Correct Answer:
B. 28
To find the fourth proportional to three given numbers (a, b, c), we set up a proportion where the ratio of the first two numbers is equal to the ratio of the third number to the unknown fourth number (x). The relationship is expressed as a/b = c/x.
- Given the numbers 4, 16, and 7, we set up the proportion: 4/16 = 7/x.
- To solve for x, we cross-multiply: 4 * x = 16 * 7.
- This simplifies to 4x = 112.
- Dividing both sides by 4, we get x = 112 / 4, which means x = 28.
- Options A (25), C (29), and D (22) are incorrect results that would arise from miscalculations or an incorrect understanding of the proportional relationship.
Understanding proportions is a fundamental concept in mathematics.