The given equation is $12^2 = 144$. To express this in logarithmic form, we need to rewrite it such that it follows the general format of logarithms:

$\log_b a = c \text{ means } b^c = a$

In this case:

• $b = 12$ (the base),
• $a = 144$,
• $c = 2$.

So, the logarithmic form is:

$\log_{12} 144 = 2$

Therefore, the correct answer is the first option: $\log_{12} 144 = 2$

Would you like more details on logarithmic conversions or have further questions?

Here are five related questions for further practice:

1. What is the logarithmic form of $10^3 = 1000$?
2. How do you express $5^4 = 625$ in logarithmic form?
3. Convert $3^4 = 81$ into a logarithmic equation.
4. How would you write $2^5 = 32$ in logarithmic form?
5. What is the exponential form of $\log_7 49 = 2$?

Tip: Remember, logarithms essentially ask the question: "To what power should the base be raised to get a certain value?"