Question

if the perimeter of a square is 72 inches, what is its area?
a. 72 in.²
b. 324 in.²
c. 18 in.²
d. 5,184 in.²

Explanation:

Step1: Find side length of square

A square has 4 equal sides. Perimeter \( P = 4s \), where \( s \) is side length. Given \( P = 72 \), so \( 4s = 72 \). Solve for \( s \): \( s=\frac{72}{4}=18 \) inches.

Step2: Calculate area of square

Area of square \( A = s^2 \). Substitute \( s = 18 \): \( A = 18^2 = 324 \) square inches.

Answer:

b. 324 in.²