To find the area of the circle, we can use the formula:
\[ A = \pi \times r^2 \]
where \( \pi \) is approximately 3.14 and \( r \) is the radius of the circle.
Given that the diameter of the circle is 9 inches, we can find the radius by dividing the diameter by 2:
\[ r = \frac{9}{2} = 4.5 \text{ inches} \]
Now, we can substitute the radius into the area formula:
\[ A = 3.14 \times (4.5)^2 \]
Now, calculate \( (4.5)^2 \):
\[ (4.5)^2 = 20.25 \]
Now, substitute this back into the area formula:
\[ A = 3.14 \times 20.25 \]
Now, perform the multiplication:
\[ A = 63.585 \]
Finally, round to the nearest hundredth:
\[ A \approx 63.59 \text{ in}^2 \]
So, the area of the circle is approximately 63.59 in².