Correct Option
The total number of identical cubes is 125. When these cubes are arranged to form a larger cubical block, the dimension of this larger cube (n) can be determined by taking the cube root of the total number of cubes. Thus, n = ∛125 = 5. This indicates that the larger block is a 5x5x5 arrangement of smaller cubes.
Cubes that are "surrounded by other cubes from each side" are those located entirely within the interior of the larger cubical block. These are the cubes that do not form part of any outer face, edge, or corner of the larger structure. The formula to calculate the number of such inner cubes is (n - 2)³.
Applying the formula with n = 5:
(5 - 2)³ = 3³ = 27.
Therefore, 27 cubes are surrounded by other cubes from each side.
Incorrect Options
Options 2 (25), 3 (21), and 4 (18) are incorrect. These values do not correspond to the accurate calculation for the number of inner cubes in a 5x5x5 cubical arrangement, which is derived using the formula (n-2)³.