Question 1150453
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The surface area of the original cube is/was  6*(3*3) = 6*9 = 54 square unit.


After 3 holes were made, we should subtract  6*(1*1) = square units for/(or from) 6 faces;

and add 6 times 4 square units (in total 6*4 = 24 square units) for six  1 x 1 x 1  small empty cubes.


So, the <U>ANSWER</U> is  54 - 6 + 24 = 72 square units.
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