A Conjecture on the Collatz Conjecture

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a JavaScript program developed to test integers against the Collatz Conjecture, which states that for any natural number n, if n is even, divide it by 2; if odd, multiply by 3 and add 1. The program reveals that the only integer for which the number of steps to reach 1 equals the initial value is 5. The author conjectures that this is the sole case among natural numbers, noting that as n approaches infinity, the number of steps generally increases, making the probability of nsteps equaling n approach 0%. The discussion also introduces the concept of a Collatz tree for further exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Collatz Conjecture
  • Proficiency in JavaScript programming
  • Familiarity with algorithmic complexity
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical conjectures
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the properties of the Collatz tree structure
  • Investigate the statistical distribution of steps in the Collatz sequence
  • Learn about computational methods for testing mathematical conjectures
  • Research existing literature on the Collatz Conjecture and related problems
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, computer scientists, and enthusiasts of number theory interested in algorithmic exploration and conjectural mathematics will benefit from this discussion.

Vodkacannon
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I have created a program in javascript that has tested integers on the collatz conjecture.
Recall that the collatz conjecture says given any natural number n you must divide n by 2 if it is divisible by 2 and multiply n by 3 and add 1 if it is not divisible by 2. Repeat this process and you will always reach 1.

Well this program that I have created does exactly this: Determines if the amount of steps it takes to get to 1 is equal to the initial value used in the algorithm.

It turns out that after checking millions of numbers, the only number that equals the # of steps to get to 1 is 5.

I have conjecture that this is the only case possible, out of all natural numbers.

I also have an idea why. As n → ∞, # of steps → grows larger. (you can see this by looking at the program's output.)
But it does not always get larger. Some initial values have more steps that smaller initial values.
Still the general trend is that the steps required increases, thus the probability that nsteps = n, approaches 0%.

Please give me ideas, what else should I study about the Collatz Conjecture? What should I try to find out? Something more interesting.
 
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heres something that might peak your interest, the collatz tree.
start at 1. for the left node, multiply by 4 and add 1.
for the right node:
if evenly divisible by 3 no right node.
if leaves remainder of 1 mod 3, multiply by 4 subtract 1 and divide 3.
if leaves remainder of 2 mod 3, multiply be 2, subtract 1 and divide 3.
Code:
1--5--21--85
   |      113
   |      75
   3--13--53
      |   35
      |   23--93
      |   15--61
      17--69
      11--45
       7--29
       9
 

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