Given that the first and fourth terms of a G.P are 6 and 162 respectively, find the sum of the first three terms of the progression.
A. 8 B. 27 C. 48 D. 78
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
To find the sum of the first three terms of a geometric progression (G.P.) where the first term (\(a\)) is 6 and the fourth term is 162, follow these steps:
1. Identify the given values and the common ratio (\(r\)):
- The first term \(a = 6\). - The fourth term is given by \(a \cdot r^3 = 162\).
2. Set up the equation for the fourth term:
\[ 6 \cdot r^3 = 162 \]
Solve for \(r^3\):
\[ r^3 = \frac{162}{6} = 27 \]
Find \(r\):
\[ r = \sqrt[3]{27} = 3 \]
3. Calculate the first three terms of the G.P.:
- The first term is \(a = 6\). - The second term is \(a \cdot r = 6 \cdot 3 = 18\). - The third term is \(a \cdot r^2 = 6 \cdot 3^2 = 6 \cdot 9 = 54\).
4. Find the sum of the first three terms:
\[ \text{Sum} = 6 + 18 + 54 = 78 \]
Thus, the sum of the first three terms of the geometric progression is 78, which corresponds to option D.