Solution Introduction
So before we begin, we need to learn some geeky language to describe the cube's movements. Don't worry, this language is easy to learn and pretty intuitive.
The Language
If you have an actual cube, let it lie flat in your hand with one color facing you. Pick any color you want unless your cube is already scrambled, in which case you can pick a center color. You should see three vertical columns and three horizontal rows of "cubies" (the little cubes that make up the entire cube).
Notice we have six sides:
Right | Front | Left | Up(top) | Down(bottom) | Back
When we move the column of cubies on the right side away from us 1/4 turn (clockwise motion), we will call this movement R, and if we move this column towards us 1/4 turn (counter-clockwise motion), we will call this movement R'. Perform some back and forth R and R' turns now. Also try an R2 turn, which will be 2 x 1/4 turns.
Now we want to apply this language to the other sides of the Cube, so
- F and F' will move the front face clockwise and counter-clockwise, respectively.
- L and L' will rotate the left side clockwise and counter-clockwise, respectively.
- U and U' will rotate the Up (top) side clockwise and counter-clockwise, respectively.
- D and D' will rotate the Down (bottom) side clockwise and counter-clockwise, respectively.
- B and B' will rotate the Back side clockwise and counter-clockwise, respectively.
This information is useful when memorizing algorithms (algorithm is just a fancy word for a string of movements that will position cubies where you want them. For example, R U R' U R U2 R' U R).