Explanation

The given ratio is 16:24, which can be simplified as 2:3 (by dividing both numbers by 8).

To maintain the same ratio, we need to find the number that will maintain the 2:3 ratio with 72.

Let's multiply 72 by 2/3:

(2/3) × 72 = 48

So, the correct answer is: 48

The ratio 16:24 is equivalent to 2:3, and similarly, the ratio ? : 72 is equivalent to 2:3, which leads to the answer 48.