How many edges does a cube have?

A cube has 12 edges, which can be understood by visualizing or recalling the characteristics of a cube. A cube is a three-dimensional geometric figure with six square faces, and each face has four edges. However, since each edge is shared between two faces, the total count of distinct edges is not simply 6 multiplied by 4.

Instead, when you systematically count the edges, you can see that there are four edges on the top face, four edges on the bottom face, and four vertical edges connecting the corresponding vertices of the top and bottom faces. This leads to 4 (top) + 4 (bottom) + 4 (vertical) = 12 edges in total.

By employing this method of counting, one can clarify why 12 is the correct answer, demonstrating an understanding of the basic properties of a cube in geometry.