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Solving Mean-Related Problems - Formulas, Technique

The document outlines methods for solving mean-related problems, detailing the relationships between harmonic, arithmetic, and geometric means, along with essential formulas. It provides a step-by-step solution to a specific problem involving two positive numbers and discusses various techniques and types of questions related to means. Additionally, it offers strategies for solving different question types, emphasizing the importance of understanding mean relationships and algebraic manipulation skills.

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Nitesh Kumar
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10 views5 pages

Solving Mean-Related Problems - Formulas, Technique

The document outlines methods for solving mean-related problems, detailing the relationships between harmonic, arithmetic, and geometric means, along with essential formulas. It provides a step-by-step solution to a specific problem involving two positive numbers and discusses various techniques and types of questions related to means. Additionally, it offers strategies for solving different question types, emphasizing the importance of understanding mean relationships and algebraic manipulation skills.

Uploaded by

Nitesh Kumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Solving Mean-Related Problems: Formulas,

Techniques, and Question Types


To solve the given question, I'll first understand the relationship between different means and
then apply the appropriate techniques.

Solution to the Given Problem


Let's denote the two positive numbers as x and y.
Given information:
Harmonic mean (h) = 7.5
'a' is the arithmetic mean
'g' is the geometric mean
3a + g² = 105
Step 1: Apply the harmonic mean formula.
h = 2xy/(x+y) = 7.5
2xy = 7.5(x+y)
Step 2: Express in terms of other means.
Arithmetic mean: a = (x+y)/2, so x+y = 2a
Geometric mean: g = √(xy), so g² = xy
Step 3: Substitute into the harmonic mean equation.
2g² = 7.5(2a)
g² = 7.5a
Step 4: Use the condition 3a + g² = 105.
3a + 7.5a = 105
10.5a = 105
a = 10
Step 5: Find g and the original numbers.
g² = 7.5 × 10 = 75
g = √75 = 5√3
Step 6: Find x and y using the system of equations.
x + y = 2a = 20
xy = g² = 75
These equations lead to the quadratic: z² - 20z + 75 = 0
Solving: z = (20 ± √(400-300))/2 = (20 ± 10)/2
So x = 15 and y = 5
Therefore, the larger number is 15, and the answer is option b) 15.

Essential Formulas for Mean-Related Problems

Basic Mean Formulas


Arithmetic Mean (AM): a = (x + y)/2
Geometric Mean (GM): g = √(xy)
Harmonic Mean (HM): h = 2xy/(x + y)

Relationship Between Means


For any two positive numbers: HM ≤ GM ≤ AM
The equality holds only when the numbers are equal
AM × HM = GM²
If AM = a and GM = g, then g²/a = HM

Power Mean Formulas


Quadratic Mean (QM): q = √((x² + y²)/2)
Cubic Mean: c = ∛((x³ + y³)/2)
Root Mean Square (RMS): rms = √((x² + y²)/2)

Weighted Mean Formulas


Weighted AM: (w₁x₁ + w₂x₂)/(w₁ + w₂)
Weighted GM: (x₁^w₁ × x₂w₂)(1/(w₁+w₂))
Weighted HM: (w₁ + w₂)/(w₁/x₁ + w₂/x₂)

Techniques to Solve Mean Problems

1. Substitution Method
Express one mean in terms of others using the relationship formulas
Substitute in the given constraints to find values
2. Quadratic Equation Method
Once you know the sum (2a) and product (g²) of two numbers, form a quadratic equation
The roots of this equation will be the original numbers

3. AM-GM Inequality Application


Use AM ≥ GM ≥ HM to establish bounds
These inequalities help in optimization problems

4. Parametric Approach
Express the two numbers as a+d and a-d (where a is the AM)
Then g² = a² - d² and h = a - d²/a

5. Direct Formula Application


For specific constraints, derive direct formulas by combining the basic relationships

Types of Mean-Related Questions

1. Finding Unknown Values


Given some means, find the original numbers
Given some means and a constraint equation, find other means

2. Mean Manipulations
If means change due to operations on the original numbers, find relationships
Example: If x changes to ax+b and y to ay+b, how do the means change?

3. Mean Inequalities
Prove or apply inequalities involving different means
Example: Show that AM - GM ≥ GM - HM for two positive numbers

4. Mean Optimization
Find values that maximize or minimize functions involving means
Example: Find x and y such that AM+GM is minimized given a constraint
5. Mean Transformation
If numbers undergo transformations, find how the means are affected
Example: If x transforms to 1/x and y to 1/y, how are the means related?

6. Mean Properties
Questions testing the properties of specific means
Example: For which numbers is HM exactly half of AM?

7. Combined Mean Problems


Questions involving multiple types of means and multiple constraints
Example: Like the problem given in the image

Solving Strategies for Different Question Types

For Finding Unknown Values


1. Write the formulas for each given mean
2. Create a system of equations
3. Solve for the unknown values using substitution or elimination

For Mean Manipulations


1. Write the original and transformed means
2. Establish relationships between them
3. Apply algebraic manipulations to find the required relation

For Mean Inequalities


1. Use the standard inequality HM ≤ GM ≤ AM
2. Apply algebraic manipulations to prove the required inequality

For Optimization Problems


1. Express the objective function in terms of means
2. Use calculus or AM-GM inequality to find extrema
3. Verify with second derivative test if using calculus
When practicing, remember that mean problems often test both formula knowledge and
algebraic manipulation skills. The key is to identify the relationships between different means
and apply them systematically to solve for the unknowns.
⁂

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