What is the Rubix Cube?

The rubix cube is a 3-D combination puzzle created by Ern Rubik, a Hungarian professor of architecture. It is one of the most popular puzzles of all time, and its many designs are found in homes, libraries, schools, museums, and even in commercial buildings.

Early precursors

Early Rubik cube precursors included the Pyraminx cube, a type of pyramid with movable pieces. The Pyraminx owes its existence to inventor Tony Durham. It was a bit more sophisticated than Rubik's cube, however.

A plethora of algorithms are capable of performing the same tasks. There is an algorithm to flip two edges, another to turn three corners, and another to turn all four of them. All of these are useful. However, they might not be the most fun to learn.

One of the simplest algorithms consists of flipping the top and bottom corners. Another uses nine stickers to create a larger picture.

This isn't a complete list of early Rubik cube precursors. Some people say that the invention of the Magic Cube isn't the only reason it has become so popular. Other notable precursors include the Pyraminx cube and the Skewb cube.

Origins

The Rubik Cube is a popular toy from the 1980s. It is a series of interlocking cube pieces that can be rotated and twisted in any direction. In order to solve the puzzle, a player must repeat a sequence of moves to move the cube back to a solved state.

During the 1970s, Rubik Rubik, a Hungarian architect, developed the concept of a multi-colored cube that can be moved to different configurations. He conceived the idea as a teaching tool for students. His goal was to have students solve structural problems by moving the different parts of the cube.

In 1975, Erno Rubik applied for a patent in Hungary for his invention. This was the first step in obtaining international marketing for his creation. By 1977, Erno Rubik had rolled out a test batch of his cubes.

Permutation and combination

The Rubix Cube contains a number of ideas regarding permutation and combination. However, the actual process of creating these combinations is not a simple one. It involves a number of algorithms, so a lot of experience is required.

The Rubix cube has six corner pieces and eight standard centre pieces. Each of these pieces is defined by a letter. These letters are used in the diagrams below to describe how each piece should be rotated to form a particular combination.

A permutation is an arrangement of corner pieces. The most common permutation on the cube is a single quarter turn, but turning a cube in any other direction is considered a change in permutation.

For the most part, there are no move sequences that swap pieces. But there is a disjoint cycle notation that can be useful.

Industrial applications

The Rubix Cube is a mechanical puzzle which has a unique structure. It looks like a sphere, and has six faces. Each face is colored.

Rubik's cube was invented by Erno Rubik in the 1970s, as a teaching aid. He initially made the puzzle out of wooden blocks. Later, he reshaped the cube to the cubic shape. Eventually, he was able to patent the invention in Hungary.

In the late 1970s, mass production of Rubik's cube began. This is a step-by-step process that involves injection molding of the pieces. During production, stickers are placed on the cube to indicate its color.

After the cube is molded, it hardens inside the mold. Thermoplastics such as nylon and high impact polystyrene are common materials used in the Rubik's cube manufacturing process. These plastics are durable, flexible, and capable of being heated to a specific temperature.

Singmaster notation

Singmaster notation is a basic notation method for Rubik's cube. Developed by Professor David Singmaster, it has become the standard for recording moves in Rubik's cube.

Singmaster notation uses a system of letters and apostrophes to describe the positions and moves of a cube. A letter represents the first layer, while an apostrophe indicates an anti-clockwise move of a face. Lowercase letters signify a slice move, while uppercase letters signify a slice or whole cube rotation.

"R" is used to describe the rotation of a cube face, while "D" is used for a back face. Adding a 2 symbol to one of the letters, or a y, denotes a half or quarter turn. Similarly, adding a z to the letter denotes a rotation about the F layer.