Search the courses, subjects, tracks, games and features, or jump straight to a page.
Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
Sign up free to listen. Transcripts are free to read.
Today we'll discuss cubes. When we talk about the cube of a number, we mean that we multiply the number by itself two more times. So, for example, if I say what is the cube of 3?
I think it's 27 because 3 times 3 is 9, and then 9 times 3 is 27.
Exactly! Great work! So we write that as 3^3 = 27. Now, can anyone tell me how to calculate the cube of 4?
It would be 4 times 4 times 4, so that’s 64!
Correct! 4^3 is indeed 64. Remember, the formula to remember is a^3 = a × a × a. Can anyone think of a quick way to remember what a cube looks like?
Maybe we can think of a box? Like how a box is 3D?
Yes! Think of it as a cube-shaped box. A visual image helps solidify the concept. Let’s summarize what we learned: The cube of a number is the result of multiplying the number by itself twice.
Now that we understand cubes, let’s explore cube roots. The cube root of a number is what we multiply to get that number when cube it. For example, what is the cube root of 64?
The cube root of 64 is 4 because 4^3 equals 64!
Absolutely right! And what about 27?
It's 3!
Perfect! So here’s a point to remember: when you find a cube root, you are looking for a number which, when cubed, gives you the original number. Can anyone name another perfect cube?
How about 1?
Yes! 1 is a perfect cube since 1^3 = 1. Remember, perfect cubes are whole numbers like 1, 8, 27, and 64. Let's summarize: Cube roots are the opposite of cubes, finding the original number from its cube form.
Now, let's talk about where we see cubes and cube roots in real life. Why do you think we might need to know about cubes?
Maybe in calculating volumes of cubes or buildings?
Absolutely! Cubes are used in determining volumes. For instance, if you have a cube-shaped box that measures 4 cm on each side, what is its volume?
It would be 4 x 4 x 4, which is 64 cubic centimeters!
Exactly right! When we cube the side length, we find the volume. Cube roots also help in finding dimensions when we know the volume. If I told you a cube has a volume of 27 cubic centimeters, how would you find the length of one side?
We would take the cube root of 27, which is 3 cm.
Correct! Always remember, cubes and cube roots help us with practical applications in measuring and understanding space.
If you take 2 and multiply it three times, the answer is 8, oh how it shines!
Once upon a time, a cube called Cubie wanted to show the world his volume. Cubie asked his friends to find out how big he is by multiplying his 4x4x4 friends, and together they found he was 64 units of fun!
To remember cubes, think of 'C' for Cube and '3' for the three-times multiplication: C3.
CUBES: Calculate, Use, Bigger Every Side.
Term
Cube
Click to flip
Term
Cube Root
Click to flip
Term
Perfect Cube
Click to flip
This section explores the concepts of cubes and cube roots, detailing the definition of each and highlighting perfect cubes.
In this section, students will learn about cubes, cube roots, and perfect cubes. The cube of a number is a number raised to the third power, while the cube root is the value that, when cubed, gives the original number. Perfect cubes, such as 1, 8, 27, and 64, are also discussed to provide concrete examples.
In mathematics, the cube of a number refers to the number raised to the power of three (n^3). For instance, if we consider the number 2, then its cube would be 2^3 = 8. On the other hand, the cube root of a number is a value that, when raised to the third power, yields the original number. For example, the cube root of 27 is 3, since 3^3 = 27.
Perfect cubes are numbers whose cube roots are whole numbers. Examples of perfect cubes include 1 (1^3), 8 (2^3), 27 (3^3), and 64 (4^3). Understanding these concepts is essential as cubing numbers and finding cube roots have practical applications in various fields, including engineering and science. This section will prepare students to tackle problems involving volume, geometry, and algebra.