Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Why does it say on the list of different parts in the science experiment, "What's the Fastest Way to Solve a Rubik's Cube?" that there are only 8 corner pieces and 12 edge pieces on the entire cube when there are really more? Do you multiply the number on the top and the number on the bottom to get the true answer? That would make sense, as the true answer is 24 for both of those.

Hi -- A "corner piece" has three sides. So there are only 8 of them -- 8 corner "pieces." When you are holding a cube, you will see four of them on the top and four on the bottom.

Once you isolate the 6 center pieces and the 8 corner pieces, you will be left with 12 edge pieces, as noted. They are defined in the project this way:

"A Rubik's cube is made of three different types of pieces. We will refer to them as center, corner, and edge pieces. The puzzle has six center pieces, one in the middle of each face. Each center piece has only one visible face. There are eight corner pieces on the puzzle. Each corner piece has three visible faces. The remaining twelve pieces are edge pieces, occupying the middle position along each edge of the cube. Each edge piece has two visible faces."

It sounds like you are counting "visible faces".... which isn't the same as the actual "pieces."

Hope this helps.

Amy
Science Buddies


Project: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ubiks-cube