A cuboid measures 8 centimetres by 3 centimetres by 3 centimetres, and a cube has edges of 4 centimetres. Which solid holds more, and for what reason?
The cube, because its edges are all equal and equal edges pack together most tightly.
The cuboid, because 8 times 3 times 3 is 72 while 4 times 4 times 4 is 64.✓Correct answer
They hold exactly the same, because both are built from 12 edges and 6 faces.
The cube, because its edge of 4 centimetres beats the shortest edge of the cuboid, which is only 3 centimetres.
Explanation
Comparing how much two solids hold means comparing the products of their three measurements, and 8 times 3 times 3 reaches 72 against the cube's 64. Judging by a single edge is what makes the cube look the roomier of the two, yet the cuboid's extra length more than makes up for its two shorter sides.