Question:medium

If \(^nC_4,^nC_5\) and \(^nC_6\) are in arithmetic progression (A.P.), then the value of n is...

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Use the AP condition 2 nC5 = nC4 + nC6 and divide by nC5.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(5\) or \(11\)
  • \(7\) or \(14\)
  • \(8\) or \(15\)
  • \(6\) or \(13\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Set up
Let the common ratio idea be avoided. Write the three coefficients with factorials relative to ${}^nC_4$.

Step 2: Express
${}^nC_5 = {}^nC_4 \cdot \frac{n-4}{5}$ and ${}^nC_6 = {}^nC_5 \cdot \frac{n-5}{6}$.

Step 3: Use the AP
$2\,{}^nC_5 - {}^nC_4 - {}^nC_6 = 0$ leads to $2 = \frac{5}{n-4} + \frac{n-5}{6}$ after dividing by ${}^nC_5$. This simplifies to $n^2 - 21n + 98 = 0$.

Step 4: Test the options
The roots are 7 and 14. Check $n = 14$: ${}^{14}C_4 = 1001$, ${}^{14}C_5 = 2002$, ${}^{14}C_6 = 3003$, which are in A.P. with difference 1001. The other pairs (5 and 11, 8 and 15, 6 and 13) do not satisfy the quadratic.

Final Answer:
n equals 7 or 14. This is option (B). \[ \boxed{\text{(B) }7 \text{ or } 14} \]
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