CAT 2017 [slot 1] Question with solution 18

Option: 2
Explanation:
The volumes of the 5 smaller cubes and the original big one are in the ratio 1 : 1 : 8 : 27 : 27 : 64.
Therefore, the sides are in the ratio 1 : 1 : 2 : 3 : 3 : 4 while the areas are in the ratio 1 : 1 : 4 : 9 : 9 : 16.
The sum of the areas of the 5 smaller cubes is 24 parts while that of the big cube is 16 parts. The sum is 50% greater.