Question: Find the area of the circle. Use $\pi=3.14$. The diameter is $18$ in.
1. **State the problem:** We need to find the area of a circle with diameter $18$ in, using $\pi=3.14$.
2. **Formula for area of a circle:**
$$A = \pi r^2$$
where $r$ is the radius of the circle.
3. **Find the radius:**
The radius $r$ is half the diameter:
$$r = \frac{18}{2} = 9$$ in.
4. **Calculate the area:**
$$A = 3.14 \times 9^2 = 3.14 \times 81$$
5. **Multiply:**
$$A = 254.34$$ in$^2$.
6. **Answer:** The area of the circle is $254.34$ in$^2$.
Therefore, the correct choice is (a) $254.34$ in$^2$.