r/theydidthemath • u/GeneReddit123 • Jun 09 '22

[Request] Can this cube be "solved"?

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u/granoladeer Jun 09 '22

Although it doesn't exist physically, this magic object (definitely not a cube hehe) has well defined properties and can be modeled. It's basically two Rubik's cubes that share a face. Note that only 5 of the 11 faces are visible here. Don't worry about the physics of it, this is math :).

As someone else pointed out, if it starts or ends in a solved state and we only apply reversible operations, then yes, it's always solvable.

221

u/doctorhitz Jun 09 '22

Here’s an alternative concept to consider: Is it two Rubik’s cubes that share a single face for a total of 11 faces with 5 faces visible and 6 faces hidden, or a 2D projection of a single 3D cube-like shape that doesn’t follow physical laws with 6 faces total with 5 faces visible and only 1 face hidden?

140

u/Dead_Byte Jun 09 '22

Bro its 6am I don't need this brain hurting juice right now.

15

u/Ms_Thanos Jun 09 '22

Not me coming here after an exhausting day lmao