Step-by-step explanation:
Given (2x + 23), (8x + 2) and (20x - 52) are three consecutive terms of an arithmetic sequence.
(8x + 2) - (2x + 23) = (20x - 52) - (8x + 2)
or, 6x - 21 = 12x - 54
or, 12x - 6x = - 21 + 54 = 33
or, 6x = 33
or, 2x = 11
∴ x = 11/2
∴2x + 23 = 2 × 11/2 + 23 = 34
8x + 2 = 8 × 11/2 + 2 = 46 and
20x - 52 = 20 × 11/2 - 52 = 110 - 52 = 58
34, 46 and 58 are three consecutive terms of an arithmetic sequence.
∴ Common difference(d) = 46 - 34 = 58 - 46 = 12, it is proved.
Hence, the common difference of the sequence is 12.
