1. **State the problem:** Solve the inequality $$3 \leq 2 + \frac{a}{16}$$ for $a$. 2. **Isolate the variable term:** Subtract 2 from both sides: $$3 - 2 \leq 2 + \frac{a}{16} - 2$$ which simplifies to $$1 \leq \frac{a}{16}$$ 3. **Clear the denominator:** Multiply both sides by 16 to solve for $a$: $$16 \times 1 \leq 16 \times \frac{a}{16}$$ Show cancelation: $$16 \times 1 \leq \cancel{16} \times \frac{a}{\cancel{16}}$$ which simplifies to $$16 \leq a$$ 4. **Interpret the solution:** The inequality means $a$ must be greater than or equal to 16. **Final answer:** $$a \geq 16$$