The answer is 36.Here's why:Step 1: Write 72 ÷ 2 (since multiplying by ½ is the same as dividing by 2).Step 2: Perform long division:Divide 72 by 2.2 goes into 7 three times (because 2 × 3 = 6).Subtract 6 from 7 to get 1.Bring down the 2 to make 12.2 goes into 12 six times (because 2 × 6 = 12).Subtract 12 from 12 to get 0. [tex]\begin{gathered}\begin{gathered} \quad \bold{36}\\ 2\overline{)72} \\ \: - \underline{6 \;} \\ \quad 12 \\ \: -\underline{12} \\ \quad \: \: \: 0 \\\end{gathered}\end{gathered}[/tex]