Calculate the Square Root: Solving √144 Step by Step

To solve this problem, we proceed with the following steps:

• Step 1: Identify that the problem asks for the square root of 144.
• Step 2: Use the concept of square roots, where $\sqrt{n} = x$ implies $x^2 = n$.
• Step 3: Check for a perfect square whose square equals 144.

Now, let's solve the problem:

Step 1: We need the square root $\sqrt{144}$.

Step 2: Recall that $x^2 = 144$. We need to find $x$.

Step 3: Recognize that 144 is a perfect square and find $x$ such that $x^2 = 144$. Through either calculation or prior knowledge, we know:
$12^2 = 144$.

Therefore, the square root of 144 is $\sqrt{144} = 12$.

Thus, the solution to the problem is $\mathbf{12}$.