1. **State the problem:** Sam covers 9 meters when he walks 12 paces. We need to find how far he travels when he walks 16 paces. 2. **Formula and explanation:** The distance covered is proportional to the number of paces. We use the ratio: $$\frac{\text{distance}_1}{\text{paces}_1} = \frac{\text{distance}_2}{\text{paces}_2}$$ 3. **Set up the proportion:** $$\frac{9}{12} = \frac{d}{16}$$ where $d$ is the distance for 16 paces. 4. **Solve for $d$:** Multiply both sides by 16: $$d = 16 \times \frac{9}{12}$$ 5. **Simplify the fraction:** $$d = 16 \times \frac{\cancel{9}}{\cancel{12}} = 16 \times \frac{3}{4}$$ 6. **Calculate the distance:** $$d = 16 \times \frac{3}{4} = 16 \times 0.75 = 12$$ 7. **Answer:** Sam travels 12 meters when he walks 16 paces.