Question:

Let \(a, b, c\) be positive real numbers such that \(a, 7, c, b\) are in an arithmetic progression. If \(ab=3(a+b)\), then the largest value of \(b\) is :

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Let the common difference be d and write a and b in terms of d using the second term 7.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • \(9-\sqrt{2}\)
  • \(9-3 \sqrt{2}\)
  • \(9+3 \sqrt{2}\)
  • \(9+6 \sqrt{2}\)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Let the common difference be \(d\). Then \(a=7-d\) and \(b=7+2d\) (the terms are \(7-d,\ 7,\ 7+d,\ 7+2d\)).
\(ab=3(a+b)\Rightarrow(7-d)(7+2d)=3(14+d)\).
\(49+7d-2d^2=42+3d\Rightarrow 2d^2-4d-7=0\Rightarrow d=\dfrac{4\pm\sqrt{16+56}}{4}=1\pm\dfrac{3\sqrt2}{2}\).
\(b=7+2d=9\pm3\sqrt2\). The larger value is \(9+3\sqrt2\) (here \(d\approx3.12\), \(a\approx3.88>0\), \(c\approx10.12>0\), so all terms are positive).
Answer: (3) \(9+3 \sqrt{2}\)
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