Branched covering surface-knots with degree three have the simplifying numbers less than three (Q1731330)

Simplification of branched covering surface-knots of appropriate forms by addition of 1-handles has been introduced by the same author in [J. Knot Theory Ramifications 27, No. 5, Article ID 1850031, 29 p. (2018; Zbl 1394.57021)]. The minimal number of 1-handles necessary to deform the above branched covering is called the simplifying number. Under some assumptions on the branched covering of degree $n$, the same author in [Ill. J. Math. 61, No. 3--4, 497--515 (2017; Zbl 1402.57022)] evaluated the simplifying number as $u \leq n-2.$ In the present paper the author simplifies general branched covering surface-knots of small degree $n \leq 3$, obtaining $u \leq 2$.