Have you ever held a Rubik’s Cube in your hands? It’s one of those iconic puzzles that has intrigued and challenged people for decades. But did you know that beyond its colorful exterior lies a deeper mathematical concept that’s crucial for young minds? Counting volume of cubes, like the ones that make up a Rubik’s Cube, is more than just a fun exercise. It’s an important concept that’s often tested in the PSLE exams. As students twist and turn the layers of the cube, they’re not just solving a puzzle—they’re also engaging in a fundamental mathematical concept that lays the groundwork for more advanced learning.
Counting Volume of Cubes: Unlock the secrets hidden within the humble Rubik’s Cube
That a Rubik’s cube (see picture below) is made up of 27 smaller equal cubes?
And a Rubik’s cube like this is made up of 64 smaller equal cubes?
The number of cubes is calculated by taking Length x Breadth x Height.
All cubes have the same Length, Breadth and Height.
x-Year Old Cube: What is it and how to count its volume?
If 
(1 x 1 x 1) is a 1- year old cube,
How many cubes are needed to build a 2 – year old cube?
Which solid below best describes a 2 – year old cube?
If you’ve answered (C)! You are right!
The length, breadth and height is made up of 2 cubes each.
Volume = L x B x H = 2 x 2 x 2 = 8 cubes (Ans)
How many cubes are needed to build a 3 – year old cube?
Which solid below best describes a 3– year old cube?
If you’ve answered (Y)! You are right!
The length, breadth and height is made up of 3 cubes each.
Volume = L x B x H = 3 x 3 x 3 = 27 cubes (Ans)
This question is often asked to the students in the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) when they are taught the topic on Volume.
How to Help Your Child Visualise & Count Volume of Cubes Better
Enhancing your child’s ability to visualize and count the volume of cubes is crucial for their mathematical development. By visualizing how a cube grows larger, students can deepen their understanding of spatial concepts. At BlueTree, our teachers facilitate this process by providing students with cubes to build in class, creating a hands-on learning experience that enhances comprehension.
Not only is this approach effective, but it also makes learning enjoyable for students. Engaging in hands-on activities leaves a lasting impression and fosters a deeper understanding of the material.
As students progress through their academic journey, they may encounter challenging questions that assess their visualization skills in school exams and the PSLE. Therefore, it’s essential for students to grasp the properties of a cube:
- A cube comprises six square faces.
- All sides of a cube are equal in length.
- A cube has eight vertices.
- A cube possesses twelve edges.
To further aid in mastering these concepts, we recommend exploring our PSLE videos, which provide step-by-step guidance on solving challenging volume questions.
