Analyzing the Setup
The mean, xˉ=8, represents the center of gravity of our data set. It provides the average value of all seven observations. The fundamental formula is:
With n=7, we can write the equation as:
By cross-multiplying, we find that the total sum of all seven observations is 56. Summing the known values (2+4+10+12+14=42), we determine that:
This serves as our first anchor point: the sum of our unknowns is 14.
The Power of Variance
Next, we utilize the variance, σ2=16. While the definition involves deviations, the computational formula is more efficient:
Substituting our known values, we get:
Since 82=64, we add 64 to both sides to obtain 80=7∑xi2. Multiplying by 7, we find the total sum of squares:
The Algebraic Bridge
We now possess two vital pieces of information: the sum of the unknowns (a+b=14) and the sum of the squares of all observations (∑xi2=560). We must isolate the squares of our unknowns.
The sum of squares of all seven observations is the sum of the squares of the five knowns plus a2+b2. Calculating the squares of the knowns:
22+42+102+122+142=4+16+100+144+196=460
Therefore, 560=460+a2+b2, which implies:
Final Calculation
We now stand at the threshold of the solution with a+b=14 and a2+b2=100. To find the product ab, we use the algebraic identity:
Substituting our known values into the identity:
Subtracting 100 from both sides, we get 2ab=96. Thus, the final result is:
ab=48