The surface area \( A \) of a sphere can be calculated using the formula:
\[ A = 4\pi r^2 \]
where \( r \) is the radius of the sphere.
Given that the radius \( r = 99 \) inches, we can substitute this value into the formula:
\[ A = 4\pi (99)^2 \]
First, calculate \( (99)^2 \):
\[ (99)^2 = 9801 \]
Now, substitute this back into the formula:
\[ A = 4\pi (9801) \]
Now, multiply:
\[ A = 39204\pi \]
To get a numerical approximation, use \( \pi \approx 3.14159 \):
\[ A \approx 39204 \times 3.14159 \approx 123,067.27 \text{ square inches} \]
Thus, the surface area of the sphere is:
\[ A \approx 123,067.27 \text{ square inches} \]