Finding the Third Proportional to 16,281 and 21,415.50

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   16,281 : 21,415.50 = 21,415.50 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   16,281/21,415.50 = 21,415.50/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   16,281x = 21,415.50 × 21,415.50
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   16,281x = 458,623,640.25
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 458,623,640.25/16,281
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 28,169.25