Finding the Fourth Proportional to 8,597.72, 12,886.74 and 3,971

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   8,597.72 : 12,886.74 = 3,971 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   8,597.72/12,886.74 = 3,971/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   8,597.72x = 12,886.74 × 3,971
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   8,597.72x = 51,173,244.54
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 51,173,244.54/8,597.72
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 5,951.96