How to solve a 5x5?
The Reduction Method is the easiest approach to solve a 5x5 cube, which is also known as the Professor's Cube. This solution starts by solving all six centers. Then, you match the edge pieces to make the puzzle into a simpler 3x3 cube. You can solve it just like a regular 3x3 once it's been reduced, using the same algorithms you already know. This method helps beginners understand the cube’s structure and stay away from common parity problems that happen on bigger cubes.
Introduction
The 5x5 Rubik’s Cube, also known as the Professor’s Cube, is just a slightly more advanced version of the same methods and techniques used in the 3x3 and the 4x4. There are many methods to solve a 5x5 Rubik’s Cube, but for people starting out, the easiest method and also the most popular one is the Reduction Method.
Step 1: Understanding The Structure
A 5x5 cube has 9 centers on each face, basically a 3x3 center on every face, with a fixed center in between that can be used as a guide for the color scheme. Along with the centers, there’s 3 edge pieces in every edge set, which adds up to a total of 36 edge pieces. The 8 corner pieces on a 5x5 behave exactly like those on a 3x3.
Step 2: Solve All Centers
The reduction method starts by solving one center (which is usually white), and then proceeding to solve the opposite center (yellow). After that, work on the centers in the middle layer. Follow these intuitive tips to make center solving easier!
1. Create 1x3 bars of the center pieces and then insert them into their spots by taking the middle center as a reference.
2. Be careful while solving the centers, making sure to not mess up already solved ones.
3. It can be hard to solve centers in the middle layer. Make sure to undo any moves that have messed up the centers you've built up while you were solving.
Step 3: Pair Up All the Edges
We can go on to edge pairing after we've solved all the centers. For each edge, put the three edge pieces together to make one paired edge. It's a good idea to utilize the middle layer to slice and pair the edges and the top and bottom layers to keep the paired edges.
Use the method of slicing, storing, and replacing:
1. Put three edge pieces together in the middle layer, then slice and pair them into one edge.
2. Put the paired edge in the top or bottom layer.
3. Take the slices apart and put the centers back in the middle.
Repeat this process for all 8 edges till the top and bottom layers are filled with paired edges. For the last 4 edges, use the edge flipping algorithm to pair the edges and restore the centers without disturbing anything. A useful tip is to search for instances where one middle edge is already connected to one of the side edges.
For this, you can use the edge-flipping algorithm, which is::
- R U R' F R' F' R.
This method turns the edge around. You might run into edge parity on the last two edges. To fix this, use the following algorithm:
-
Rw U2 x Rw U2 Rw U2 Rw' U2 Lw U2 3Rw' U2 Rw U2 Rw' U2 Rw'
((picture of edge parity))
Step 4: Solve Like a 3x3
Once you've solved all the centers and paired all the edges, a 5x5 becomes a huge 3x3, and you can solve it the same way you would a standard 3x3.
Final Tips
1. Always undo your slice moves after pairing edges or solving centers.
2. Don’t rush the solve, The 5x5 has much more pieces than a 3x3 so just be careful till you get the hang of it.
With a bit of practice, solving a 5x5 becomes easier and you can then focus on solving it faster! Fortunately, speedsolving a 5x5 uses the Reduction Method itself with a few extra algorithms.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to know how to do a 3x3 before I try a 5x5?
A: Yes, without a doubt! You need to be good at solving 3x3 cubes since the last stage is to solve the cube like a 3x3. It's not necessary, but it helps to know 4x4 ideas as well.
Q: Is it okay to solve the centers in any order?
A: You can do it that way, but it's best to start with the centers on the opposite side (white then yellow) and then move on to the centers in the middle layer. This order of steps helps you avoid messing up centers that are already solved.
Q: Is there a problem with parity on 5x5 like there is on 4x4?
A: Yes, but just edge parity. The 5x5 doesn't have center parity problems like the 4x4 does because its center pieces are fixed. You might run into edge parity at the last edges, but the approach given can help you fix it.
Q: What can I do to speed up my center solving?
A: Work on creating 1x3 bars fast and learn to spot pieces quickly. With experience, you'll learn how to know which pieces to move and when. Also, attempt to plan ahead by putting together several pieces at once before putting them in.
