Step 2: Use the general formula to determine the value of n

S
n
=
n
2
(2a + (n 1)d)
2146 =
n
2
(2(4) + (n 1)(3))
4292 = n(8 + 3n 3)
0 = 3n
2
+ 5n 4292
= (3n + 116)(n 37)
n =
116
3
or n = 37
but n must be a positive integer, therefore n = 37.
We could have solved for n using the quadratic formula but factorising by inspection
is usually the quickest method.
Step 3: Write the nal answer
S
37
= 2146
Worked example 10: Finding n given the sum of an arithmetic sequence
QUESTION
The sum of the second and third terms of an arithmetic sequence is equal to zero and
the sum of the rst 36 terms of the series is equal to 1152. Find the rst three terms in
the series.
SOLUTION
Step 1: Write down the given information
T
2
+ T
3
= 0
So (a + d) + (a + 2d) = 0
2a + 3d = 0 . . . . . . (1)
S
n
=
n
2
(2a + (n 1)d)
S
36
=
36
2
(2a + (36 1)d)
1152 = 18(2a + 35d)
64 = 2a + 35d . . . . . . (2)
Step 2: Solve the two equations simultaneously
2a + 3d = 0 . . . . . . (1)
2a + 35d = 64 . . . . . . (2)
Eqn (2) (1) : 32d = 64
d = 2
And 2a + 3(2) = 0
2a = 6
a = 3
28 1.4. Finite arithmetic series