How do you find the first term of the arithmetic sequence having the data given S_n= 781, d = 3, n = 22?

1 Answer
Mar 21, 2016

Use the formula s_n = n/2(2a + (n - 1)d)

Explanation:

a is the first term.

781 = 22/2(2a + (22 - 1)3)

781 = 11(2a + 63)

781 = 22a + 693

88 = 22a

4 = a

Practice exercises:

An arithetic sequence of 14 terms has a sum of -322. The first term is -2. Find the common ratio, r.

Good luck.