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Question

Suppose $a_1, a_2,..., a_{300}$ are integers such that $a_{i-1}+ a_i+ a_{i+1} = 2025$ for all $i = 2,3, ..., 299$.
If $a_7 = -5, a_9 = 37$, then the value of $a_{106}$ is

The correct answer is
-5

Relation $a_{i-1}+ a_i+ a_{i+1} = 2025$ Analysis

The problem provides a sequence of integers $a_1, a_2, ..., a_{300}$ governed by the recurrence relation $a_{i-1}+ a_i+ a_{i+1} = 2025$ for $i = 2, 3, ..., 299$.

Sequence Periodicity Derivation

To understand the sequence's behavior, we analyze the recurrence relation:

  • For index $i$: $a_{i-1} + a_i + a_{i+1} = 2025$
  • For index $i+1$: $a_i + a_{i+1} + a_{i+2} = 2025$

Subtracting the first equation from the second gives:

$ (a_i + a_{i+1} + a_{i+2}) - (a_{i-1} + a_i + a_{i+1}) = 2025 - 2025 $

$ a_{i+2} - a_{i-1} = 0 $

$ a_{i+2} = a_{i-1} $

This equality holds for $i = 2, 3, ..., 299$. It demonstrates that the sequence is periodic with a period of 3. That is, $a_n = a_{n-3}$ for $n \ge 4$. Consequently, the value of any term $a_n$ depends only on the remainder of $n$ when divided by 3.

$a_7$ and $a_9$ Values Used

We are given specific values for two terms: $a_7 = -5$ and $a_9 = 37$. Using the periodicity ($a_n = a_{n-3}$):

  • For $a_7$: Since $7 \equiv 1 \pmod 3$, $a_7 = a_{7-3} = a_4 = a_{4-3} = a_1$. Therefore, $a_1 = -5$.
  • For $a_9$: Since $9 \equiv 0 \pmod 3$ (or $9 \equiv 3 \pmod 3$), $a_9 = a_{9-3} = a_6 = a_{6-3} = a_3$. Therefore, $a_3 = 37$.

$a_{106}$ Calculation

To find the value of $a_{106}$, we first determine the position of the index 106 within the cycle of 3. We calculate the remainder of 106 divided by 3:

$ 106 \div 3 = 35 \text{ with a remainder of } 1 $

This means $106 \equiv 1 \pmod 3$. Due to the sequence's periodicity, $a_{106}$ will be equal to the term $a_n$ where $n \equiv 1 \pmod 3$. Thus:

$ a_{106} = a_1 $

Final Answer

From the analysis in the previous steps, we found that $a_1 = -5$. Therefore, the value of $a_{106}$ is:

$ a_{106} = -5 $

This result matches Option C.

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Important Questions from Progression (Notes)

  1. The $5^{\text{th}}$ and $9^{\text{th}}$ terms of an arithmetic progression are 7 and 13 respectively. What is the $15^{\text{th}}$ term?
  2. Find the sum of the G.P.:
    $5/11, 5/121, 5/1331, 5/14641, ...$ to $n$ terms.
  3. What would be the $178^{\text{th}}$ term in the following series?
    2, 5, 8, 11, 14, ...
  4. What is the common difference of the following A.P. series?
    7, 19, 31, 43, ...
  5. The $5^{\text{th}}$ and the $17^{\text{th}}$ terms of an A. P. series are 52 and 184 respectively. Find the common difference of the series.
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