1. The problem asks to evaluate the expression $12^2 \cdot 3^3$ and write the answer as a whole number. 2. Recall the meaning of exponents: $a^n$ means multiplying $a$ by itself $n$ times. 3. Calculate each part separately: $$12^2 = 12 \times 12 = 144$$ $$3^3 = 3 \times 3 \times 3 = 27$$ 4. Multiply the results: $$144 \cdot 27$$ 5. Perform the multiplication: $$144 \times 27 = 144 \times (20 + 7) = 144 \times 20 + 144 \times 7 = 2880 + 1008 = 3888$$ 6. Therefore, the value of $12^2 \cdot 3^3$ is $3888$. Final answer: $3888$