1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $3 + \sqrt{2}$. 2. **Understand the terms:** The expression consists of a rational number 3 and an irrational number $\sqrt{2}$. 3. **Simplification:** Since $3$ and $\sqrt{2}$ are unlike terms (one is rational, the other irrational), they cannot be combined further. 4. **Final answer:** The expression remains $3 + \sqrt{2}$ as it is already in simplest form.