For the Data Visualization class I’m on the waitlist for, we were asked to come up with the solution for solving a Rubik’s cube.
To solve a Rubik’s cube, you basically need to remember that the whole thing consists of a series of patterns that, if you trust them, will solve the puzzle for you. In the past, when I’ve tried to solve the puzzle, I was somehow able to solve one side of tiles. Then, when I try to complete the rest of the puzzle, I find that I’m stuck. Whenever I try to complete another side, I find that I am too afraid of messing up the side I’ve completed, so I stop working. This fear is, of course, justified, since I do in fact mess up the side I just completed when working on the new side.
I’ve come to learn that what I’ve been missing is an algorithm or several algorithms. “Algorithm” sounds like a math term, and since I tend to stay away from math, I can’t say I’ve come across it before. However, since I’m supposed to come up with a description for how to solve a Rubik’s cube, I did some research:
• I understand that an algorithm is a set of defined instructions that are carried out until certain conditions are met. – Wikipedia
• Different algorithms can be used to accomplish the same task. The one that is used depends on the constraints for each task. – howstuffworks.com
• Algorithms are used to solve a recurrent problem. – whatis.com
These are all interesting, and apparently algorithms are what make up computer languages. But, using these definitions, algorithms are also what fill up cookbooks and instruction manuals. Hmmm….
Well, anyway, now for my solution:
1. Get a Rubik’s Cube.
2. Turn the faces of the Rubik’s Cube, one face at a time, until one side consists of the same color in each of the nine squares. Call a side that consists of the same color in each of the nine squares a Full Side.
3. Repeat step 2 for each of the five colors but whenever you need to break a Full Side, so that the nine squares of the same are no longer touching, you must put them back so that they are touching again.
4. Repeat step 3 until there are six Full Sides.