18 is being compared to 72.
\So,18 is the part and 72 is the whole.
\Let n represent the percent.
\The percent proportion is
.
Apply cross product property of equality:
then
.

(Multiply:
)
Apply division property of equality: Divide each side by 72.
\
(Cancel common terms)
(Divide:
)
18 is 25
of 72.