Answer:
x = 5 and y =4
Explanation:
An alkane is a hydrocarbon of general molecular formula CnH2n+2. The general formula for balancing the combustion equation of any alkane is;
CnH2n+2 + 3n+1/2O2 ------> nCO2 + (n+1) H2O
Where n is the number of carbon atoms in the alkane.
In C3H8 , n=3 so;
C3H2(3)+2 + 3(3)+1/2O2 ------> 3CO2 + (3+1) H2O
Then;
C3H8 + 5O2 ------> 3CO2 + 4H2O
Therefore;
x = 5 and y =4