If \(2ab = 12\), evaluate \(8a^2b^2\).
\(\begin{array}{|rcll|} \hline 2ab &=& 12 \quad | \quad : 2 \\ ab &=& \dfrac{12}{2} \\ \mathbf{ab} & \mathbf{=} & \mathbf{6} \\\\ 8a^2b^2 &=& 8 (ab)^2 \quad | \quad \mathbf{ab=6} \\ &=& 8\cdot (6)^2 \\ &=& 8\cdot 36 \\ &=& 288 \\ \hline \end{array}\)
\(8a^2b^2 = 288 \)