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CBSE Class 11 Maths Important Questions - Chapter 8 Sequences and Series

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Important Questions for CBSE Class 11 Maths Chapter 8 Sequences and Series FREE PDF Download

Chapter 8, Sequences and Series, is an essential part of the CBSE Class 11 Maths syllabus. It covers key concepts like arithmetic progression (AP), geometric progression (GP), and the sum of finite and infinite series. These topics form the foundation for advanced mathematics and are frequently asked in CBSE exams.

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This page provides a collection of important questions for Class 11 Maths Chapter 8 that are aligned with the latest CBSE syllabus. The questions include a variety of problem types, from basic formula-based calculations to challenging applications, helping students strengthen their understanding of sequences and series. You can also download the FREE PDF of Class 11 Maths Important Questions for offline access to practise these questions anytime.

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Access Important Questions for Class 11 Maths Chapter 8 - Sequences and Series

1 Mark Questions with Solutions

1. Define an arithmetic progression (AP).  

Solution: A sequence is called an AP if the difference between consecutive terms is constant. For example, in $2, 4, 6, 8, \dots$, the common difference is $2$.


2. Write the general term of a geometric progression (GP).  

Solution: The general term of a GP is given by $a_n = ar^{n-1}$, where $a$ is the first term and $r$ is the common ratio.


3. Find the 10th term of the AP: $3, 7, 11, \dots$.  

Solution: The general term of an AP is $a_n = a + (n-1)d$. Here, $a = 3$ and $d = 7 - 3 = 4$:

$a_{10} = 3 + (10-1) \cdot 4 = 3 + 36 = 39.$


4. If the first term of a GP is $5$ and the common ratio is $2$, write the first four terms.  

Solution: The terms of the GP are:

$5, \, 5 \cdot 2 = 10, \, 5 \cdot 2^2 = 20, \, 5 \cdot 2^3 = 40.$


5. Find the sum of the first $5$ natural numbers.  

Solution: The sum of the first $n$ natural numbers is $S_n = \dfrac{n(n+1)}{2}$. For $n = 5$:

$S_5 = \dfrac{5(5+1)}{2} = \dfrac{5 \cdot 6}{2} = 15.$


6. What is the common difference of the AP: $2, 5, 8, 11, \dots$?  

Solution: The common difference is:

$d = 5 - 2 = 3.$


7. Write the formula for the sum of the first $n$ terms of an AP.  

Solution: The sum of the first $n$ terms of an AP is given by:

$S_n = \dfrac{n}{2} [2a + (n-1)d].$


8. State whether the sequence $1, \dfrac{1}{2}, \dfrac{1}{4}, \dfrac{1}{8}, \dots$ is an AP or a GP.  

Solution: It is a GP because the ratio between consecutive terms is constant:

$r = \dfrac{\dfrac{1}{2}}{1} = \dfrac{1}{2}.$


9. Write the first term and the common ratio of the GP: $3, 6, 12, \dots$.  

Solution: The first term is $a = 3$, and the common ratio is $r = \dfrac{6}{3} = 2$.


10. Find the value of $a_{n+1} - a_n$ for the AP: $4, 9, 14, 19, \dots$.  

Solution: The difference between consecutive terms in an AP is the common difference:

$a_{n+1} - a_n = d = 9 - 4 = 5.$


2 Mark Questions with Solutions

1 Find the 20th term of the AP: $5, 10, 15, 20, \dots$.  

Solution: The general term of an AP is $a_n = a + (n-1)d$. Here, $a = 5$ and $d = 10 - 5 = 5$:

$a_{20} = 5 + (20-1) \cdot 5 = 5 + 95 = 100.$


2. $ The 5th term of an AP is $12$, and the 10th term is $27$. Find the common difference.  

Solution: The general term is $a_n = a + (n-1)d$. For the 5th term:

$a + 4d = 12 \quad \text{(1)}.$

For the 10th term:

$a + 9d = 27 \quad \text{(2)}$

Subtracting (1) from (2):

$5d = 15 \implies d = 3.$


3. $ Find the sum of the first $15$ terms of the AP: $7, 10, 13, \dots$.  

Solution: The sum of the first $n$ terms of an AP is:

$S_n = \dfrac{n}{2} [2a + (n-1)d]$

Here, $a = 7$, $d = 10 - 7 = 3$, and $n = 15$:

$S_{15} = \dfrac{15}{2} [2 \cdot 7 + (15-1) \cdot 3] = \dfrac{15}{2} [14 + 42] = \dfrac{15}{2} \cdot 56 = 420$


4. $ If the first term of a GP is $3$ and the common ratio is $4$, find the 5th term.  

Solution: The general term of a GP is $a_n = ar^{n-1}$. Here, $a = 3$ and $r = 4$:

$a_5 = 3 \cdot 4^{5-1} = 3 \cdot 4^4 = 3 \cdot 256 = 768$


5. $ Show that the sequence $5, 8, 11, 14, \dots$ is an AP.  

Solution: Find the differences between consecutive terms:

$8 - 5 = 3, \, 11 - 8 = 3, \, 14 - 11 = 3$  

Since the difference is constant, it is an AP with a common difference $d = 3$.


3 Marks Important Questions

1. Write the first five terms of the sequences whose \[{{n}^{th}}\] term is \[{{a}_{n}}=\dfrac{n}{n+1}\] .

Ans:

The given equation is \[{{a}_{n}}=\dfrac{n}{n+1}\] .

Substitute \[n=1\] in the equation.

\[{{a}_{1}}=\dfrac{1}{1+1}\]

\[\Rightarrow {{a}_{1}}=\dfrac{1}{2}\]

Similarly substitute \[n=2,3,4\] and \[5\]in the equation.

\[{{a}_{2}}=\dfrac{2}{2+1}\]

\[\Rightarrow {{a}_{2}}=\dfrac{2}{3}\]

\[{{a}_{3}}=\dfrac{3}{3+1}\]

\[\Rightarrow {{a}_{3}}=\dfrac{3}{4}\]

\[{{a}_{4}}=\dfrac{4}{4+1}\]

\[\Rightarrow {{a}_{4}}=\dfrac{4}{5}\]

\[{{a}_{5}}=\dfrac{5}{5+1}\]

\[\Rightarrow {{a}_{5}}=\dfrac{5}{6}\]

Therefore, the first five terms of \[{{a}_{n}}=\dfrac{n}{n+1}\] is \[\dfrac{1}{2},\dfrac{2}{3},\dfrac{3}{4},\dfrac{4}{5}\] and \[\dfrac{5}{6}\] . 


2. Show that the products of the corresponding terms of the sequences form \[a,ar,a{{r}^{2}},...a{{r}^{n-1}}\] and \[A,AR,A{{R}^{2}},A{{R}^{n-1}}\]  a G.P. and find the common ratio.

Ans:

The sequence \[aA,arAR,a{{r}^{2}}A{{R}^{2}},...a{{r}^{n-1}}A{{R}^{n-1}}\]  forms a G.P. is to be proved.

Second term / First term \[=\frac{arAR}{aA}=rR\]

Third term / Second term \[=\frac{a{{r}^{2}}A{{R}^{2}}}{aA}=rR\]

Therefore, the \[aA,arAR,a{{r}^{2}}A{{R}^{2}},...a{{r}^{n-1}}A{{R}^{n-1}}\] forms a G.P. and the common ratio is \[rR\].


3. What will Rs.\[500\] amounts to in \[10\] years after its deposit in a bank which pays annual interest rate of \[10%\] compounded annually?

Ans:

Rs.\[500\] is the amount deposited in the bank.

The amount \[=\] Rs.\[500\left( 1+\frac{1}{10} \right)=\] Rs.\[500\left( 1.1 \right)\] , at the end of first year.

The amount \[=\] Rs.\[500\left( 1.1 \right)\left( 1.1 \right)\] , at the end of \[{{2}^{nd}}\] year. 

The amount \[=\] Rs.\[500\left( 1.1 \right)\left( 1.1 \right)\left( 1.1 \right)\] , at the end of \[{{3}^{rd}}\] year and so on. 

Therefore, the amount at the end of \[10\] years 

\[=\] Rs.\[500\left( 1.1 \right)\left( 1.1 \right)...\](\[10\]times)

\[=\] Rs.\[500{{\left( 1.1 \right)}^{10}}\]


4. The first term of a G.P. is \[1\] . The sum of the third term and fifth term is \[90\]. Find the common ratio of G.P.

Ans:

Let the first term of the G.P. be \[a\] and the common ratio be \[r\] .

Then, \[a=1\]

\[{{a}_{3}}=a{{r}^{2}}={{r}^{2}}\]

\[{{a}_{5}}=a{{r}^{4}}={{r}^{4}}\]

Therefore,

\[{{r}^{2}}+{{r}^{4}}=90\]

\[\Rightarrow {{r}^{4}}+{{r}^{2}}-90=0\]

\[\Rightarrow {{r}^{2}}=\frac{-1+\sqrt{1+360}}{2}\]

\[=\frac{-1+\sqrt{361}}{2}\]

\[=-10\] or \[9\]

\[\Rightarrow r=\pm 3\]

Therefore, \[\pm 3\] is the common ratio of the G.P. 


5. Find the \[{{20}^{th}}\] term of the series \[2\times 4+4\times 6+6\times 8+...+n\] terms.

Ans:

\[2\times 4+4\times 6+6\times 8+...+n\] is the given series,

Therefore the \[{{n}^{th}}\] term \[{{a}_{n}}=2n\times \left( 2n+2 \right)=4{{n}^{2}}+4n\]

Then,

\[{{a}_{20}}=4{{\left( 20 \right)}^{2}}+4\left( 20 \right)\]

\[=4\left( 400 \right)+80\]

\[=1600+80\]

\[=1680\]

Therefore, \[1680\] is the \[{{20}^{th}}\] term of the series. 


Long Answer Question (6 Mark)

1. 150 workers were engaged to finish a job in a certain no. of days. 4 workers dropped out on a second day, 4 more workers dropped out on the third day and so on. It took 8 more days to finish the work and find the no. of days in which the work was completed?

Ans: A = 150, d = -4

${{S}_{n}}=~\frac{n}{2}\left[ 2\times 150+(n-1)(-4) \right]$

If total workers who would have worked for all n days, 150(n - 8)

$\therefore \dfrac{{\text{n}}}{{\text{2}}}\left[ {{\text{300}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{(n}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{1)( - 4)}}} \right]\,{\text{ = }}\,{\text{150(n}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{8)}}$

$ \Rightarrow \,{\text{n}}\,{\text{ = }}\,{\text{25}}$


2. Prove that the sum of n terms of the series ${\text{11}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{103}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{1005}}\,{\text{ + }}\,.....\,{\text{is}}\,\dfrac{{{\text{10}}}}{{\text{9}}}{\text{(1}}{{\text{0}}^{\text{n}}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{1)}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{{\text{n}}^{\text{2}}}$.

Ans: ${\text{Sn  =  11  +  103  +  1005  +  }}......{\text{  +  n terms}}$

${\text{Sn  =  (10 + 1)  +  (1}}{{\text{0}}^{\text{2}}}{\text{ + 3)  +  (1}}{{\text{0}}^{\text{3}}}{\text{ + 5)  +  }}....{\text{  +  (10n}} + \,({\text{2n - 1}}){\text{)}}$

${\text{Sn  =  }}\dfrac{{{\text{10(1}}{{\text{0}}^{{\text{n}}\,}}{\text{ - }}\,{\text{1)}}}}{{{\text{10}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{1}}}}\,{\text{ + }}\,\dfrac{{\text{n}}}{{\text{2}}}{\text{(1}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{2n}}\,{\text{ - 1)}}$

$=\,\dfrac{{{\text{10}}}}{{\text{9}}}{\text{(1}}{{\text{0}}^{\text{n}}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{1)}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{{\text{n}}^{\text{2}}}$


3. The ratio of A.M. and G.M. of two positive no. a and b is m : n. Show that

${\text{a : b  =  (m  +  }}\sqrt {{{\text{m}}^{\text{2}}}{\text{ - }}{{\text{n}}^{\text{2}}}} {\text{)}}\,{\text{:}}\,{\text{(m}}\,{\text{ - }}\,\sqrt {{{\text{m}}^{\text{2}}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{{\text{n}}^{\text{2}}}} {\text{)}}$.

Ans: $\dfrac{{\dfrac{{{\text{a + b}}}}{{\text{2}}}}}{{\sqrt {{\text{ab}}} }}\,{\text{ = }}\,\dfrac{{\text{m}}}{{\text{n}}}$

$\dfrac{{{\text{a + b}}}}{{{\text{2}}\sqrt {{\text{ab}}} }}{\text{ = }}\dfrac{{\text{m}}}{{\text{n}}}$

By C and D,

$\dfrac{{{\text{a + b + 2}}\sqrt {{\text{ab}}} }}{{{\text{a + b - 2}}\sqrt {{\text{ab}}} }}\,{\text{ = }}\,\dfrac{{{\text{m}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{n}}}}{{{\text{m}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{n}}}}$

$\Rightarrow\, \dfrac{{{{{\text{(}}\sqrt {\text{a}} \,{\text{ + }}\,\sqrt {\text{b}} {\text{)}}}^{\text{2}}}}}{{{{{\text{(}}\sqrt {\text{a}} \,{\text{ - }}\,\sqrt {\text{b}} {\text{)}}}^{\text{2}}}}}{\text{ = }}\dfrac{{{\text{m}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{n}}}}{{{\text{m}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{n}}}}$

$\Rightarrow\, \dfrac{{\sqrt {\text{a}} \,{\text{ + }}\,\sqrt {\text{b}} }}{{\sqrt {\text{a}} \,{\text{ - }}\,\sqrt {\text{b}} }}\,{\text{ = }}\,\dfrac{{\sqrt {{\text{m}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{n}}} }}{{\sqrt {{\text{m}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{n}}} }}$

By C and D,

$\Rightarrow\,\dfrac{{\sqrt {\text{a}} }}{{\sqrt {\text{b}} }}{\text{ = }}\dfrac{{\sqrt {{\text{m}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{n}}} \,{\text{ + }}\,\sqrt {{\text{m}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{n}}} }}{{\sqrt {{\text{m}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{n}}} \,{\text{ - }}\,\sqrt {{\text{m}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{n}}} }}$

Squaring on both sides, we get,

$\dfrac{{\text{a}}}{{\text{b}}}\,{\text{ = }}\,\dfrac{{{\text{m  +  n  +  m  -  n  + 2}}\sqrt {{{\text{m}}^{\text{2}}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{{\text{n}}^{\text{2}}}} }}{{{\text{m  +  n  +  m  -  n  -  2}}\sqrt {{{\text{m}}^{\text{2}}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{{\text{n}}^{\text{2}}}} }}$

$\Rightarrow\,\dfrac{{\text{a}}}{{\text{b}}}\,{\text{ = }}\,\dfrac{{{\text{m}}\,{\text{ + }}\sqrt {{{\text{m}}^{\text{2}}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{{\text{n}}^{\text{2}}}} \,}}{{{\text{m}}\,{\text{ - }}\sqrt {{{\text{m}}^{\text{2}}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{{\text{n}}^{\text{2}}}} \,}} $


4. Between 1 and 31, m number 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.

Ans: Let 1, A1, A2, …., Am, 31 are in A.P.

a = 1, an = 31

am+2 = 314

${\text{an}}\,{\text{ = }}\,{\text{a}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{(n}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{1)d}}$

${\text{31}}\,{\text{ = }}\,{\text{a}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{(m}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{2}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{1)d}}$

${\text{d}}\,{\text{ = }}\,\dfrac{{{\text{30}}}}{{{\text{m}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{1}}}}$

$\dfrac{{{\text{A7}}}}{{{\text{Am - 1}}}}{\text{ = }}\dfrac{{\text{5}}}{{\text{9}}}{\text{(given)}}$

$\Rightarrow\, \dfrac{{{\text{1 + }}\,{\text{7}}\left( {\dfrac{{{\text{30}}}}{{{\text{m}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{1}}}}} \right)}}{{{\text{1}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{(m}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{1)}}\left( {\dfrac{{{\text{30}}}}{{{\text{m}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{1}}}}} \right)}}\,{\text{ = }}\,\dfrac{{\text{5}}}{{\text{9}}}$

$\Rightarrow\, {\text{m}}\,{\text{ = }}\,{\text{1}}$


5. The sum of two no. is 6 times their geometric mean, show that no. are in the ratio $(3\, + \,3\sqrt 2 )\,:\,(3\, - \,2\sqrt 2 )$.

Ans: ${\text{a  +  b  =  6}}\sqrt {{\text{ab}}}$

$\dfrac{{{\text{a  +  b}}}}{{2\sqrt {{\text{ab}}} }} = \dfrac{3}{1}$ 

By C and D, we get,

$\dfrac{{{\text{a  +  b  +  2}}\sqrt {{\text{ab}}} }}{{{\text{a  +  b  -  2}}\sqrt {{\text{ab}}} }}\, = \,\dfrac{{3 + 1}}{{3 - 1}}$

$\Rightarrow\, \dfrac{{{{{\text{(}}\sqrt {\text{a}} \,{\text{ + }}\,\sqrt {\text{b}} {\text{)}}}^{\text{2}}}}}{{{{{\text{(}}\sqrt {\text{a}} \,{\text{ - }}\,\sqrt {\text{b}} {\text{)}}}^{\text{2}}}}}\,{\text{ = }}\,\dfrac{{\text{2}}}{{\text{1}}}$

$\Rightarrow\, \dfrac{{\sqrt {\text{a}} \,{\text{ + }}\,\sqrt {\text{b}} }}{{\sqrt {\text{a}} \,{\text{ - }}\,\sqrt {\text{b}} }}\,{\text{ = }}\,\dfrac{{\sqrt 2 }}{{\text{1}}}$

Again by C and D, we get,

$\dfrac{{\sqrt {\text{a}} \,{\text{ + }}\,\sqrt {\text{b}} \,{\text{ + }}\,\sqrt {\text{a}} \,{\text{ - }}\sqrt {\text{b}} }}{{\sqrt {\text{a}} \,{\text{ + }}\,\sqrt {\text{b}} \, - \,\sqrt {\text{a}} \, + \sqrt {\text{b}} }}\, = \,\dfrac{{\sqrt 2 \, + \,1}}{{\sqrt 2 \, - \,1}}$

$\Rightarrow\, \dfrac{{2\sqrt {\text{a}} }}{{2\sqrt {\text{b}} }}\, = \,\dfrac{{\sqrt 2 \, + \,1}}{{\sqrt 2 \, - \,1}}$

$\Rightarrow\, \dfrac{{\text{a}}}{{\text{b}}}\,{\text{ = }}\,\dfrac{{{{{\text{(}}\sqrt {\text{2}} \,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{1)}}}^{\text{2}}}}}{{{{{\text{(}}\sqrt {\text{2}} \,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{1)}}}^{\text{2}}}}}\,{\text{(Squaring}}\,{\text{both}}\,{\text{sides)}}$

$\Rightarrow\, \dfrac{{\text{a}}}{{\text{b}}}\,{\text{ = }}\,\dfrac{{2\, + \,1\, + \,2\sqrt {\text{2}} }}{{2\, + \,1\, - \,2\sqrt {\text{2}} }}$

$\Rightarrow\, \dfrac{{\text{a}}}{{\text{b}}}\,{\text{ = }}\,\dfrac{{3\, + \,2\sqrt {\text{2}} }}{{3\, - \,2\sqrt {\text{2}} }}$

$\Rightarrow\, {\text{a}}\,{\text{:}}\,{\text{b}}\,{\text{ = }}\,{\text{(3}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{2}}\sqrt {\text{2}} {\text{)}}\,{\text{:}}\,{\text{(3}}\,{\text{ - }}\,{\text{2}}\sqrt {\text{2}} {\text{)}}$

Practice Question for Chapter 8- Sequence and Series

Some practice questions of chapter 8 - Sequence and Series are as follows.

  1. Calculate the 8th term in the series 2, 6, 18, 54, ……

Answer: 4374.

  1. Calculate the missing term in the series,  4, 12, 36, _, 324, 972.

Answer: 108

  1. Calculate the sum of integers from 1 to 100 that are divisible by 2 or 5.

Answer: 3050

  1. The ratio of the sums of the n terms of two arithmetic progressions is 5n+4 to 9n+6.  Calculate the ratio of their 18th terms.

Answer: 179:321

  1. Find the missing term in the series, 2,7,9,3,8,11,4,9,13,_,10,15.

Answer: 5


Important Topics Covered in the Chapter: Sequence and Series  

Some important topics covered in Sequence and Series are as follows.

  • Introduction to Sequences and Series

  • Arithmetic Progression

  • Geometric Progression

  • Some Special Series’ Formulas of the Sum of n Terms

  • Arithmetic Mean and Geometric Mean

Benefits of Important Questions for Class 11 Maths Chapter 8 - Sequence and Series

  1. Focused Preparation: The PDF compiles critical questions, helping students concentrate on key concepts and problem types likely to appear in exams.

  2. Comprehensive Coverage: Includes a variety of question types, from basic to advanced, ensuring thorough practice and better understanding.

  3. Exam-Oriented: Curated by experts, the questions align with the latest syllabus and exam patterns, increasing the likelihood of performing well.

  4. Time Management: Practising these important questions helps students learn to solve problems efficiently, improving time management during exams.

  5. Step-by-Step Solutions: Detailed solutions provided in the PDF enable students to learn proper problem-solving techniques and clarify doubts instantly.

  6. Revision Aid: Acts as an excellent tool for last-minute revision, summarizing the chapter's essentials in an organized format.

  7. Accessibility: Being a downloadable PDF, it offers easy access anytime, anywhere, making study sessions flexible and convenient.


Conclusion

In order to give the students a step-by-step introduction to Sequence and Series, Vedantu experts developed Important Questions of Sequence and Series Class 11. The NCERT curriculum was carefully followed in the creation of all the content and solutions for Sequence and Series Class 11 Important Questions, allowing the students to use the content to get ready for the test. 



Related Study Materials for Class 11 Maths Chapter 8 Sequences and Series


CBSE Class 11 Maths Chapter-wise Important Questions

CBSE Class 11 Maths Chapter-wise Important Questions and Answers cover topics from all 14 chapters, helping students prepare thoroughly by focusing on key topics for easier revision.

Important Related Links for CBSE Class 11 Maths

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FAQs on CBSE Class 11 Maths Important Questions - Chapter 8 Sequences and Series

1. What are the most important types of questions asked from Sequences and Series in CBSE Class 11 exams?

  • 1-mark: Definitions, formula recall, or identifying AP/GP.
  • 2-mark: Find a specific term, calculate sum up to n terms, or basic short derivations.
  • 3-5-mark: Application problems, real-life scenarios, relationships involving AM, GM, or proving properties.
  • HOTS: Questions combining AP and GP, comparing means, or problem-based proofs appear for higher weightage.

As per CBSE 2025–26 exam pattern, a mix of these is expected for high scores.

2. How do you identify whether a given sequence is an arithmetic progression (AP) or a geometric progression (GP)?

A sequence is an AP if the difference between consecutive terms is constant (common difference d). It is a GP if the ratio of consecutive terms is constant (common ratio r).

  • Example AP: 3, 7, 11, ... (d = 4)
  • Example GP: 2, 4, 8, ... (r = 2)

3. What is the general formula to find the nth term of an AP and GP? (Frequently asked question)

  • AP: $a_n = a + (n-1)d$ where 'a' is the first term and 'd' is the common difference.
  • GP: $a_n = ar^{n-1}$ where 'a' is the first term and 'r' is the common ratio.

4. How do you calculate the sum of first n terms for AP and GP? (High-weightage in CBSE exams)

  • AP sum: $S_n = \frac{n}{2}[2a + (n-1)d]$
  • GP sum (r ≠ 1): $S_n = a\frac{1-r^n}{1-r}$

Where 'a' is the first term, 'd' is common difference (AP), and 'r' is common ratio (GP).

5. Why is understanding Sequences and Series important for competitive exams such as JEE or NDA?

Mastery in sequences and series is crucial because:

  • AP/GP concepts form the basis of advanced mathematics, algebra, and calculus questions.
  • Competitive exams test application in real-life, financial maths, and logical reasoning scenarios.
  • Being able to quickly identify and solve series problems boosts overall score and accuracy.

6. How are HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions structured in Sequences and Series for Class 11?

  • They typically require a combination of AP/GP/AM/GM properties.
  • Often framed around problem-solving in context (e.g., interest calculation, missing terms, ratio proofs).
  • May involve proving advanced relationships or application to real-life sequences.

7. What are some common misconceptions students have when solving important questions in Sequences and Series? (Exam blind spot)

  • Confusing the AP common difference with the GP common ratio.
  • Applying the wrong formula for sum or nth term.
  • Ignoring whether the sequence is finite or infinite while finding the sum.
  • Not simplifying or rearranging answers as per marking guidelines.

8. How does the CBSE Class 11 exam typically assess the weightage of Sequences and Series?

Chapter 8 – Sequences and Series accounts for a significant portion of the Class 11 Maths exam. Expect multiple questions across 1, 2, 4, and 6 marks, especially application-based or proof-related, as per CBSE 2025–26 blueprint.

9. What are some advanced application types based on Sequences and Series expected for board exams?

  • Compound interest calculations using GP logic.
  • Insertion of means between numbers forming AP or GP.
  • Sum of special series like squares or cubes: $\sum_{k=1}^n k^2$, $\sum_{k=1}^n k^3$.
  • AM-GM-HM relationships and comparative ratio problems.

10. How should students effectively prepare for ‘Expected Questions’ in Sequences and Series for Class 11?

  • Practice marking-scheme questions: Focus on varied types as per previous year trends.
  • Revise all formulas and their conditions (especially sum and nth term formulas).
  • Solve HOTS and application-based problems regularly.
  • Use official CBSE/NCERT exercises for base practice, then move to expert-curated important questions.

11. What are some key strategies to avoid errors while solving important questions on Sequences and Series?

  • Always verify sequence type before applying formulas.
  • Show all steps clearly for marks in proofs or derivations.
  • Check arithmetic calculations, especially in multi-step problems.
  • Review answer format as per CBSE marking scheme.

12. How can one prove whether the product of corresponding terms from two GPs forms another GP? (Conceptual, FUQ)

If you multiply the nth terms of two GPs $a, ar, ar^2, ...$ and $A, AR, AR^2, ...$, the product sequence is $aA, ar \cdot AR, ar^2 \cdot AR^2, ... = aA, aArA R, aAr^2A R^2,...$
Each term is of the form $aA (rR)^{n-1}$, so the combined sequence is also a GP with common ratio $rR$.

13. If the sum of two numbers is six times their geometric mean, in what ratio are the two numbers? (Tricky, past year type)

Let the numbers be a and b, and $a + b = 6\sqrt{ab}$.
The ratio of the numbers is $(3 + 2\sqrt{2}) : (3 - 2\sqrt{2})$, obtained by algebraic manipulation and using the relationship between sum and geometric mean.

14. What are the best methods for quick revision of important questions in Sequences and Series before exams?

  • Summarize all AP and GP formulas on a sheet.
  • Solve 1-2 examples per type (nth term, sum, means, special series).
  • Attempt previous year’s board questions from this chapter.
  • Practice HOTS separately to master application-based scenarios.