(m+3)/16 = (m+1)/12

"cross" multiplying ... 12 m + 36 = 16 m + 16

So... What about the 3 & 1?

m = 5

when you multiply, the 12 and 16 are distributed

3 * 12 = 36 , 1 * 16 = 16

Makes so much sense! Thank you!

To solve the equation (m+3)/16 = (m+1)/12, you can use cross-multiplication. Here's how you can do it step by step:

Step 1: Cross-multiply
Multiply the numerator of the left fraction by the denominator of the right fraction, and multiply the denominator of the left fraction by the numerator of the right fraction. This gives you:
12 * (m+3) = 16 * (m+1)

Step 2: Distribute
Distribute the numbers 12 and 16 to the terms inside the parentheses:
12m + 36 = 16m + 16

Step 3: Combine like terms
Group the terms with 'm' together and move the constant terms to the other side of the equation:
12m - 16m = 16 - 36

Step 4: Simplify
Combine the 'm' terms and simplify the constants:
-4m = -20

Step 5: Solve for 'm'
To isolate 'm', divide both sides of the equation by -4:
-4m / -4 = -20 / -4
m = 5

Therefore, the solution to the equation (m+3)/16 = (m+1)/12 is m = 5.