Step-by-step Solution:

Let the three numbers be \( A \), \( B \), and \( C \). We are given the ratios: \[ A : B = 2 : 3 \] \[ B : C = 5 : 8 \] To find the combined ratio \( A : B : C \), we find a common multiple for \( B \). Multiply the first ratio by 5 and the second ratio by 3: \[ A : B = 10 : 15 \] \[ B : C = 15 : 24 \] This gives the combined ratio: \[ A : B : C = 10 : 15 : 24 \] Let the numbers be \( 10x \), \( 15x \), and \( 24x \). Their sum is 98: \[ 10x + 15x + 24x = 98 \] \[ 49x = 98 \implies x = 2 \] The second number is: \[ 15x = 15 \times 2 = 30 \]