Question

What is the difference in the surface area of two cubes, one with edge 15 and one with an edge of 12

Answer 1

Remark

A cube has six sides, all of them equal. The formula for 1 side is s^2. The formula for all six = 6s^2.

Step One

Find the surface area of the larger cube.

Area = 6 *s^2

s = 15

Area = 6 *15^2

Area = 6 * 225

Area = 1350

Step Two

Find the area of the smaller cube

Area = 6s^2

Area = 6 * 12^2

Area = 6 * 144

Area = 864

Step Three

Find the difference

Area1 - Area2 = difference

1350 - 864 = 486

The difference is area = 486 units^2 <<<<< Answer

There is a slightly shorter way. Take out the common factor of 6

Difference = 6 * (15^2 - 12^2)

Difference = 6 * (225 - 144)

Difference = 6 * (81)

Difference = 486