1. **Stating the problem:** Calculate the product of 3 and 16. 2. **Formula used:** Multiplication of two numbers $a$ and $b$ is given by $$a \times b$$. 3. **Calculation:** $$3 \times 16 = 48$$ 4. **Explanation:** Multiplying 3 by 16 means adding 3 sixteen times or 16 three times, which results in 48. **Final answer:** $48$