Rubik’s Cube is a popular puzzle with the objective of solving the cube so that each side has a uniform color. The cube consists of three layers with nine smaller cubes, each with a different color. Different notations are used to represent the different sides of the cube, and markings show how to turn the side of the cube. The steps to solving Rubik’s Cube involve solving the white cross, solving the white corners, solving the middle layer, solving the top layer, and solving the top layer corners. With practice and persistence, anyone can master solving Rubik’s Cube.
Dissecting the Mechanics of Rubik’s Cube: How to Solve the Puzzle
Rubik’s Cube is one of the most popular puzzles in the world. It was invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Erno Rubik. Rubik’s Cube consists of a cube made up of smaller cubes with different colors on each side. The objective of the puzzle is to solve the cube by making sure that each side has a uniform color. Solving Rubik’s Cube can be challenging and intimidating but can be done with a few simple techniques.
The Basics of Rubik’s Cube
Rubik’s cube consists of three layers: the top layer, the middle layer, and the bottom layer. Each of these layers has nine smaller cubes, and each of these cubes can be moved independently. The sides of the cube are painted with six different colors: red, blue, green, yellow, white, and orange.
Moves and Notations
There are different notations in Rubik’s Cube that a solver needs to know to be able to solve the puzzle. These notations are letters that represent the different turns that can be made in a Rubik’s Cube. The following are the notations used in Rubik’s Cube:
- R (Right)
- L ( Left)
- U ( Up)
- D ( Down)
- F ( Front)
- B ( Back)
These letters represent the different sides of the cube. R stands for the right side of the cube, L for the left side, U for the top (up) side, D for the bottom (down) side, F for the front side, and B for the back side.
There are also markings used in Rubik’s Cube notation that can tell the solver how to turn the cube from different angles. These are:
- ‘ ( clockwise)
- ” ( counter-clockwise)
- 2 ( 180 degrees)
These markings show how the solver needs to turn the side of the cube. For example, R’ means to turn the right side of the cube counterclockwise, R means to turn the right side of the cube clockwise, and R2 means to turn the right side of the cube 180 degrees.
Solving Rubik’s Cube
Solving Rubik’s cube involves the use of different algorithms and techniques. The following are the steps to solve Rubik’s cube:
Step 1: Solving the White Cross
The first step in solving Rubik’s cube is to solve the white cross. This step involves making sure that the white side of the cube is facing up and that the white pieces are in the correct position. The following algorithm can be used to solve the white cross:
- Turn the cube until you find a white edge piece on the bottom layer.
- Turn the bottom layer so that the white piece is directly beneath the center of the white side.
- Turn the side of the cube so that the white edge piece matches the color of the center of the side it’s on.
- Repeat this process for the rest of the white edge pieces.
Step 2: Solving the White Corners
The second step in solving Rubik’s cube is to solve the white corners. This step involves positioning the white corner pieces in the correct position. The following algorithm can be used to solve the white corners:
- Turn the cube until you find a white corner piece on the bottom layer.
- Turn the side of the cube so that the white corner piece is directly beneath its correct position.
- Turn the bottom layer until the corner piece is in the correct position.
- Repeat this process for the rest of the white corner pieces.
Step 3: Solving the Middle Layer
The third step in solving Rubik’s cube is to solve the middle layer. This step involves positioning the middle layer pieces in their correct position. The following algorithm can be used to solve the middle layer:
- Turn the cube until you find a middle edge piece that needs to be solved.
- Turn the side of the cube so that the middle edge piece is directly beneath its correct position.
- Turn the top layer so that the side matches the corresponding color of the edge piece.
- Turn the side of the cube back so that the piece is in the correct position.
- Repeat this process for the rest of the middle edge pieces.
Step 4: Solving the Top Layer
The fourth step in solving Rubik’s cube is to solve the top layer. This step involves positioning the top layer pieces in their correct position. The following algorithm can be used to solve the top layer:
- Turn the top layer to find a yellow piece.
- Look for the color on the adjacent sides of the piece.
- Use the following algorithm according to the orientation of the yellow piece:
- Orient the cube so that the yellow piece is at the front right position and the colors on the adjacent sides are in their correct position. Then use the algorithm R U R’ U R U U R’.
- Orient the cube so that the yellow piece is at the back right position and the colors on the adjacent side are in their correct position. Then use the algorithm R U U R’ U’ R U’ R’.
- Orient the cube so that the yellow piece is at the back left position and the colors on the adjacent sides are in their correct position. Then use the algorithm L’ U’ L U’ L’ U L U.
- Orient the cube so that the yellow piece is at the front left position and the colors on the adjacent sides are in their correct position. Then use the algorithm L’ U L U L’ U’ L U’
Step 5: Solving the Top Layer Corners
The fifth and final step in solving Rubik’s cube is to solve the top layer corners. This step involves positioning the corners in their correct position. The following algorithm can be used to solve top layer corners:
- Turn the top layer to find a yellow corner piece that is in the wrong position.
- Align the sides of the corner piece with its correct position.
- Use the algorithm R’ D R D’ to move the corner piece around the top layer to its correct position.
- Repeat this process for the rest of the yellow corner pieces.
Conclusion
Solving Rubik’s Cube may seem daunting but with practice and persistence, anyone can perfect the art of solving the puzzle. These basic steps and algorithms will help any solver get started on Rubik’s Cube. The key to mastering Rubik’s Cube is to practice until the algorithms become second nature and always approach the task with a sharp mind and steady hand.