What is 3/8 of 72?

How to calculate 3/8 of 72?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 72 × 3 = 216
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 216/8 = 27
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (8):
   • 216/8 = 27
   • 8/8 = 1
4. Which gives: 27/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 3/8 of 72, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{3}{8}=\frac{x}{72}$ (where x represents 3/8 of 72)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $3\times 72=8x$
2. Which gives: $216=8x$
3. Divide both sides by 8 to isolate x: $\frac{216}{8}=\frac{8x}{8}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{216}{8}=x$ (or $\frac{27}{1}=x$)

Thus, 3/8 of 72 is equal to 27/1 (or 27 in its decimal form).