Final answer:
The area of a circle with a 3-inch radius is calculated using the formula A = πr², resulting in an area of 9π square inches.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the area of a circle, you use the formula A = πr², where A is the area and r is the radius. In this case, the radius is given as 3 inches. Thus, the area is A = π(3 inches)² = π(9 inches²) = 9π square inches.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question "What is the area of this circle, in square inches?" is C. 9π square inches.