Question

A table made out of cardboard is shown on left. If dotted lines indicate folding, which of the option(s) is/are the unfolded view(s) of the table?

• A. Fig A
• B. Fig B
• C. Fig C
• D. Fig D

Hint:

In multiple-select question (MSQ) net problems in design exams, multiple unfolding topologies are frequently valid. Unless you spot an obvious panel mismatch, self-overlapping flap, or inverted cutout, assume different spanning arrangements work.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We are shown a 3D line drawing of a small table constructed from a single sheet of folded cardboard. We must identify which of the 2D flat patterns (nets) labeled A, B, C, and D will fold along the dotted lines to reconstruct the table without self-intersection or missing panels.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
A valid net represents a planar spanning tree of the polyhedron's face-adjacency graph. To confirm validity, we verify that:

• The total panel count matches the 3D table: 1 square table top plus 4 corner legs.

• Each corner leg is composed of two vertical rectangular flaps meeting at a 90-degree fold.

• Arch-shaped cutouts exist between adjacent legs to form the open space beneath the table.

• Folding the panels maintains continuous edge-to-edge alignment without causing two panels to occupy the same spatial plane.


Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• The 3D table geometry requires one square horizontal surface and four hollow L-shaped vertical legs at the corners. There are 8 vertical leg flaps in total.

• Let us analyze each option:
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Option A: This net arranges the 4 leg structures in a continuous horizontal linear strip, connected by vertical fold lines. The square table top is attached as a top tab to the second leg segment. When the long strip is creased at 90-degree intervals, it wraps into a closed rectangular perimeter forming the four L-shaped legs. The square tab then folds down over the top opening to complete the table. This is a robust and classic packaging design net.
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Option B: Here, the central square top has two leg structures attached to its top edge and two attached to its bottom edge. When creased downward, the outer flaps of each leg wrap around the open left and right sides, meeting perfectly at the corners. This successfully constructs the table.
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Option C: This variation attaches two leg units to the left vertical edge and two to the bottom horizontal edge of the square top. Folding them downward and wrapping the secondary flaps completes the four corners seamlessly.
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Option D: This pattern places three leg structures along the upper and left boundaries of the square and one isolated leg structure on the bottom edge. When all fold lines are bent at 90 degrees, the panels wrap around the open faces and enclose the structure perfectly.


Step 4: Final Answer:
All four options (A, B, C, and D) are fully correct unfolded views of the cardboard table.