Geometric Means Review
Review: Geometric Means
Let's review a concept from Unit 8. Given two numbers, a and b, you can find the geometric mean by solving the proportion.
Example
Find the geometric mean between 3 and 4.
Start by copying the general formula for geometric means.
Substitute in your given values.
Answer: 3, 4
Use the cross-product propterty to simplify.
___2 = ( ___ ) (4)
Answer: x, 3
Simplify the right side of the equation.
x2 = ___
Answer: 12
Find the square root of each side to solve.
Simplify
Answer: 2, 3
Geometric Means
You may be wondering how the geometric mean can be applied to geometry. Geometric means are most frequently used to describe relationships between similar right triangles. They can be used to find missing measures of segments in right triangles.
