A visibility of 7/16 miles would be reported as:

The correct representation of a visibility of 7/16 miles aligns with how visibility is typically reported in aviation weather observations. In this context, visibility is expressed in fractions of a mile, and it is common to simplify such fractions to the nearest eighths in aviation reports.

To understand why 7/16 miles is reported as 3/8 miles, it’s important to convert both fractions to a common format for comparison. The fraction 7/16 can be simplified or approximated. When you break down 7/16, it enhances understanding to convert it into eighths:

7/16 is equivalent to 3.5/8 when converted. In practice, aviation weather reporting favors whole or half increments where possible, and 3/8 is the nearest standard fraction to 3.5/8. This is why 7/16 miles visibility is ultimately reported as 3/8 miles in weather observations.

In summary, 3/8 is the most appropriate representation of 7/16 in this context, reflecting standard reporting practices in aviation meteorology.