In a right triangle, you can use the Pythagorean theorem to find the length of the hypotenuse. The theorem states that:
\[ c^2 = a^2 + b^2 \]
where \(c\) is the length of the hypotenuse, and \(a\) and \(b\) are the lengths of the legs.
In this case, both legs are 12 cm long:
\[ c^2 = 12^2 + 12^2 \]
Calculating \(12^2\):
\[ 12^2 = 144 \]
So,
\[ c^2 = 144 + 144 = 288 \]
Now take the square root to find \(c\):
\[ c = \sqrt{288} \]
Calculating \(\sqrt{288}\):
\[ \sqrt{288} \approx 16.97 \]
Rounding to the nearest hundredth, the hypotenuse is approximately:
\[ \boxed{16.97} \text{ cm} \]