To solve this problem, we need to use the identity property of multiplication. The identity property of multiplication states that any number multiplied by 1 remains the same. This means that if we multiply any number by 1, the number does not change.
Given the equation we need to complete:
[tex]\[ 72 = \square \times \square \][/tex]
To use the identity property, one of the numbers must be the number itself (in this case, 72), and the other number must be 1.
Therefore:
[tex]\[ 72 = 72 \times 1 \][/tex]
So, the missing numbers in the boxes are:
[tex]\[ \boxed{72} \times \boxed{1} \][/tex]
Hence, the complete number sentence illustrating the identity property of multiplication is:
[tex]\[ 72 = 72 \times 1 \][/tex]
Thus, the correct numbers to fill in the blanks are 72 and 1.
