The LCM of 3, 8 and 16 is 48. So the required number is the smallest 3 digit number divisible by 48. We know 48 x 2=96 is a two-digit number. Next multiple, that is 48 x 3 is a 3 digit number. So the smallest three-digit number which can be divided by 3 , 8 and 16 is 48x3=144