Cube and Dice for SSC CGL
Master 3D Visualization and Spatial Reasoning
1. Introduction
Cube and Dice questions are an important part of SSC CGL Non-Verbal Reasoning. They test your ability to visualize 3D objects, understand their faces, and predict outcomes when folded or rolled.
These questions are scoring because once you understand the rules and patterns, you can answer quickly and accurately.
2. Definition
Cube: A 3-dimensional figure with six square faces.
Dice: A cube with numbers or symbols on each face.
Objective: Solve questions related to unfolded cubes, folded dice, opposite faces, and rotations.
Example: A cube is painted on all faces and then cut into smaller cubes.
Question: "How many smaller cubes have 2 painted faces?"
3. Types of Cube and Dice Questions
Unfolded Cube (Net) Questions:
Given a cube's net, identify opposite faces or folded shape.
Example: Identify which numbers will be opposite when folded.
Dice Pattern Questions:
Determine opposite faces or hidden numbers based on visible faces.
Rotation / Orientation Questions:
Cube or dice is rotated; identify which face will be visible.
Counting / Painted Faces:
Cube is painted and cut into smaller cubes; count faces with paint.
4. Previous Year SSC CGL Examples
2018 Tier I: Dice with numbers 1–6; find the number opposite 5
Answer: 2
2019 Tier I: Cube painted on 3 faces, then cut into smaller cubes
Answer: 4 cubes with 2 painted faces
2020 Tier I: Net of a cube given; identify opposite faces
Answer: 1–6, 2–5, 3–4
Practicing previous year questions improves spatial visualization and logical deduction skills.
5. Strategy to Approach Cube and Dice Questions
- Understand the net or dice layout carefully: Note adjacent and opposite faces
- Visualize the cube folding: Mentally fold or sketch to identify faces
- For painted cubes: Count systematically based on corner, edge, and middle cubes
- Use elimination method: For opposite faces, check which numbers cannot be adjacent
- Practice regularly: Enhances 3D visualization and speed
6. Quick Recap
- Cube and Dice questions test 3D visualization, folding, and spatial reasoning skills
- Focus on opposite faces, adjacency, and rotations
- For painted cubes, divide cubes into corners, edges, and inner cubes
- Regular practice improves accuracy and speed
7. Practice Questions
Try solving these to test your understanding:
1. A cube has numbers 1–6; if 1 is opposite 6, 2 is opposite 5, which number is opposite 3?
2. Cube net is given; find which faces are opposite when folded.
3. Cube painted on 3 faces, then cut into 27 smaller cubes; how many cubes have 2 painted faces?
4. A dice shows 2, 3, 5 on adjacent faces; find the number opposite 3.
5. Cube rotated 90° along the vertical axis; identify which face will be visible from front.
Click for Answers
1. 4 (Standard dice pattern: 1-6, 2-5, 3-4)
2. Depends on net pattern (Standard: opposite faces don't touch in net)
3. 12 cubes (4 from each painted edge)
4. 6 (Using standard dice adjacency rules)
5. Depends on initial position (Right face becomes front after right rotation)
Solve these by visualizing the fold, rotation, or painted faces carefully.
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