1. **State the problem:** We have a square with a perimeter of 72 meters and need to find its area. 2. **Recall the formulas:** - Perimeter of a square: $$P = 4s$$ where $s$ is the side length. - Area of a square: $$A = s^2$$ 3. **Find the side length:** Given $$P = 72$$, use the perimeter formula: $$72 = 4s$$ Divide both sides by 4: $$\cancel{4}s = \cancel{4} \times 18$$ $$s = 18$$ meters 4. **Calculate the area:** $$A = s^2 = 18^2 = 324$$ square meters 5. **Answer:** The area of the square is **324** square meters.