I want to compare the volumes of the two boxes and see how they relate to the number of paperclips. I can use a proportion to set up an equation: $\frac{16}{50} = \frac{48}{x}$, where $x$ is the number of paperclips in the larger box. To solve for $x$, I can cross-multiply and get $16x = 50 \times 48$. Dividing both sides by 16, I get $x = \frac{50 \times 48}{16} = 150$. So the larger box can hold 150 paperclips. 
A box with a volume of 16 $\text{cm}^3$ can hold 50 paperclips. How many paperclips could a box with a volume of 48 $\text{cm}^3$ hold?