B

1003097008

Level: 
B
Find the first term of an arithmetic sequence \( \left\{a_n\right\}_{n=1}^{\infty} \), if the sum of the first eight terms is $12$ and the sum of the first twelve terms is $-6$: \[ \begin{aligned} s_8&=12 \\ s_{12}&=-6 \end{aligned} \]
\( 5 \)
\( -5 \)
\( 2 \)
\( 1 \)
\( -3 \)

1003112812

Level: 
B
The sum \( s_3 \) of the first three terms of a geometric sequence is \( 21 \) and its common ratio is \( -2 \). Which of the following (in)equalities is true for the first term of the sequence?
\( a_1 > 0 \)
\( a_1 < 0 \)
\( a_1 = 0 \)
\( a_1 < a_2 \)
\( a_1 > s_3 \)