SOLUTION: The second term of a arithmetic sequence is 3 the sum is 17 ,what is the first term

Something must be left out here that was supposed to be given, 
for there are many possibilities;

One possibility:

First term = 2.6, common difference 0.4, number of terms = 5

The 5 terms would be:

2.6, 3, 3.4, 3.8, 4.2

Add them, you'll get 17.

So the first term is 2.6

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Another possibility:

first term = 3.35, common difference 0.35, number of terms = 8

The 8 terms would be:

3.35, 3, 2.65, 2.3, 1.95, 1.6, 1.25, .9. 

add them, you'll get 17.

So the first term is 3.35

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Another possibility, a funny one:

first term = 14, common difference -11, number of terms = ONLY 2!!!

The 2 terms would be:

14, 3. 

add them, you'll get 17.  

So the first term is 14.  Quite a funny sequence to have only 2 terms!

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There are many other possibilities. If you'll tell me in the thank-you
note form below what was left out, I'll get back to you with the correct
solution.  Otherwise all I can say is that there are many possibilities.

Edwin