Let a_1, a_2, a_3, a_4 be an A.P. of four terms such that each term of the A.P. and its common difference l are integers. If a_1+a_2+a_3+a_4=48 and…
JEE Main 2026 — Mathematics Algebra
2026mcqhard
Let a1,a2,a3,a4 be an A.P. of four terms such that each term of the A.P. and its common difference l are integers. If a1+a2+a3+a4=48 and a1a2a3a4+l4=361, then the largest term of the A.P. is equal to
Official previous-year question
Held on 24 Jan 2026 · Verified 6 Jul 2026.
Options
A
23
B
21
C
27
D
24
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Solution
Let the four terms be 12−3k,12−k,12+k,12+3k with common difference l=2k.
Sum =48 is satisfied. Product condition:
(144−9k2)(144−k2)+16k4=361
25k4−1440k2+20375=0
Let u=k2: 25u2−1440u+20375=0
u=501440±2073600−2037500=501440±190
u=25 (integer) or u=32.6 (rejected).
k=5, l=10. Terms: −3,7,17,27.
Largest term =27.
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