What is 8/2 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 8/2 of 72? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 8/2 of 72?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 72 × 8 = 576
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 576/2 = 288
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
    • 576/2 = 288
    • 2/2 = 1
  4. Which gives: 288/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 8/2 of 72, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 8 2 = x 72 (where x represents 8/2 of 72)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 8 × 72 = 2 x
  2. Which gives: 576 = 2 x
  3. Divide both sides by 2 to isolate x: 576 2 = 2 x 2
  4. Which gives the result: 576 2 = x (or 288 1 = x )

Thus, 8/2 of 72 is equal to 288/1 (or 288 in its decimal form).