Cube Net Identification: Which 2D Shapes Fold into a Cube?

Question

4. Which two of the following are correct nets for a cube? (Two net diagrams labeled A and B are shown: A is a cross-shaped net with 1 square attached to the top of the middle square, B is a net with 4 squares in a row, 1 square attached to the top of the second square from the left, and 1 square attached to the bottom of the rightmost square)

Accepted Answer

Net A and Net B

Answer

Step 1: Recall the definition of a cube net: a 2D shape that can be folded up to make a 3D cube, with exactly 6 congruent squares arranged in a valid pattern. Step 2: Analyze Net A: It is a cross-shaped net (one of the standard valid cube nets), with 1 central square and 4 squares attached to its sides, plus 1 square attached to the top of the central square. When folded, it forms a complete cube with no overlapping or missing faces. Step 3: Analyze Net B: It has 4 squares in a straight row, with 1 square attached to the top of the second square and 1 square attached to the bottom of the end square. This fits the valid cube net pattern, as folding the row into the lateral faces and the two attached squares into the top and bottom faces forms a perfect cube.