1. **State the problem:** Find the area of a circle given its radius $r$. 2. **Formula:** The area $A$ of a circle is given by the formula: $$A = \pi \times r^2$$ where $\pi \approx 3.14$ and $r$ is the radius. 3. **Example 1:** For $r = 5$ inches, $$A = 3.14 \times 5^2$$ $$A = 3.14 \times 25$$ $$A = 78.5$$ So, the area is $78.5$ square inches. 4. **Example 2:** For $r = 1.2$ inches, $$A = 3.14 \times 1.2^2$$ $$A = 3.14 \times 1.44$$ $$A = 4.5216$$ Rounded to two decimal places, the area is $4.52$ square inches. **Summary:** To find the area of a circle, square the radius and multiply by $\pi$.