[Math] If an A.P ( Arithmetic Progression) , a G.P( Geometric Progression) and a H.P ( Harmonic Progression) ..

algebra-precalculussequences-and-series

If an A.P ( Arithmetic Progression) , a G.P( Geometric Progression) and a H.P ( Harmonic Progression) have the same first term and same (2n+1)th terms and their nth terms are a,b,c respectively , then the radius of the circle $x^2+y^2+2bx+2ky +ac=0$ is ( options are given below)

(a) k

(b) $\boldsymbol{|k|}$

(c) $\sqrt{b^2-ac}$

(d) none of these

My approach :

Writing the equation of circle in standard form viz. $(x-a)^2+(y-b)^2 =r^2$ where a,b are centre of the circle and r is its radius.

we have $(x-b)^2+(y-k)^2 = -ac +b^2+k^2$……..(i)

Also let the first term of A.P , G.P. & H.P is x ( as they have same first term) and let z be the (2n+1)th term of A.P. G.P. \& H.P.

Now, (2n+1)th term of A.P. $\Rightarrow x +(2n)d =z …..(ii)$

(2n+1)th term of G.P $\Rightarrow xr^{2n} =z …..(iii)$

(2n+1)th term of H.P. $\Rightarrow \frac{1}{x+2nd} =z…….(iv)$

Now nth term of A.P. $\Rightarrow x +(n-1)d = a …….(v)$( where d is common difference) ;

nth term of G.P. $\Rightarrow xr^{n-1} = b……..(vi) $ ( where r is the common ratio)

nth term of H.P $\Rightarrow \frac{1}{x+(n-1)d} =c……….(vii) $

Multiplying $(ii) & (iv)$ we get $z^2 = 1 \Rightarrow z = \pm 1……(viii)$

Also multiplying $(v) & (vii) $ we get ac = 1.$……..(ix) $

Now what to do next ……please suggest further… thanks……

Best Answer

Hint: With $k$ arbitrary your answer must depend on $k$, and using the equation of the circle, it is easy to formulate a condition for the answer to depend on $k$ alone. It is then a question of checking whether that condition applies.