The first three terms of a geometric sequence are `x`, `y`,`z` and these have the sum equal to `42`. If the middle term `y` is multiplied by `5//4`, the numbers `x`, `(5y)/(4)`, `z` now form an arithmetic sequence. The largest possible value of `x` is

Options

A. `6`
B. `12`
C. `24`
D. `20`

Answer

C

Explanation

`(c )` The three terms of the geometric sequence with the common ratio `r` are `x`, `xr`, `xr^(2)`. ,brgt `:.x+xr+xr^(2)=42`
After multiplying the middle term by `5//4`, we will get an arithmetic sequence. ,brgt `:.(5)/(4)xr-x=xr^(2)-(5)/(4)xr`
`:.2r^(2)-5r+2=0 :. r=(1)/(2)` and `r=2`
On substituting these in `x+xr+xr^(2)=42`, we get
`x=6` or `24`