Finding the Fourth Proportional to 42,978, 59,316.12 and 26,220.72

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   42,978 : 59,316.12 = 26,220.72 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   42,978/59,316.12 = 26,220.72/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   42,978x = 59,316.12 × 26,220.72
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   42,978x = 1,555,311,374.01
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 1,555,311,374.01/42,978
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 36,188.55