Question

an artist uses metal to make a hollow sculpture in the shape of a cube. what is the total amount of metal, in square meters, used in the sculpture? show your work.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall surface - area formula for a cube

The surface - area formula for a cube is $SA = 6s^{2}$, where $s$ is the side - length of the cube.

Step2: Identify the side - length

The side - length of the cube $s=2\frac{1}{2}=\frac{5}{2}$ m.

Step3: Calculate the surface area

Substitute $s = \frac{5}{2}$ into the formula: $SA=6\times(\frac{5}{2})^{2}$. First, calculate $(\frac{5}{2})^{2}=\frac{25}{4}$. Then, $6\times\frac{25}{4}=\frac{150}{4} = 37.5$ square meters.

Answer:

$37.5$ square meters