Lesson 12: Edge Lengths and Volumes

Let’s explore the relationship between volume and edge lengths of cubes.

12.1: Ordering Squares and Cubes

Let $a$, $b$, $c$, $d$, $e$, and $f$ be positive numbers.

Given these equations, arrange $a$, $b$, $c$, $d$, $e$, and $f$ from least to greatest. Explain your reasoning.

  • $a^2 = 9$

  • $b^3 = 8$

  • $c^2 = 10$

  • $d^3 = 9$

  • $e^2 = 8$

  • $f^3 = 7$ 

12.2: Name That Edge Length!

Fill in the missing values using the information provided:

A cube.

  sides volume volume equation
row 1   $27\,\text{in}^3$  
row 2
$\sqrt[3]{5}$
   
row 3
 
  $(\sqrt[3]{16})^3=16$
 

12.3: Card Sort: Rooted in the Number Line

Your teacher will give your group a set of cards. For each card with a letter and value, find the two other cards that match. One shows the location on a number line where the value exists, and the other shows an equation that the value satisfies. Be prepared to explain your reasoning.

Summary

To review, the side length of the square is the square root of its area. In this diagram, the square has an area of 16 units and a side length of 4 units.

These equations are both true: $$4^2=16$$ $$\sqrt{16}=4$$

A square with a side length of 4 units on a square grid.

Now think about a solid cube. The cube has a volume, and the edge length of the cube is called the cube root of its volume. In this diagram, the cube has a volume of 64 units and an edge length of 4 units:

These equations are both true:

$$4^3=64$$

$$\sqrt[3]{64}=4$$

A solid cube composed of 64 unit cubes. Each edge length is 4 unit cubes.

$\sqrt[3]{64}$ is pronounced “The cube root of 64.” Here are some other values of cube roots:

$\sqrt[3]{8}=2$, because $2^3=8$

$\sqrt[3]{27}=3$, because $3^3=27$

$\sqrt[3]{125}=5$, because $5^3=125$

Practice Problems ▶

Glossary

cube root

cube root

The cube root of a number $x$, written $\sqrt[3]{x}$, is the number whose cube is $x$. For example, $\sqrt[3]{8} = 2$ because $2^3 = 8$. The cube root of 0 is 0.