In mathematics, the harmonic mean (sometimes called the subcontrary mean) is one of several kinds of average. Typically, it is appropriate for situations when the average of rates is desired.
It is the special case (M−1) of the power mean. As it tends strongly toward the least elements of the list, it may (compared to the arithmetic mean) mitigate the influence of large outliers and increase the influence of small values.
Read more about Harmonic Mean: Harmonic Mean of Two Numbers, Relationship With Other Means, Inequalities, Statistics, Lognormal Distribution, Pareto Distribution, Beta Distribution
Famous quotes containing the word harmonic:
“For decades child development experts have erroneously directed parents to sing with one voice, a unison chorus of values, politics, disciplinary and loving styles. But duets have greater harmonic possibilities and are more interesting to listen to, so long as cacophony or dissonance remains at acceptable levels.”
—Kyle D. Pruett (20th century)