Step 1: Concept Identification:
The number of plants in each row forms an arithmetic progression (AP) due to a constant difference between successive terms.
Step 2: Applicable Formula/Method:
The formula for the nth term of an AP is:
\(a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d\)
Here, \(a_n\) represents the nth term, \(a_1\) is the first term, n is the total number of terms, and d is the common difference. The objective is to determine 'n', which signifies the number of rows.
Step 3: Detailed Calculation:
The sequence representing the number of plants per row is 23, 21, 19, ..., 5.
The first term, \(a_1 = 23\).
The last term, \(a_n = 5\).
The common difference, \(d = 21 - 23 = -2\).
Substituting these values into the nth term formula:
\(5 = 23 + (n-1)(-2)\)
Subtract 23 from both sides:
\(5 - 23 = (n-1)(-2)\)
\(-18 = (n-1)(-2)\)
Divide both sides by -2:
\(\frac{-18}{-2} = n-1\)
\(9 = n-1\)
Add 1 to both sides:
\(n = 10\)
Step 4: Conclusion:
There are 10 rows of plants in the flower bed.