A square has an area of $144 \mathrm{~cm}^{2}$. The side length of the square is
(A) $288 \mathrm{~cm}$
(B) $72 \mathrm{~cm}$
(C) $48 \mathrm{~cm}$
(D) $12 \mathrm{~cm}$
(E) $36 \mathrm{~cm}$
The side length of a square having an area of $144 \mathrm{~cm}^{2}$ is $\sqrt{144} \mathrm{~cm}$ or $12 \mathrm{~cm}$.

ANSWER: (D)