English
Related papers

Related papers: Variations on a Theme of Collatz

200 papers

We describe a new algorithm for verifying the Collatz conjecture for all n < 2^N for some fixed N. The algorithm takes less than twice as long to verify convergence for all n < 2^{N+1} as it does to verify convergence for all n < 2^N. We…

Number Theory · Mathematics 2026-02-12 Vigleik Angeltveit

Pilz's conjecture states that for any finite set $A=\{a_1,a_2,\dots,a_k\}$ of positive integers and positive integer $n$ in the union of the sets $\{a_1,2a_1,\dots,na_1\},\dots, \{a_k,2a_k,\dots,na_k\}$ (considered as a multiset) at least…

Combinatorics · Mathematics 2024-09-24 János Nagy , Péter Pál Pach

The Scholz conjecture on addition chains states that $\ell(2^n-1) \leq \ell(n) + n -1$ for all integers $n$ where $\ell(n)$ stands for the minimal length of all addition chains for $n$. It is proven to hold for infinite sets of integers. In…

Number Theory · Mathematics 2023-02-07 Amadou Tall

We explore the Collatz conjecture and its variants through the lens of termination of string rewriting. We construct a rewriting system that simulates the iterated application of the Collatz function on strings corresponding to mixed…

Logic in Computer Science · Computer Science 2023-01-03 Emre Yolcu , Scott Aaronson , Marijn J. H. Heule

This paper studies certain trajectories of the Collatz function. I show that if for each odd number $n$, $n\sim 3n+2$ then every positive integer $n \in \mathbb{N}\setminus 2^{\mathbb{N}}$ has the representation…

History and Overview · Mathematics 2020-05-19 Roy Burson

Paul Erdos conjectured that for every n in N, n>1, there exist a, b, c natural numbers, not necessarily distinct, so that 4/n=1/a+1/b+1/c (see \cite{rg}). In this paper we prove an extension of Mordell's theorem and formulate a conjecture…

Number Theory · Mathematics 2010-01-08 Eugen J. Ionascu , Andrew Wilson

This paper presents an algorithmic method that, given a positive integer $j$, generates the $j$-th convergence stair containing all natural numbers from where the Collatz conjecture holds by exactly $j$ applications of the Collatz function.…

Discrete Mathematics · Computer Science 2024-03-11 Ali Ebnenasir

We intend to contribute to the Collatz dynamics problem by seeking to analyze the Collatz conjecture from the tree of numbers sequences. First, we show numerically that the distribution of odd numbers has an initial transient, and proceeds…

General Mathematics · Mathematics 2023-05-26 Eduardo M. K. Souza

In this article, we define a very important sequence of functions, all the functions of this sequence present behaviors very close to that of the Collatz function. The study of such functions allows us to obtain very interesting results…

General Mathematics · Mathematics 2021-07-13 Raouf Rajab

An alternative computational approach to the Collatz (3n+1) conjecture is presented that may be theoretically capable of confirming the conjecture.

Number Theory · Mathematics 2011-07-25 Kevin P. Thompson

In this paper, we discuss the well known 3x+1 conjecture in form of the accelerated Collatz function T defined on the positive odd integers. We present a sequence of quotient spaces and an invertible map that are intrinsically related to…

Number Theory · Mathematics 2016-07-26 Peter Hellekalek

As Collatz conjecture is still to be proved, a method to arrive at the complete proof is explored here. Conceptually, the process relies on the pre-proven sequence data and the method follows the confirmation of the convergence of the…

General Mathematics · Mathematics 2021-03-05 Ramachandra Bhat

The Collatz process is defined on natural numbers by iterating the map $T(x) = T_0(x) = x/2$ when $x\in\mathbb{N}$ is even and $T(x)=T_1(x) =(3x+1)/2$ when $x$ is odd. In an effort to understand its dynamics, and since Generalised Collatz…

Discrete Mathematics · Computer Science 2022-03-01 Tristan Stérin , Damien Woods

The Collatz hypothesis is a theorem of the algorithmic theory of natural numbers. We prove the (algorithmic) formula that expresses the halting property of Collatz algorithm. The observation that Collatz's theorem cannot be proved in any…

General Mathematics · Mathematics 2026-03-03 Grażyna Mirkowska , Andrzej Salwicki

In this paper, we show that any proof of the Collatz 3n+1 Conjecture must have an infinite number of lines; therefore, no formal proof is possible.

General Mathematics · Mathematics 2012-08-13 Craig Alan Feinstein

The present work focuses on the study of the renowned Collatz conjecture, also known as the $3x +1$ problem. The distinguished analysis approach lies on the dynamics of an iterative map in binary form. A new estimation of the enlargement of…

Dynamical Systems · Mathematics 2019-10-21 Pablo Castañeda

Set out here are some fundamental theories that may be regarded as newly discovered metamathematics of the odd integers in relation to the Collatz conjecture (also called the 3x+1 problem). Originally motivated by the requirement to invent…

General Mathematics · Mathematics 2015-03-19 Michael A. Idowu

The Collatz conjecture implies that an iterated function sequence under a certain linear operator, beginning with a certain complex valued function, must converge to a certain complex function.

General Mathematics · Mathematics 2025-08-19 Kerry M. Soileau

The 3x+ 1 problem concerns iteration of the map on the integers given by T(n) = (3n+1)/2 if n is odd; T(n) = n/2 if n is even. The 3x+1 Conjecture asserts that for every positive integer n > 1 the forward orbit of n under iteration by T…

Number Theory · Mathematics 2011-01-12 Jeffrey C. Lagarias

We investigate the structure of Collatz path sequences $\{F^k(n)\}_{k=0}^{\infty}$ for positive integers $n$, where $F$ denotes the standard Collatz map. By classifying natural numbers into residue classes modulo~4, we establish that the…

General Mathematics · Mathematics 2026-03-31 Sawon Pratiher