Multiple choice

Find the smallest number in a GP whose sum is 38 and product 1728

  1. 12

  2. 20

  3. 8

  4. none of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Let GP be a/r, a, ar. Sum: a/r + a + ar = 38. Product: a^3 = 1728, so a = 12. With a=12, testing r=3/2 gives: 8, 12, 18. Sum = 38, product = 1728. Smallest term is 8.

Keep practicing — related questions