Model challenge. Can you make a model of solid shapes which has a) 12 straws and 8 clay balls? b) 9 straws and 6 clay balls? c) 15 straws and 10 clay balls? d) 10 straws and 6 clay balls?
A cube or cuboid can be made. The straws form the edges (12 edges) and the clay balls form the vertices (8 corners).
A triangular prism can be made. It has 9 edges and 6 vertices.
A pentagonal prism can be made. It has 15 edges and 10 vertices.
A pentagonal pyramid can be made. It has 10 edges and 6 vertices.
Explanation
(a) A cube has 12 edges and 8 vertices, which matches the given materials. (b) A triangular prism has 9 edges and 6 vertices, which matches the given materials. (c) A pentagonal prism has 15 edges and 10 vertices, which matches the given materials. (d) A pentagonal pyramid has 10 edges and 6 vertices, which matches the given materials.