Which concept can be explored using Multilinks?

Multilinks are a versatile educational tool that can effectively illustrate the concept of cubic numbers. When students use Multilinks to build three-dimensional shapes, they can visualize and physically manipulate the construction of cubes. This hands-on approach allows them to explore how a cube is formed by linking together smaller unit cubes, making it easier to understand the volume of cubes and how cubic numbers are constructed.

By stacking layer upon layer of these linked cubes, students can directly see that the volume of a cube such as 3x3x3 consists of 27 unit cubes, which corresponds to the cubic number 27. This tangible representation reinforces the relationship between geometry and arithmetic, helping learners grasp how cubic numbers represent volumes in a concrete manner.

In contrast, the other concepts, such as surface area, decimals, and algebra, do not align as closely with the unique properties of Multilinks. For instance, while surface area can be discussed using different shapes, it does not take advantage of layering and three-dimensional stacking in the same way. Similarly, exploring decimals typically requires a different approach focusing on place value or number representation, while algebra involves more abstract manipulation of symbols rather than physical construction. Thus, the use of Multilinks aligns most effectively with the understanding