Answer: - 7.2 , 2.6 , 12.4 and 22.2
Explanation:
Let the arithmetic means be p , q , r ,s , therefore , the sequence becomes:
-17 , p , q , r , s , 32
The first term (a ) = -17
Last term (L) = 32
common difference (d) = ?
number of terms (n ) = 6
We will use the formula for calculating the last term to find the common difference. That is
L = a + (n - 1 ) d
Substituting the values , we have
32 = -17 + (6-1) d
32 = -17 + 5d
32 + 17 = 5d
49 = 5d
Therefore: d = 9.8
We can therefore find the values of p , q , r , and s
p is the second term , that is
p = a + d
p = -17 + 9.8
p = -7.2
q = a + 2d
q = - 17 + 19.6
q = 2.6
r = a + 3d
r = - 17 + 29.4
r = 12.4
s = a + 4d
s = - 17 + 39.2
s = 22.2
Therefore : the arithmetic means are : - 7.2 , 2.6 , 12.4 and 22.2