If the last term of A.P. 5, 3, 1, -1, …. is -41, then the A.P. consists of

1. 46 terms

2. 25 terms

3. 24 terms

4. 23 terms

Here, a = 5, d = 3 - 5 = -2.

Let nth term be -41, so a_n = -41.

We know that

    a_n = a + (n - 1)d
∴ -41 = 5 + (n - 1) × (-2)
⇒ -41 = 5 - 2n + 2
⇒ 7 - 2n = -41
⇒ 2n = 7 + 41
⇒ 2n = 48
⇒ n = 24.

Hence, Option 3 is the correct option.