Finding the Third Proportional to 15.97 and 34.02

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   15.97 : 34.02 = 34.02 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   15.97/34.02 = 34.02/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   15.97x = 34.02 × 34.02
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   15.97x = 1,157.50
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 1,157.50/15.97
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 72.48