Finding the Fourth Proportional to 25,978, 35,849.64 and 16,042

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   25,978 : 35,849.64 = 16,042 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   25,978/35,849.64 = 16,042/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   25,978x = 35,849.64 × 16,042
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   25,978x = 575,099,924.88
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 575,099,924.88/25,978
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 22,137.96