A chocolate cube is to be divided into 125 smaller, identical cubes using the minimum number of straight cuts. The cube can be rearranged between cuts. What is the least number of cuts required?
(a) 10
(b) 12
(c) 15
(d) 18

Question

A chocolate cube is to be divided into 125 smaller, identical cubes using the minimum number of straight cuts. The cube can be rearranged between cuts. What is the least number of cuts required?
(a) 10
(b) 12
(c) 15
(d) 18

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

125 = 5 &times; 5 &times; 5
So, we need 4 cuts along each of the 3 dimensions:
4 + 4 + 4 = 12 cuts
Therefore, 12 is the least number of cuts needed.
Hence, option b is correct.

Geometry

Cuboids and Cubes

Website Link

Test Your Knowledge

Student Resources


M Question 1	⏱ 0
A chocolate cube is to be divided into 125 smaller, identical cubes using the minimum number of straight cuts. The cube can be rearranged between cuts. What is the least number of cuts required? (a) 10 (b) 12 (c) 15 (d) 18