To solve the expression [tex]\(3 + 5 \times 5^2\)[/tex], we need to follow the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).
1. First, we handle the exponentiation. We need to calculate [tex]\(5^2\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
5^2 = 25
\][/tex]
2. Next, we multiply the result from the exponentiation by 5:
[tex]\[
5 \times 25 = 125
\][/tex]
3. Finally, we add 3 to the product we obtained:
[tex]\[
3 + 125 = 128
\][/tex]
Hence, the correct answer is [tex]\( \boxed{128} \)[/tex].
