If x, 2y, 3z are in A.P., where the distinct numbers x, y, z are in G.P., then the common ratio of the G.P. is
(a) 3
(b) $\frac{1}{3}$
(c) 2
(d) $\frac{1}{2}$
Let x, 2y, 3z be in A.P, for distinct x, y and z
where x, y, z are in G.P
Since x, 2y and 3z are in A.P
$\therefore 2 y=\frac{x+3 y}{2} \quad(\because$ middle term $=$ arithmetic mean of adjacent terms)
i. e $4 y=x+3 y \quad \ldots(1)$
and since x, y and z are in G.P
∴ y2 = xz ...(2)
Let r denote the common ratio of G.P
$\therefore \frac{y}{x}=r$ and $\frac{z}{x}=r^{2} \quad \ldots(3)$
Now, dividing (1) by x, we get
$\frac{4 y}{x}=1+\frac{3 y}{x}$
i.e $4 r=1+3 r^{2}$
i. e $3 r^{2}-4 r+1=0$ i. e $3 r^{2}-3 r-r+1=0$
i. e $(3 r-1)(r-1)=0$
i.e $r=\frac{1}{3}$ or $r=1$
(r = 1 is not possible since x, y, z are distinct)
$\Rightarrow$ Common ratio is $\frac{1}{3}$
Hence, the correct answer is option B.