Explanation:

- The volume of the cylinder is calculated as \(\pi r^2 h = \pi \times 6^2 \times 8 = 288\pi \, \text{cm}^3\).

- This volume is converted into 3 cones, each with radius 6 cm and height 8 cm.

- The volume of one cone is \(\frac{1}{3}\pi r^2 h = \frac{1}{3}\pi \times 6^2 \times 8 = 96\pi \, \text{cm}^3\).

- Thus, the total volume of 3 cones is \(3 \times 96\pi = 288\pi \, \text{cm}^3\). It matches the cylinder's volume.

- The slant height of a cone can be found using the Pythagorean theorem: \(l = \sqrt{r^2 + h^2} = \sqrt{6^2 + 8^2} = 10 \, \text{cm}\).

- The curved surface area of one cone is \(\pi r l = \pi \times 6 \times 10 = 60\pi \, \text{cm}^2\).

- Therefore, the total curved surface area of three cones is \(3 \times 60\pi = 180\pi \, \text{cm}^2\).

- Option:1 - 180 \(\pi \, \text{cm}^2\) is the correct option.