To add \( \frac{1}{2} \) and \( \frac{3}{16} \), we need a common denominator. The least common denominator (LCD) for 2 and 16 is 16.
First, convert \( \frac{1}{2} \) to a fraction with a denominator of 16:
\[ \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 8}{2 \times 8} = \frac{8}{16} \]
Now we can add \( \frac{8}{16} \) and \( \frac{3}{16} \):
\[ \frac{8}{16} + \frac{3}{16} = \frac{8 + 3}{16} = \frac{11}{16} \]
Thus,
\[ \frac{1}{2} + \frac{3}{16} = \frac{11}{16} \]