Cube with equal surface area and volume (numerically) — find edge length: If the numerical value of the volume (in unit^3) equals the numerical value of the surface area (in unit^2) of a cube, what is the edge length of the cube in units?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 6

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
For a cube of edge a, the volume is a^3 and total surface area is 6a^2. The question states their numerical values are equal, which allows solving directly for a.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Volume V = a^3
  • Surface area S = 6a^2
  • Numerical equality: a^3 = 6a^2 with a > 0


Concept / Approach:
Divide both sides by a^2 (a ≠ 0) to isolate a.



Step-by-Step Solution:
a^3 = 6a^2 ⇒ a = 6



Verification / Alternative check:
Check: volume 216 and surface area 216 (units differ but numbers match) satisfies the condition.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
No other integer satisfies a^3 = 6a^2 for positive a.



Common Pitfalls:
Treating units as needing to match; only numerical equality is required here.



Final Answer:
6

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