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How do I Calculate the Mean for the Interval Ratio?

An interval ratio is a term used in musical notation. It refers to the frequencies of the pitches in a musical interval. For example, a frequency that goes from C to G would have an interval ratio of 3:2, or 1.5. You can determine the single numerical value for each interval ratio by dividing the first number in the ratio by the second number. The mean of your interval ratios will indicate the average frequencies of the pitches in your musical intervals.

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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the single numerical value for each of your interval ratios by dividing the first number in the ratio by the second number in the ratio. For example, for interval ratios 3:2, 4:3 and 9:8, the single numerical values would be 1.5, 1.3 and 1.125, respectively.

    • 2

      Add together each of the numerical values you calculated. In the example, the sum of our numerical values would be 3.925.

    • 3

      Divide your result by the number of numerical values you began with. In the example, we would divide 3.925 by 3, and our result would be 1.3083. This value is your mean interval ratio.

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