ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Optimal solutions for Rubik's Cube

Okay kiddo, a Rubik's cube is a toy made up of little colored squares that you can twist around. The goal is to make all the squares on each side the same color.

When people talk about optimal solutions for a Rubik's cube, they mean the quickest and easiest way to solve it. There are many different ways to solve a Rubik's cube, but some ways are faster and more efficient than others.

One way to solve the Rubik's cube is called the "beginner's method". This method involves solving one side of the cube at a time by following a series of simple steps. While it's a good starting point for beginners, it's not the quickest way to solve the cube.

Another way to solve the Rubik's cube is called the "CFOP method". This method involves solving different parts of the cube at the same time, and it's considered to be one of the most efficient methods. CFOP stands for "Cross, F2L, OLL, PLL". These are different steps that you follow in order to solve the cube.

The "Cross" step involves making a cross with the same color squares on one side of the cube. The "F2L" step involves pairing up certain squares on the cube, and putting them in the right place. The "OLL" and "PLL" steps are more advanced and involve a series of algorithms (mathematical sequences) to solve the cube.

So, to sum it up, optimal solutions for Rubik's cube are the quickest and easiest ways to solve the toy using different methods like CFOP. Hope that helps you understand the topic better!