A solid cube is painted on all sides and then cut into 64 smaller identical cubes. How many of these smaller cubes will have exactly 2 faces painted?

Answer: C. 24

Answer: (C) 24
Explanation:
1. A cube cut into 64 smaller cubes means it is a 4 × 4 × 4 grid (where n = 4).
2. Cubes with exactly 2 faces painted are always found along the edges of the big cube, excluding the corners.
3. Formula for 2 faces painted: 12 × (n - 2)
4. Calculation: \(12 \times (4 - 2) = 12 \times 2 = \mathbf{24}\).

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