Q.

If the sum of the first four terms of an A.P. is 6 and the sum of its first six terms is 4, then the sum of its first twelve terms is           [2026]

1 −20  
2 −26  
3 −24  
4 −22  

Ans.

(4)

Sum of first 4 terms S4=6

42(2a+3d)=62a+3d=3    ...(1)

Sum of first 6 terms S6=4

62(2a+5d)=42a+5d=43    ...(2)

eq. (2) - eq. (1)

(2a+5d)-(2a+3d)=43-3

d=-56

 2a+3(-56)=3a=114

S12=122{2(114)+(12-1)(-56)}

S12=6(-226)=-22