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Hydrocarbon combustion balances by inspection in a fixed order: carbon sets the CO2 coefficient at x, hydrogen sets H2O at y/2, and oxygen is then whatever satisfies both, namely x + y/4. Propane (C3H8) therefore needs 5 O2 to give 3 CO2 and 4 H2O; when x + y/4 is a half-integer the whole equation is doubled to clear the fraction.
Oxygen requirement
O2 = x + y/4
Products
CO2 = x, H2O = y/2
Oxygen appears in both products, so its requirement is only fixed once the carbon and hydrogen coefficients are known.
No - it assumes complete combustion to carbon dioxide and water. Producing carbon monoxide or soot lowers the oxygen requirement.