Question

The first, second and fourth terms of a proportion are 16, 24 and 54 respectively. Find the third

term.
(a) 8
(b) 36
(c) 24
(d) 7.1

Answer 1

Third term is 36

Explanation:

According to the definition of proportion, if two sets of given numbers are in the same ratio, then the ratios are said to be directly proportional to each other

We use the symbol :: to denote proportion

So if

a:b :: c:d

Then a/b = c/d

We are given that first number = 16, second is 24 and the last is 54

Let the third number be x

We have that
16:24 :: x : 54

In other words

16/24 = x/ 54

Simplifying left side

2/3 = x/54

x = 2/3 x 54 = 36