Let’s learn how to determine the surface area of a cube.
What is a Cube?
The only regular hexahedron, a cube is a three-dimensional object with six equal-sized square surfaces or sides, 12 edges, and 8 vertices. Given that its square sides are equal, it follows that a cube’s length, width, and height are equal, too. Examples of cube-shaped objects are dice, jewelry boxes, ice cubes, sugar cubes, and Rubik’s cubes.
Here’s an illustration of a cube. Notice how it forms 6 equal square surfaces or sides when unfolded. The resulting two-dimensional shape when a cube is unfolded is called the cube’s net.
How to Find the Surface Area of a Cube:
Recall that the surface area of a three-dimensional figure refers to the total area occupied by the figure’s surface. To better understand surface area, look at the net or the flat layout of the cube in the illustration below.
The surface area of a cube is the sum of all the areas of its 6 square sides. Recall that the area of a square is computed by multiplying the length of each side (a) by itself: a • a or a². Just multiply the area of a square side by 6 and you’ll have the cube’s surface area.
Use this formula to find the total surface area of a cube: SA = 6a²
where a = length of the cube’s one side and a² = area of one square side of the cube.
Note: Don’t forget that surface areas are measured in square units such as cm2, m2, km2, and in2.
Quick Guide to Finding the Surface Area of a Cube:
Step 1. Write the given figures. You’ll need the length of the cube’s side to find the surface area. Make sure all measurement units are the same. If not, convert either of them to match the other.
Step 2. Plug the figures into the formula.
Step 3. Perform the operations. Don’t forget to write the square unit for surface area.
Example #1:
Find the surface area of the cube below.
Solution for Example #1:
Step 1. Write the given measurement, a = 8m.
Step 2. Substitute 8m for a in the formula for the surface area.
SA = 6a²
SA = 6(8m)²
Step 3. Simplify & solve the equation.
SA = 6(64m²)
SA = 384m²
Therefore, the surface area is 384m².
Want to learn how to find the volume of this cube?
Related Reading: Volume of a Cube – Formula & Examples
Example #2:
Find the surface area of a cube with a length of 4m.
Step 1. Write the given measurement, a = 4m.
Step 2. Substitute 4m for a in the formula for the surface area.
SA = 6a²
SA = 6(4m)²
Step 3. Simplify & solve the equation.
SA = 6(16m²)
SA = 96m²
Therefore, the surface area is 96m².
Thank you for reading. We hope it’s effective! Always feel free to revisit this page if you ever have any questions about the surface area of a cube.
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