What is mathematics, really? What lies beyond calculus and what is it
good for? Does it really have any applications? This workshop is designed
to explore the depth of such questions with an interesting yet often
misunderstood example: the Rubik's Cube. Using a branch of mathematics
known as group theory, it is possible to study the puzzle and actually
construct a complete solution to solve the cube.
The workshop will begin with a study of symmetries and look at how
symmetries act (and what exactly we mean by act!). This will provide a
foundation to understanding how the Cube really works, and how we can take
a mathematical approach to solving it. Time permitting, we will explore
the efficiency of our algorithm, and how other mathematical concepts
can help improve efficiency.
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