jmc

Let the dimensions of the rectangle be $l$ and $w$. We are given $2l+2w=144$, which implies $l+w=72$. Solving for $w$, we have $w=72-l$. The area of the rectangle is $lw=l(72-l)$. As a function of $l$, this expression is a parabola whose zeros are at $l=0$ and $l=72$ (see graph). The $y$-coordinate of a point on the parabola is maximized when the $x$-coordinate is chosen as close to the $x$-coordinate of the vertex as possible. The $x$-coordinate of the vertex is halfway between the zeros at $x=(0+72)/2=36$, so the maximum area is $(36)(36)=1296$ square units. Similarly, to minimize the area we choose the length to be as far from $36$ as possible. The resulting dimensions are $1$ unit and $71$ units, so the minimum area is 71 square units. The difference between 1296 square units and 71 square units is $\boxed{1225}$ square units.