Explanation
Step 1: Set up the AP Formula
Let:
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n = number of rows.
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a = number of children in the first (front) row.
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d = common difference = −3 (since each subsequent row has 3 fewer children).
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Sn = total number of children = 630.
The formula for the sum of an AP is:
Step 2: Create the Equation
Substituting the known values:
For a configuration to be possible, a must be a positive integer, and the number of children in the last row must also be greater than zero.
Step 3: Test the Options
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Case (a): n=3
2a=31260+3(3)−3=420+9−3=426
a=213 (Integer). Possible.
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Case (b): n=4
2a=41260+3(4)−3=315+12−3=324
a=162 (Integer). Possible.
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Case (c): n=5
2a=51260+3(5)−3=252+15−3=264
a=132 (Integer). Possible.
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Case (d): n=6
2a=61260+3(6)−3=210+18−3=225
a=112.5
Since the number of children (a) cannot be a fraction (112.5), 6 rows are not possible.
Final Answer:
The number of rows that is not possible is 6.
Correct Option: (d)