Answer
$A = 192$ square inches
Work Step by Step
The area of the figure is equal to the sum of the areas of the triangle (the "roof" of the figure) and the square underneath it.
RECALL:
(1) The area $A$ of a triangle is given by the formula $A=0.5bh$ where b = base and h = height.
(2) The area $A$ of a square is given by the formula $A= s^2$ where s = side length.
The given triangle has a base of 12 inches and a height of 8 inches.
Thus, the area of the triangle is:
$A=0.5(12)(8) = 6(8) = 48$ square inches
The square has a sidelength of $12$ inches.
Thus, its area is:
$A=12^2=144$ square inches.
Therefore, the area of the given figure is:
$A= \text{area of the triangle} + \text{area of the square}
\\A=48 + 144
\\A = 192 \text{ square inches}$