Question:easy

If the sum of the three numbers which are in A.P. is \(27\) and the product of the first and last is \(77\), then the numbers are

Show Hint

Three numbers in A.P. are conveniently taken as \[ \boxed{a-d,\;a,\;a+d.} \]
Updated On: Jul 23, 2026
  • \(6,9,11\)
  • \(9,11,14\)
  • \(7,9,11\)
  • \(9,11,15\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Use the sum to fix the middle term.
Three numbers in A.P. can be written as first, middle, last, and their sum is always 3 times the middle term. Since the sum is 27, the middle number is $27/3=9$.
Step 2: Turn the product condition into a quadratic.
Let the first and last numbers be $p$ and $q$. Since the numbers are in A.P., $p+q=2\times9=18$, and we are told $pq=77$. So $p$ and $q$ are the roots of $t^2-18t+77=0$.
Step 3: Solve the quadratic.
$t=\dfrac{18\pm\sqrt{324-308}}{2}=\dfrac{18\pm4}{2}$, giving $t=11$ or $t=7$. So the numbers are $7,9,11$.
\[ \boxed{7,\;9,\;11} \]
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