Standard +0.3 This is a straightforward arithmetic series problem requiring students to find the common difference, use it to establish the value of p, then apply the sum formula. While it involves multiple steps (finding d, solving for p, using S_n formula, solving a quadratic), each step follows standard procedures with no novel insight required, making it slightly easier than average.
The first three terms of an arithmetic series are \(9p\), \(8p - 3\), \(5p\) respectively, where \(p\) is a constant.
Given that the sum of the first \(n\) terms of this series is \(-1512\), find the value of \(n\). [6]
The first three terms of an arithmetic series are $9p$, $8p - 3$, $5p$ respectively, where $p$ is a constant.
Given that the sum of the first $n$ terms of this series is $-1512$, find the value of $n$. [6]
\hfill \mbox{\textit{SPS SPS SM 2024 Q3 [6]}}