Arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means

  • Classical Means
    problem

    Classical means

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Use the diagram to investigate the classical Pythagorean means.
  • AMGM
    problem

    AMGM

    Age
    14 to 16
    Challenge level
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    Can you use the diagram to prove the AM-GM inequality?

  • Three Ways
    problem

    Three ways

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    If x + y = -1 find the largest value of xy by coordinate geometry, by calculus and by algebra.
  • Pythagorean Golden Means
    problem

    Pythagorean golden means

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Show that the arithmetic mean, geometric mean and harmonic mean of a and b can be the lengths of the sides of a right-angles triangle if and only if a = bx^3, where x is the Golden Ratio.
  • Without Calculus
    problem

    Without calculus

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Given that u>0 and v>0 find the smallest possible value of 1/u + 1/v given that u + v = 5 by different methods.
  • Mean Geometrically
    problem

    Mean geometrically

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    A and B are two points on a circle centre O. Tangents at A and B cut at C. CO cuts the circle at D. What is the relationship between areas of ADBO, ABO and ACBO?
  • About Pythagorean Golden Means
    article

    About Pythagorean golden means

    What is the relationship between the arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means of two numbers, the sides of a right angled triangle and the Golden Ratio?