1. Let's state the problem: Evaluate the expression $3(-2) + 3$ and understand why it equals $-3$ and not $4$. 2. The expression is $3(-2) + 3$. 3. According to the order of operations, multiplication is done before addition. 4. First, multiply $3$ by $-2$: $$3 \times (-2) = -6$$ 5. Now substitute back into the expression: $$-6 + 3$$ 6. Next, add $-6$ and $3$: $$-6 + 3 = -3$$ 7. Therefore, the value of $3(-2) + 3$ is $-3$, not $4$. 8. The mistake might be thinking $3(-2) + 3$ equals $3(-2 + 3)$, which is different because of the parentheses. 9. Remember, multiplication and addition are separate operations here, so you must multiply first, then add. Final answer: $-3$.