How to Calculate Arithmetic Mean, Geometric Mean, and Harmonic Mean Definition, Types, Examples & Uses

How to Calculate Arithmetic Mean, Geometric Mean, and Harmonic Mean

Subject: Mathematics

Book: Maths Mastery

While the arithmetic mean is the familiar (sum ÷ count), the geometric mean multiplies data points and takes the nth root, and the harmonic mean deals with reciprocals. For numbers a and b, the geometric mean is √(ab), while the harmonic mean is 2 ÷ (1/a + 1/b). Each mean highlights different aspects of datasets, with the harmonic mean particularly relevant for rates (speed, frequency) and the geometric mean for growth processes (like interest rates). Understanding the trio fosters nuanced data analysis, ensuring you pick the correct mean to represent your dataset or scenario accurately.