Finding the Fourth Proportional to 7,185.81, 9,916.42 and 4,042

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   7,185.81 : 9,916.42 = 4,042 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   7,185.81/9,916.42 = 4,042/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   7,185.81x = 9,916.42 × 4,042
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   7,185.81x = 40,082,169.64
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 40,082,169.64/7,185.81
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 5,577.96