If each side of a cube is reduced by 50%, the surface area will reduced by.

75%

50% = \(\frac{1}{2}\)

Let the initial length of side = 2

Now, after reducing 50%, the length of side = 1

Area of cube = side²

Initial area of cube = 2² = 4

New area of cube = 1² = 1

Area reduced by = 4 - 1 = 3

Reduced % = \(\frac{3}{4}\) × 100% = 75%

OR

Total effect = -a% - a% + \(\frac{a × a}{100}\)% = -50% - 50% + \(\frac{50 × 50}{100}\)% = -75%