Invariant means

Let m and M be symmetric means in two and three variables, respectively. We say that M is type 1 invariant with respect to m if M(m(a,c),m(a,b),m(b,c))≡M(a,b,c). If m is strict and isotone, then we show that there exists a unique M which is type 1 invariant with respect to m. In particular, we discuss the invariant logarithmic mean L₃, which is type 1 invariant with respect to L(a,b)=(b−a)/(logb−loga). We say that M is type 2 invariant with respect to m if M(a,b,m(a,b))≡m(a,b). We also prove existence and uniqueness results for type 2 invariance, given the mean M(a,b,c). The arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic means in two and three variables satisfy both type 1 and type 2 invariance. There are means m and M such that M is type 2 invariant with respect to m, but not type 1 invariant with respect to m (for example, the Lehmer means). L₃ is type 1 invariant with respect to L, but not type 2 invariant with respect to L.