1. **State the problem:** Calculate the value of $3 + 4^2$. 2. **Recall the order of operations:** According to the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS), exponents are evaluated before addition. 3. **Evaluate the exponent:** Calculate $4^2$ which means $4 \times 4$. $$4^2 = 16$$ 4. **Add the results:** Now add $3 + 16$. $$3 + 16 = 19$$ 5. **Final answer:** The value of $3 + 4^2$ is $19$.