A cube has a volume of $1728{\text{ cm}}^3$. Find its total surface area.

Step-by-step solution

1. 1. Recognise that volume of a cube is $V=a^3$ where $a$ is side length.
2. 2. Solve for $a$ from $a^3=1728$: $a=\sqrt[3]{1728}=12\text{ cm}$.
3. 3. Use the surface area formula $S=6a^2$.
4. 4. Compute $S=6\times 12^2=6\times 144=864{\text{ cm}}^2$.
5. 5. The required total surface area is 864 cm${}^2$.

Concept tested: Cube volume to surface area conversion

Published 16 October 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked