Finding the Fourth Proportional to 8,971.96, 12,381.38 and 5,432.71

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   8,971.96 : 12,381.38 = 5,432.71 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   8,971.96/12,381.38 = 5,432.71/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   8,971.96x = 12,381.38 × 5,432.71
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   8,971.96x = 67,264,419.78
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 67,264,419.78/8,971.96
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 7,497.18