Find the value of m.

Question

Between 1 and 31, m numbers have been inserted in such a way that the resulting sequence is an A. P. and the ratio of 7th and (m – 1)th numbers is 5 : 9. Find the value of m.

Answer 1

Let A1, A2, … Am be m numbers such that 1, A1, A2, … Am, 31 is an A.P.
Here, a = 1, b = 31, n = m + 2
∴ 31 = 1 + (m + 2 – 1) (d)
⇒ 30 = (m + 1) d

d = 30/(m+1)                ...(1)
A1 = a + d
A2 = a + 2d
A3 = a + 3d …
∴ A7 = a + 7d
Am–1 = a + (m – 1) d

According to the given condition,

Thus, the value of m is 14.