Forthcoming Title Handbook of Cubik Math By David Singmaster & Alexander Frey A clear explanation of the mathematics that underlies comprehension of Rubik's Cube, and how the cube itself can be used to grasp the fundamentals of group theory. ISBN-13: 9780718892098 Specifications: 229x152mm, 204pp, Paperback with b&w diagrams Price: £15.00 • US$32.50 Publication: April 2010 Order this Title Now

About this Book

The Handbook of Cubic Math unveils the theory involved in Rubik’s Cube’s solution, the potential applications of that theory to other similar puzzles, and how the cube provides a physical example for many concepts in mathematics where such examples are difficult to find.

The authors have been able to cover and explain these topics in a way which is easily understandable to the layman, suitable for a junior-high-school or high-school course in math, and appropriate for a college course in modern algebra.

This manual will satisfy the experts’ curiosity about the moves that lead to the solution of the cube and will offer a useful supplementary teaching aid to the beginners.

Reviews and Comments

"The best book yet written - or likely to be written - on the wonders and the dark, unsolved misteries of the cube"
Martin Gardiner

"Frey and Singmaster give a nicely blended discussion of specific algorithms for the cube together with some underlying theoretical concepts from group theory. Thus, cubists will be able to cure their insomnia by reading Chapter 3, and then perhaps satisfy their aroused curiosity about what is really going on by reading further"
David M. Goldschmidt, Professor of Mathematics, University of California, Berkeley

About the Author

David Singmaster is the top world authority on the mathematics of Rubik's Cube. He originated the notation system that is used throughout the world to communicate about the cube.

Alexander H. Frey Jr has a PhD in mathematics from the University of Washington and was a computer architect with IBM. He is now retired.