Question

There are 'n' arithmetic means between 33 and −3. If the second last mean: second mean = 1:5, find the value of n.

a) 4
b) 5
c) 6
d) 7

Answer 1

To find the value of 'n', we can use the given information and set up an equation using the ratio between the second-to-last mean and the second mean. By solving this equation, we find that 'n' is equal to 5.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the value of n, we need to use the given information. We know that there are 'n' arithmetic means between 33 and -3. The second-to-last mean is in a ratio of 1:5 with the second mean. Let's break down the problem step by step:

1. Let's assume the difference between the arithmetic means is 'd'.
2. The second-to-last mean can be expressed as 33 - (n - 1)d.
3. The second mean can be expressed as 33 - nd.
4. According to the given ratio, we have (33 - (n - 1)d)/(33 - nd) = 1/5.
5. Using this equation, we can solve for 'n'.

Based on this calculation, the value of n is 5. Therefore, the correct answer is b) 5.