The expression "12^2" represents the mathematical operation of squaring the number 12. Squaring a number means multiplying it by itself. Therefore, 12^2 equals 12 × 12, which results in 144. This operation is a fundamental concept in mathematics, often used in various calculations and applications. In geometry, squaring numbers is particularly useful when calculating the area of a square. For example, if a square has a side length of 12 units, its area can be found using the formula Area = side × side. Thus, the area of this square would also be 12^2, or 144 square units.