Diameter of the log
$d = 2(12.7)$
$d = 25.4 \, \text{ in}$
Edge of cube
$a^2 + a^2 = d^2$
$2a^2 = 25.4^2$
$a^2 = 322.58$
$a = 17.96 \, \text{ in}$
Volume of the largest cube
$V = a^3$
$V = 17.96^3$
$V = 5793.70 \, \text{ in}^3$
$V = 5793.70 \, \text{ in}^3 \times \left( \dfrac{1 \, \text{ ft}}{12 \, \text{ in}} \right)^3$
$V = 3.3528 \, \text{ ft}^3$ answer
Total area of the largest cube
$A = 6a^2$
$A = 6(17.96^2)$
$A = 1935.48 \, \text{ in}^2$
$A = 1935.48 \, \text{ in}^2 \times \left( \dfrac{1 \, \text{ ft}}{12 \, \text{ in}} \right)^2$
$A = 13.441 \, \text{ ft}^2$ answer