The large square is 6 by 6 so it has area 6*6 = 36
The small square is 2 by 2 (since 6-2-2 = 2), so it has area 2*2 = 4
The difference in areas is 36 - 4 = 32 which is the area of the shaded region
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In summary:
1. The unshaded square (smallest square) has area 4 square inches
2. The area of the large square is 36 square inches
3. The shaded region (area of the frame) has area 32 square inches