As stated by @mathmate, the figure can be split into two rectangles (see picture). Then, we can find the total area by adding the areas of the individual rectangles. The area of the first rectangle is calculated by multiplying its length times width:
6 * 5 = 30
The area of the second rectangle is calculated by multiplying its length and width:
12 * 4 = 48
Now, we can add the areas to find the total area of the figure:
30 + 48 = 78
The figure's area is 78 cm².