In this blog entry, we can finally look at solving the 5×5 Rubik’s Cube! Surprisingly enough, despite having more pieces the 5×5 is actually simpler to solve than the 4×4 due to being an odd-numbered puzzle. Let’s start by scrambling the puzzle!
Similarly to the 4×4, we start by building the inner square of the puzzle on each side. The main difference, however, is that the 5×5 has designated center pieces, like the 3×3. This means that no matter how we rotate the puzzle, the center pieces will always be in the same position relative to each other. This makes solving the inner center easier than the 4×4 because we know where to build the inner squares, whereas in the 4×4 we had to remember the correct orientation of the standard centers to build the inner blocks.
After solving the inner centers, we have to complete edge pairing. The process is exactly the same as the 4×4 but has to be repeated twice because on the 4×4 each edge is 2×1 blocks, whereas on the 5×5 each edge is 3×1 blocks due to the inner center being 3×3 blocks. After completing edge pairing, the puzzle should look like this:
The next steps are again similar to the 4×4: solve the puzzle exactly like a 3×3! The paired edge blocks can be treated as a standard 3×3 edge piece, and the inner 3×3 center blocks can be treated as a normal center piece. Like normal, we start with the cross
And next we solve the corners and middle edges:
Finally, we are at the last layer. If you remember with the 4×4, parity was possible, where an edge piece has to be flipped or rotated using a special algorithm that does not exist on the 3×3. However, because this is a 5×5 which has designated centers, this cannot occur. This means solving the last layer is exactly the same as the 3×3 with nothing extra required!
Because the 5×5 does not need you to memorize where each center should be positioned, as well as not needing parity, it is considered simpler than the 4×4. The set of rules for solving a 4×4 and 5×5 can be used to solve ANY cubic puzzle, no matter how large. You always start by solving the inner centers, then pair the edges, and from there solve it like a 3×3. The only caveat is on the even-numbered puzzles you can get parity, so an additional two algorithms are required. Because the pattern is the same for any cubic puzzle, for the next blog we will shift to a new type of puzzle: the megaminx, a twelve-sided puzzle with hexagon sides.
I really like how you give pictures of rubiks cubes. This visual aid helps solve the problem at hand – how to solve a rubiks cube. This not only helps but it also draws in the attention of the reader. No one wants to sit and read a page full of information but with pictures it helps this process feel less of a task and more a informational piece. I also like how you relate back to other rubiks cubes so it gives the reader something to compare to. Especially considering that your reader is most likely a fan of rubiks cubes and has probably tried to solve one of the ones you mention. Overall it was a good blog with short paragraphs, good sentences, and keeps attention.