Message #3392

From: apturner@mit.edu
Subject: Re: Cube puzzles and math
Date: Sun, 26 Jun 2016 12:57:43 -0700

Sid,

What is the other binary operation you are using to define a ring from the Rubik’s Cube? Without one, the appropriate mathematical object is a nonabelian group, since every word (sequence of moves) on the Rubik’s Cube has an inverse. This is the exact same group that Joel mentioned before. Each sequence of moves defines a permutation of the stickers of the Rubik’s cube, which correspond to the elements of the group as Joel mentioned it.

Cheers,
Andrew