Rubik’s Cube, invented by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik, has captivated the minds of people all around the world ever since its creation in 1974. The cube, with its six different colored faces, has posed as a challenge for many, with only a few being able to successfully solve it. However, solving Rubik’s Cube is not as complicated as it seems. In this article, we will explore the history, importance, and celebration of solving Rubik’s Cube, along with a step-by-step guide on how to solve it. So, let’s dive right in!
The History of Rubik’s Cube
Rubik’s Cube was invented by Ernő Rubik in 1974, but it was not until 1980 that it gained popularity when it was licensed by Ideal Toy Corp. Since then, the cube has become one of the best-selling toys of all time, with more than 350 million cubes sold worldwide. In 1995, Rubik’s Cube was featured in the New York Museum of Modern Art as a permanent exhibit, solidifying its place as an iconic puzzle.
The cube was originally called the “Magic Cube”, but was renamed to “Rubik’s Cube” after its inventor. Rubik, who was a teacher, created the cube as a way to explain spatial relationships to his students. It was only later on that he realized the potential of the cube as a puzzle.
When is Rubik’s Cube Day?
Rubik’s Cube Day is celebrated on July 7th every year. This date was chosen because it is the date when the first World Cube Association competition took place in 2003. On this day, Rubik’s Cube enthusiasts from all around the world gather to celebrate and compete in solving the cube. It is also a day to appreciate the creativity and ingenuity of the cube’s inventor, Ernő Rubik.
The Importance of Solving Rubik’s Cube
Solving Rubik’s Cube is not just a hobby or a pastime, it has several benefits that can improve one’s mental abilities. Firstly, it enhances problem-solving skills by encouraging critical thinking, logic, and spatial reasoning. This can also improve memory and concentration. Secondly, it promotes hand-eye coordination and dexterity, especially in children. Lastly, it can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing a fun and challenging activity to focus on.
How to Solve Rubik’s Cube in 5 Easy Steps
Now that we have a brief understanding of the history, importance, and celebration of Rubik’s Cube, let’s get into how to actually solve it. Follow these 5 easy steps and become a master of the cube.
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself With the Cube
The first step to solving Rubik’s Cube is to familiarize yourself with its structure. The cube consists of six different colored faces, each with 9 smaller squares. The center square of each face is fixed, while the edge and corner squares can be moved to different faces by twisting the cube.
Step 2: Solve the White Cross
Start by solving the white face, as it serves as the foundation for the rest of the cube. First, make sure that the white center square is at the top. Then, start creating a cross with the white edge pieces, making sure that they match the adjacent center colors.
Step 3: Solve the White Corners
Next, solve the white corners by pairing them up with their respective colors on the adjacent faces. You will have to rotate the cube to match the colors and then use a series of moves to bring the corners to their correct positions.
Step 4: Form the Middle Layer
Now, it’s time to solve the middle layer. This can be achieved by rotating the cube to match the colors of the bottom layer with the middle layer edges. Then, use certain moves to bring the pieces to their correct positions.
Step 5: Solve the Yellow Cross
Finally, you are at the last step – solving the yellow face. Start by creating a yellow cross on the top face and then solve the yellow corners by positioning them to match the adjacent faces. You may have to repeat certain moves to get all the corners in place, but with practice, you will become faster and more efficient.
Fun Facts About Rubik’s Cube
Here are some interesting facts about Rubik’s Cube that you may not have known:
- The fastest time that Rubik’s Cube has ever been solved is 3.47 seconds, achieved by Yusheng Du from China in April 2018.
- In 1981, a 12-year-old boy from the United Kingdom named Patrick Bossert wrote a book titled “You Can Do the Cube” which became a bestseller with over 1.5 million copies sold.
- There are 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 different ways to scramble a Rubik’s Cube, but only one correct solution.
In Conclusion
Solving Rubik’s Cube may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, anyone can master the puzzle. As you continue to solve the cube, you will find techniques that work best for you.
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