^10)]/1-2
[12*(1-1024)]/-1
12276 ans

Why is school hard?