Percent increase in cube surface area when side doubles: When each edge of a cube is doubled, by what percentage does its total surface area increase?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 300%

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Surface area of a cube scales with the square of its edge. Doubling the edge multiplies surface area by 4, leading to a specific percentage increase. This is a scaling/ratio question.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Original edge a, SA1 = 6a^2
  • New edge 2a, SA2 = 6*(2a)^2 = 24a^2


Concept / Approach:

  • Percent increase = ((SA2 − SA1) / SA1) * 100%.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Increase = 24a^2 − 6a^2 = 18a^2.Percent increase = (18a^2 / 6a^2) * 100% = 3 * 100% = 300%.


Verification / Alternative check:

Pick a = 1: SA1=6; SA2=24; increase 18 on base 6 ⇒ 300%.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 150%/50%/25%: These correspond to edge, area, or linear misinterpretations.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Assuming surface area doubles when edge doubles (it quadruples).


Final Answer:

300%

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion