3x + 1 Problem: Iterative Operations Neither Cause Loops nor Diverge to Infinity

Li Jiang

doi:10.20944/preprints202105.0499.v1

Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 20 May 2021 / Approved: 21 May 2021 / Online: 21 May 2021 (07:52:14 CEST)
Version 2 : Received: 1 November 2021 / Approved: 3 November 2021 / Online: 3 November 2021 (19:57:42 CET)
Version 3 : Received: 23 February 2022 / Approved: 24 February 2022 / Online: 24 February 2022 (08:38:01 CET)

The 3x+1 problem is a problem of continuous iteration for integers. According to the basic theorem of arithmetic and the way of iteration, we derive a general formula for continuous iteration for odd integers. Through this formula, we can construct a loop iteration equation and obtain the result of the equation: the equation has only one positive integer solution. In addition, this general formula can be converted into a linear indeterminate equation. The process of solving this equation shows that the relationship between the iteration result and the odd number being iterated is linear. Extending this result to all positive even numbers, we get the answer to the 3x + 1 question.

3x + 1 problem; Collatz conjecture; Syracuse problem; iteration

Computer Science and Mathematics, Algebra and Number Theory

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3x + 1 Problem: Iterative Operations Neither Cause Loops nor Diverge to Infinity

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