Question

solve 3(4)^x for x=2.3

Do I do the 3x4 part first, or do I raise 4 to the 2.3?

Answer 1

The exponent is evaluated first. So, you would evaluate 4^x first, then multiply that by 3.

If the expression had been written as:
(3*4)^x, then you would multiply 3*4 first and raise that product to the x power.

Answer 2

4^2.3 = 24.251...
Multiply that by 3 for the answer.

I used a hand calculator to get 4^2.3
You could also use logs.