What is the harmonic mean?

1 Answer
Emily
May 17, 2018

The harmonic mean is a type of average represented by the following formula.

#H=n/(1/x_1+1/x^2...+1/x_n)#.

Explanation:

The harmonic mean is a specific type of average used when calculating averages of units or rates, such as speed speed. It is different than the arithmetic mean and is always lower.

The formula is:

#H=n/(1/x_1+1/x^2...+1/x_n)#

#n# represents the number of terms in the data set. #x_1# represents the first value in the set.

For example, take the following problem.

What is the harmonic mean of 2,4,5,8,10?

#H=5/(1/2+1/4+1/5+1/8+1/10)#

#H=5/(1.175)#

#H=4.255#

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