What is 5/6 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 5/6 of 72? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 5/6 of 72?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 72 × 5 = 360
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 360/6 = 60
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (6):
    • 360/6 = 60
    • 6/6 = 1
  4. Which gives: 60/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 5/6 of 72, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 5 6 = x 72 (where x represents 5/6 of 72)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 5 × 72 = 6 x
  2. Which gives: 360 = 6 x
  3. Divide both sides by 6 to isolate x: 360 6 = 6 x 6
  4. Which gives the result: 360 6 = x (or 60 1 = x )

Thus, 5/6 of 72 is equal to 60/1 (or 60 in its decimal form).