The sun of three numbers is 98. If the ratio of the first to second is 2:3 and that of the second to the third is 5:8; then the second number is

30

Step-by-step explanation:

solve the system of equations:

a+b+c=98,

a/b=2/3,

b/c=5/8

so

a + 3/2 a + 3/2 * 8/5 a = 98

49/10 a = 98

a = 980/49 = 20

then b = 3/2 * 20 = 30

(and c = 48)