1. **State the problem:** We need to find the area of a circle with radius $r = 3$ cm. 2. **Formula for the area of a circle:** The area $A$ is given by the formula $$A = \pi r^2$$ where $r$ is the radius. 3. **Substitute the radius:** $$A = \pi \times 3^2$$ 4. **Calculate the square:** $$A = \pi \times 9$$ 5. **Multiply by $\pi$:** Using $\pi \approx 3.1416$, $$A \approx 3.1416 \times 9 = 28.2744$$ 6. **Round to the nearest tenth:** $$A \approx 28.3$$ cm$^2$ **Final answer:** The area of the circle is approximately $28.3$ cm$^2$.