Finding the Third Proportional to 16.31 and 35.72

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   16.31 : 35.72 = 35.72 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   16.31/35.72 = 35.72/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   16.31x = 35.72 × 35.72
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   16.31x = 1,275.83
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 1,275.83/16.31
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 78.21