GEOMETRIC MEANS

In general, the terms between any two nonsuccessive terms in a geometric

sequence are called GEOMETRIC MEANS. If the numbers a1, a2, a3, a4,... an form a
geometric sequence, the numbers a2, a3,...an – 1 are called geometric means between
a1 and an. The geometric mean between two numbers a and b is
√ ab if a and b are positive −√ ab if a and b are negative

EXAMPLE:
A. Find the geometric mean between 3 and 12.
Solution: There are three terms in the given sequence 7, _____, 63
m = √ ( 3 ) (12 ) = √ 36 = ±6
The geometric mean between 3 and 12 is 6 or – 6. The sequence is 3, 6, 12 or
3, -6, 12
EXAMPLES:
B. Insert two geometric means between C. Insert three geometric means
6 and 750. between 10 and 810.
Solution: There are four terms in Solution: There are five terms in
the given sequence: 6, ___, ____, 750 the given sequence: 10, __, __, __, 810
a1 = 6; n = 4; a4 = 750 a1 = 10; n = 5 a5 = 810
Using the formula: an = a1rn-1 Using the formula: an = a1rn-1
750 = 6r4 – 1 Substitute the given 810 = 10r5 – 1
125 = r3 Divide both side by 81 = r4
(6) the numerical √4 81 = √4 r 4
coefficient of “r” ±3=r
√ 125 = √ r Get the cube root of 125
3 3 3
To complete the sequence, multiply 10
5=r by 3 or – 3, and then multiply the result
To complete the sequence, multiply by3 or – 3.
6 by 5, and then multiply the result by 10, 30, 90, 270, 810
5. 6, 30, 150, 750 or 10, - 30, 90, - 270, 810
ACTIVITY: Show your solution
I. Find the geometric mean between the following numbers.
1. 3 and 48 2. 9 and 16 3. 1 and 36 4. –3 and –27 5. –2 and –98
1 2 2 27
9. –6b2 and – 10. 4x and 9x
6. 3 and 27 7. 3 and 48 8. 3 and 8
24b 2

II. Insert indicated number of geometric means between the given numbers.
Write the resulting geometric sequence
1. Insert two geometric means between 4 and 864
2. Insert two geometric means between – 2 and 686
3. Insert three geometric means between 2 and 512