Question

A cube is to be cut into 8 pieces of equal size and shape. Here, each cut should be straight and it should not stop till it reaches the other end of the cube. The minimum number of such cuts required is

• A. 3
• B. 4
• C. 7
• D. 8

Hint:

Remember: To divide a cube into \( n^3 \) smaller cubes, you need \( n-1 \) cuts along each of the 3 axes. For 8 pieces, \( n = 2 \), so only 3 cuts are required.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Interpret what is being asked. 
The task is to split a solid cube into 8 smaller cubes that are all identical in size and shape.
Each cut must be a straight cut that passes completely through the cube from one side to the opposite side.

Step 2: Plan the cutting strategy.
A cube can be evenly divided along its three perpendicular dimensions (length, width, and height).
By cutting once along each of these three directions, the cube can be systematically divided into equal parts.

The process works as follows:

• The first cut passes through the center of the cube along one axis, splitting it into 2 equal halves.
• The second cut is made perpendicular to the first, dividing both halves at once and producing 4 equal sections.
• The third cut is made along the remaining perpendicular axis, splitting all four sections simultaneously to form 8 equal cubes.

Each cut doubles the number of pieces, and after three such cuts, the cube is divided into eight identical smaller cubes.

Step 3: Final answer.
The smallest number of straight cuts required to divide a cube into eight equal cubes is:

\[ \boxed{3} \]