To find the area of a circle, we use the formula [tex]\( A = \pi r^2 \)[/tex], where [tex]\( r \)[/tex] is the radius of the circle.
Given the diameter of the circle is 24 inches, we first need to find the radius. The radius is half of the diameter. Therefore, we have:
[tex]\[
r = \frac{\text{diameter}}{2} = \frac{24}{2} = 12 \,\text{inches}
\][/tex]
Next, we use this radius value to calculate the area by plugging it into the area formula:
[tex]\[
A = \pi r^2 = \pi \times (12)^2
\][/tex]
So, the expression that gives the area of the circle in square inches is:
[tex]\[
B. 12^2 \cdot \pi
\][/tex]
Thus, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[
\boxed{B}
\][/tex]
