The problem involves determining the number of distinct ways to paint the sides of a square using three different colors, considering that rotated versions of the same color arrangement are not counted as different.
The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of how to count the arrangements. Some guidance has been offered regarding the consideration of rotations, and there is a suggestion to check combinations and permutations.
There is uncertainty about whether the order of colors matters and how to handle the counting of rotated squares. The original poster's initial calculation raises questions about the validity of subtracting one from the total combinations.
kaleidoscope said:(rotated squares don't count)
HallsofIvy said:You might also want to consider if the same square rotated would count
dacruick said:I think my link will give you the information you need to solve it. I got an answer that I checked quickly by writing out all of the combinations.