Finding the Third Proportional to 196.17 and 280.55

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   196.17 : 280.55 = 280.55 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   196.17/280.55 = 280.55/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   196.17x = 280.55 × 280.55
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   196.17x = 78,706.55
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 78,706.55/196.17
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 401.21