1. **State the problem:** Find the area of a circle with radius 7 inches using $\pi = 3.14$ and do not round the answer. 2. **Formula:** The area $A$ of a circle is given by the formula: $$A = \pi r^2$$ where $r$ is the radius. 3. **Substitute values:** Here, $r = 7$ inches and $\pi = 3.14$. $$A = 3.14 \times 7^2$$ 4. **Calculate:** $$7^2 = 49$$ So, $$A = 3.14 \times 49 = 153.86$$ 5. **Include units:** Since radius is in inches, area is in square inches. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{153.86\ \text{in}^2}$$