Answer:
a₁ = 18
Step-by-step explanation:
The n th term of an arithmetic sequence is
[tex]a_{n}[/tex] = a₁ + (n - 1)d
where a₁ is the first term and d the common difference
Given a₃ = 10 and a₅₁ = - 182, then
a₁ + 2d = 10 → (1)
a₁ + 50d = - 182 → (2)
Subtract (1) from (2) term by term to eliminate a₁
48d = - 192 ( divide both sides by 48 )
d = - 4
Substitute d = - 4 into (1) and evaluate for a₁
a₁ + 2(- 4) = 10
a₁ - 8 = 10 ( add 8 to both sides )
a₁ = 18
