Finding the Fourth Proportional to 31,005.69, 42,786.33 and 16,858.53

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   31,005.69 : 42,786.33 = 16,858.53 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   31,005.69/42,786.33 = 16,858.53/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   31,005.69x = 42,786.33 × 16,858.53
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   31,005.69x = 721,314,564.68
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 721,314,564.68/31,005.69
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 23,263.94