Finding the Third Proportional to 31.88 and 38.50

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   31.88 : 38.50 = 38.50 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   31.88/38.50 = 38.50/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   31.88x = 38.50 × 38.50
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   31.88x = 1,482.25
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 1,482.25/31.88
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 46.50