1. The problem states that a metal cube has a volume of 96 cm^3, correct to the nearest cm^3. We need to find the least possible length of each side of the cube, $x$, correct to 2 decimal places. 2. The volume $V$ of a cube with side length $x$ is given by the formula: $$V = x^3$$ 3. Since the volume is 96 cm^3 correct to the nearest cm^3, the actual volume $V$ lies within the interval: $$95.5 \leq V < 96.5$$ 4. Substitute $V = x^3$ into the inequality: $$95.5 \leq x^3 < 96.5$$ 5. To find the least possible length $x$, solve the lower bound inequality: $$x^3 \geq 95.5$$ 6. Take the cube root of both sides: $$x \geq \sqrt[3]{95.5}$$ 7. Calculate the cube root: $$x \geq 4.57$$ 8. Therefore, the least possible length of each side of the cube, correct to 2 decimal places, is: $$\boxed{4.57}$$