Math 31
Topics in Algebra
Project
The project of this class will be to find a solution to the 2x2 Rubik's cube and to understand the connection with abstract algebra.
Material
To develop and understand a repertoire of cube moves you can use the following sheets and pictures:cube moves 1 (.pdf in color)
cube moves 2 (.pdf w/o color)
two cubes (picture)
Essay
The following topics should be included in the essay. The list of questions will be further expanded during the term:essay questions
Teams
 Andres, Isabelle, Jake |
 Andrew, Gabriel, Madison |
 Anup, James, Michael, Robin, Xander |
 Helen, Matthew, Qirong, Yifei, Yixuan |
 Alan, Clara, Sam, Tang-e |
 Andrew, Sara, Sheherzad |
 Sophia, Hannah, Michelle |
Links
Ravi Fernando solves three cubes while juggling themMichel Gondry solves the cube with his feet
Cayley graphs of small groups
Animals that can count
Alexander Grothendieck