Finding the Third Proportional to 72,043.50 and 158,098.50

Step by Step Solution

1. Step 1: Write the proportion equation
   72,043.50 : 158,098.50 = 158,098.50 : x
2. Step 2: Convert to fraction form
   72,043.50/158,098.50 = 158,098.50/x
3. Step 3: Cross multiply
   72,043.50x = 158,098.50 × 158,098.50
4. Step 4: Simplify right side
   72,043.50x = 24,995,135,702.25
5. Step 5: Solve for x
   x = 24,995,135,702.25/72,043.50
6. Step 6: Final answer
   x = 346,945.05