Solve 3D Cube Nets

Hey there, shape superstar!

In this activity, we will be looking at nets of cubes.

Take a look at this cube:

It is decorated on all sides.

Three of these sides can be seen in this picture and the rest are hidden.

Which of the nets below matches the cube above?

a)         b)         c)        

d)        e)

Here is a rule to help us:

If the symbols are opposite each other or have another symbol between them in the net, then they cannot touch each other in the final cube.

This means we can rule out net option a straight away.

In option a, the plus sign and the triangle are opposite each other so they cannot be touching.

We can rule out net option c as it does not have a plus sign, which is one of the sides we definitely know. We can also rule out option e because it doesn't include a triangle.

Now we are just left with net options b and d.

Imagine folding these nets together.

To create the starting image, we know that the arrow must be pointing to the triangle.

Only net option b would fold to create this view, so it must be the correct answer!

In this activity, you will need to be a shape superstar and match the 3D cubes to their nets.

Pssst!!             Top Tip: Remember to follow these steps: 1) Rule out nets where opposite sides are touching in the real cube. 2) Rule out nets which don’t have all of the corresponding images. 3) Imagine folding the net options you have left and check that each of the symbols is facing the right direction.

Good luck shape superstar!