Finding the Third Proportional to 256.50 and 264.50

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   256.50 : 264.50 = 264.50 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   256.50/264.50 = 264.50/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   256.50x = 264.50 × 264.50
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   256.50x = 69,960.25
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 69,960.25/256.50
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 272.75