You have a cube of modeling clay in your hands. Which of the following changes to the shape of this cube of clay will decrease its surface area relative to its volume?
A) Pinch the edges of the cube into small folds.
B) Flatten the cube into a pancake shape.
C) Round the clay up into a sphere.
D) Stretch the cube into a long, shoebox shape.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A sphere has the smallest surface area relative to its volume compared to any other shape. So rounding the clay up into a sphere will decrease its surface area relative to its volume.

You Have a Cube of Modeling Clay in Your Hands