Answer:
a₂ = -3
a₃ = -1
Explanation:
We have to insert two arithmetic means between -5 and 1
Let a₁ and b₂ be the two arithmetic means between -5 and 1
-5, a₂, a₃, 1
Here,
We know that the nth term of an Arithmetic sequence
aₙ = a₁ + (n-1)d
a₄ = -5 + (4-1)d
1 = -5 + 3d
1 + 5 = 3d
3d = 6
Dividing both sides by 2
d = 2
Also
a₂ = a₁ + (2-1)d
a₂ = -5 + d
a₂ = -5 + 2 ∵ d = 2
a₂ = -3
a₃ = a₁ + (3-1)d
a₃ = -5 + 2d
a₃ = -5 + 2(2) ∵ d = 2
a₃ = -5 + 4
a₃ = -1
Thus,
a₂ = -3
a₃ = -1
Thus, the sequence becomes:
-5, -3, -3, 1