Finding the Fourth Proportional to 59.42, 81.97 and 38.72

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   59.42 : 81.97 = 38.72 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   59.42/81.97 = 38.72/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   59.42x = 81.97 × 38.72
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   59.42x = 3,173.90
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 3,173.90/59.42
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 53.42