Concept:
If angles \( A, B, C \) are in A.P., then \( B = 60^\circ \). Using the Law of Cosines for \( \cos B \):
\[ \cos B = \frac{a^2+c^2-b^2}{2ac} = \frac{1}{2} \]
Step 1: Simplify the cosine rule equation.
\( a^2 + c^2 - b^2 = ac \Rightarrow c^2 - ac + (a^2 - b^2) = 0 \).
Step 2: Solve for \( c \) using the quadratic formula.
\( c = \frac{-(-a) \pm \sqrt{(-a)^2 - 4(1)(a^2-b^2)}}{2(1)} \)
\[ c = \frac{a \pm \sqrt{a^2 - 4a^2 + 4b^2}}{2} \]
\[ c = \frac{a \pm \sqrt{4b^2 - 3a^2}}{2} \]
Step 3: Conclusion.
This matches option (D).
a4b^2-3a^22