Question

marisol has 486 square inches of wrapping paper to cover a gift box. what is the side length of the largest size box she can use to wrap a gift?
9 inches
81 inches
2,916 inches
17,496 inches

Explanation:

Step1: Recall cube surface area formula

The surface area $S$ of a cube with side length $s$ is $S = 6s^2$.

Step2: Set up equation with given area

Substitute $S=486$:
$$486 = 6s^2$$

Step3: Solve for $s^2$

Divide both sides by 6:
$$s^2 = \frac{486}{6} = 81$$

Step4: Calculate side length $s$

Take square root of 81:
$$s = \sqrt{81} = 9$$

Answer:

9 inches