what is the maximum number of rectangular blocks measuring 3 inches by 2 inches by 1 inch that can be packed into a cube-shaped box whose in

Think of it like this:

The area of one of the rectangular blocks is 6 inches cubed (3x2x1). The area of the cube-shaped box is 216 inches cubed (6x6x6).

Now we find how many rectangular blocks will fit in the cube-shaped block:

$${\frac{{\mathtt{216}}}{{\mathtt{6}}}} = {\mathtt{36}}$$

Therefore, 36 rectangular blocks will fit into the cube-shaped block.

Sidenote- If the answer had come out as a decimal, always round down, since this problem is asking for how many full blocks could fit, not how many parts of blocks could fit.

 

Hope this helped!

:D

Ok CreeperCosmo, except that you should have used the word "volume" where you have "area".

It's also worth noting that, in general, you need to consider the shape of the individual blocks as well as their volume.  For example, suppose each block was 12" by 1" by (1/2)".  The individual volume is still 6 cubic inches, so the volume ratio would still suggest you could get 36 of them in the box.  However, because of their shape you wouldn't even get one in the box.  

The volume ratio tells you the maximum conceivable number that can go in the box, but you need to take into account the shape of the individual pieces to decide how many will actually fit.  

In the case of the original question here, the shapes stack nicely to fill the box completely.