Block Problem Discussion

There are at least three ways to solve this problem:

Visualization

• Picture the cube and each of the cuts in your mind
  (the most effective method of solving the problem)
  (if you visualized spontaneously and solved the problem, you are an accomplished visual thinker)
  (if you did not visualize, try it from the beginning again)

Draw a picture

• Easier for some than holding a mental image in mind

Mathematically

• you need to know that the blocks painted on three sides are those at the corners of the original block. Blocks have eight corners, so, eight of the smaller blocks are painted on three sides.

Verbal

• Talking through
  (Unlikely to result in an answer)

Questions to think about.

• Were you able to solve the problem?
• How did you do it?
• Were you successful on the first or second attempt?
• Did you use more than one strategy? (ie. Visualize and deduce that blocks have eight corners)