Final answer:
To find the number of male residents in a town with a total population of 8610, where 25 of every 42 residents are male, set up a proportion and solve for 'x'. The result is approximately 5119 male residents.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find out how many of the 8610 residents are male, given that 25 of every 42 residents are male, we can set up a proportion. First, we establish a ratio of male residents to the total number of residents, which is 25:42. Since the total population of the town is 8610, we need to determine what fraction of the total population the male residents represent.
To do this, we use a simple cross-multiplication method:
\[
\frac{25}{42} = \frac{x}{8610},
\]
where 'x' is the number of male residents. Cross-multiplying gives us
\[
42 \times x = 25 \times 8610.
\]
To solve for 'x', we divide both sides by 42:
\[
x = \frac{25 \times 8610}{42}.
\]
Upon calculation, we find the number of male residents in the town.
After the calculation, you'll find that the town has approximately 5119 male residents.