What is 2/4 of 72?

How to calculate 2/4 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: 144/4 = 36
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (4):
   • 144/4 = 36
   • 4/4 = 1
4. Which gives: 36/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/4 of 72, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{2}{4}=\frac{x}{72}$ (where x represents 2/4 of 72)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $2\times 72=4x$
2. Which gives: $144=4x$
3. Divide both sides by 4 to isolate x: $\frac{144}{4}=\frac{4x}{4}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{144}{4}=x$ (or $\frac{36}{1}=x$)

Thus, 2/4 of 72 is equal to 36/1 (or 36 in its decimal form).