the edge of one cube is 2 cm shorter than the edge of a second cube. The volumes of the two cubes differ by 386cm^3. Find the edge of the smaller cube.

Answer 1

(x+2)^3 - x^3 = 386
6x^2 + 12x + 8 = 386
x^2 + 2x - 63
(x+9)(x-7)

the shorter side is 7

check: 9^3-7^3 = 729-343 = 386