Math Is Fun Forum

mathgirl1997

Member

Registered: 2010-12-11

Posts: 12

Cube-n-ometry????

Hi forum!! Today i learned about surface area but it wasnt explained very good. How do you find the surface area of a 3D cube?

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"Dowell...not because its easy but because its hard "-JFK adapted by Dowell Middle School
Sincerely FSRZ <3

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Cube-n-ometry????

Hi mathgirl1997;

Welcome to the forum!

You find the area of one side and multiply by 6.

Each side of a cube is a square. So if know what one edge of the square equals than you square that and multiply by 6.

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

ShivamS

Member

Registered: 2011-02-07

Posts: 3,648

Re: Cube-n-ometry????

If you are confused by the formula used in the definition:
1. Pick a random 2d square on the cube (a face).
2. Find the length (or width)of that square.
3. Square the length (length^2). That means length*length. And since on a square the length and width are equal, the total is the area of that square.
4. Multiply the total by 6, since a cube has 6 faces (which are all squared).