Experimentally it was found that a metal oxide has formula M0.98O. Metal M, is present as M2+ and M3+ in its oxide.
Fraction of the metal which exists as M3+ would be:
4.08%
Metal oxide =M0.98O.
Let's say we have 'x' ions of M is +3 state.
⇒3x+2(0.98−x)=2⇒x=0.04
⇒% of metal in +3 state =0.040.98×100=4.08%