Arithmetic progression (AP) – compute the 12th term: If five times the fifth term of an AP equals seven times the seventh term, determine the twelfth term.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 0

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Relating two AP terms gives a linear equation in the first term and common difference. Once the relation is solved, the requested term follows by substitution.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • a_n = a + (n − 1)d.
  • 5(a + 4d) = 7(a + 6d).


Concept / Approach:
Expand and collect terms to express a in terms of d, then compute a_12 = a + 11d.



Step-by-Step Solution:
5a + 20d = 7a + 42d ⇒ 0 = 2a + 22d ⇒ a = −11d.a_12 = a + 11d = (−11d) + 11d = 0.



Verification / Alternative check:
If a = −11 and d = 1, then a_5 = −7; a_7 = −5; 5(−7) = −35; 7(−5) = −35 (condition holds), and a_12 = 0.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Nonzero values contradict the derived identity a = −11d which forces a_12 = 0 for all d.



Common Pitfalls:
Plugging n instead of n − 1; arithmetic slips when moving terms across the equality.



Final Answer:
0

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