A cube is painted red on all faces. It is then cut into 27 equal smaller cubes. How many P cubes are painted on only 2 faces?  Choose the correct choice from the following choices:
A) 12 B) 8 C) 6 D) 10 E) 16

Rationale: "1 ) draw a simple cube 2 ) draw 9 squares on each face of the cube ( so that it looks like a rubik ' s cube ) - this is what the cube will look like when it ' s cut into 27 equal smaller cubes . 3 ) remember that the outside of the cube is the part that ' s painted . . . . the mini - cubes with 2 painted sides are all on the edge of the cube , in themiddleof the edge . there are 4 in front , 4 in back and 4 more on thestripthat runs around the left / top / right / bottom of the cube . p = 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 . answer a"
Answer: A