What is 2/9 of 72?

How to calculate 2/9 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: 144/9 = 16
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (9):
   • 144/9 = 16
   • 9/9 = 1
4. Which gives: 16/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/9 of 72, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{2}{9}=\frac{x}{72}$ (where x represents 2/9 of 72)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $2\times 72=9x$
2. Which gives: $144=9x$
3. Divide both sides by 9 to isolate x: $\frac{144}{9}=\frac{9x}{9}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{144}{9}=x$ (or $\frac{16}{1}=x$)

Thus, 2/9 of 72 is equal to 16/1 (or 16 in its decimal form).