Question:easy

Arithmetic mean of two numbers \(a\) and \(b\) is \(5\) and the harmonic mean is \(3.2\). Find the numbers \(a\) and \(b\)?

Show Hint

For two numbers, if A.M. and H.M. are known, first find \(a+b\) from the arithmetic mean and then find \(ab\) from the harmonic mean. The numbers can then be obtained using the quadratic equation \(x^2-(a+b)x+ab=0\).
Updated On: Jun 11, 2026
  • \(a=3,\; b=7\)
  • \(a=4,\; b=6\)
  • \(a=1,\; b=9\)
  • \(a=2,\; b=8\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Read off what each mean tells us.
The arithmetic mean of $a$ and $b$ is the average $\frac{a+b}{2}$, and we are told it equals $5$. So the sum is $a+b=10$. We will hold on to this.
Step 2: Turn the harmonic mean into the product.
The harmonic mean is $\frac{2ab}{a+b}=3.2$. Since the bottom is already $a+b=10$, this becomes $\frac{2ab}{10}=3.2$, so $ab=16$. Now we know the sum and product.
Step 3: Guess-and-check with the sum.
Instead of building a quadratic, list pairs of whole numbers adding to $10$: $(1,9),(2,8),(3,7),(4,6),(5,5)$. We just need the pair whose product is $16$.
Step 4: Test the products quickly.
$1\times 9=9$, $2\times 8=16$, $3\times 7=21$, $4\times 6=24$. The pair $(2,8)$ hits $16$ exactly.
Step 5: Match against the options.
The pair $a=2,\;b=8$ is exactly option 4, so this is our candidate.
Step 6: Verify both means.
A.M. $=\frac{2+8}{2}=5$ and H.M. $=\frac{2(2)(8)}{10}=\frac{32}{10}=3.2$. Both conditions hold perfectly.
\[ \boxed{a=2,\; b=8} \]
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