What is 2/3 of 72?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 2/3 of 72? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 2/3 of 72?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 72 × 2 = 144
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 144/3 = 48
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
    • 144/3 = 48
    • 3/3 = 1
  4. Which gives: 48/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/3 of 72, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 2 3 = x 72 (where x represents 2/3 of 72)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 2 × 72 = 3 x
  2. Which gives: 144 = 3 x
  3. Divide both sides by 3 to isolate x: 144 3 = 3 x 3
  4. Which gives the result: 144 3 = x (or 48 1 = x )

Thus, 2/3 of 72 is equal to 48/1 (or 48 in its decimal form).