The binomial and trinomial cubes are indirect preparation for future abstract mathematics. The child works with the cubes, matching the pieces together by color, until they fit together. The binomial cube consists of 8 pieces and the trinomial cube consists of 27 pieces. The child knows they have constructed the cubes properly when they match the pattern on the lid, and when they fit into their respective boxes with their lids shut. Through practice with these materials in the primary years, the child develops a concrete understanding of the cubes and how they fit together. This understanding lays the foundation for cubing quantities with 2 and 3 factors and deeper understanding of the the formulas (a+b)^3 and (a+b+c)^3 at the elementary level.
