1. **State the problem:** Divide 0.72 by 0.000144. 2. **Formula used:** Division of decimals can be done by converting to fractions or by moving the decimal point. 3. **Convert to fraction:** $$0.72 = \frac{72}{100}$$ $$0.000144 = \frac{144}{1000000}$$ 4. **Divide fractions:** $$\frac{72}{100} \div \frac{144}{1000000} = \frac{72}{100} \times \frac{1000000}{144}$$ 5. **Simplify:** $$= \frac{72 \times 1000000}{100 \times 144} = \frac{72000000}{14400}$$ 6. **Calculate:** $$\frac{72000000}{14400} = 5000$$ 7. **Explanation:** Dividing decimals is equivalent to dividing their fraction forms or multiplying numerator by reciprocal of denominator. Simplifying large numbers step-by-step helps avoid errors. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{5000}$$