1. The problem is to evaluate $43^5$. 2. The expression $43^5$ means multiplying 43 by itself 5 times: $$43^5 = 43 \times 43 \times 43 \times 43 \times 43$$ 3. We can calculate step-by-step: - First, calculate $43^2 = 43 \times 43 = 1849$ - Then, calculate $43^3 = 1849 \times 43 = 79507$ - Next, calculate $43^4 = 79507 \times 43 = 3418801$ - Finally, calculate $43^5 = 3418801 \times 43 = 147008443$ 4. Therefore, the value of $43^5$ is $$\boxed{147008443}$$.