Finding the Third Proportional to 196.31 and 280.13

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   196.31 : 280.13 = 280.13 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   196.31/280.13 = 280.13/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   196.31x = 280.13 × 280.13
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   196.31x = 78,470.02
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 78,470.02/196.31
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 399.72