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Math Puzzles of the Month: August
Build a Cube

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In this puzzle we ask how many ways six squares can be arranged to form a cube.

A cube has six faces, each a square. Look at this pattern of six squares.

If you print this on paper and cut it out, you will be able to fold and tape it into a cube (download pattern).

Once you have printed out the pattern and cut out the shape, fold along the lines of the four squares and tape the edge of the first square to the edge of the last square. Then fold up the sides to form a cube.

  Cube pattern
     
Cube 1 Cube 2 Cube 3
     

Now look at this arrangement of six squares: You can't fold this one into a cube. How many different patterns of six squares can be folded into a cube? How many are there for which it is not possible?

  Pattern 2

After you’ve tried this for yourself, check our solutions.

 

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