Do Quasiperfect Numbers Really Exist?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the existence of quasiperfect numbers, defined as numbers for which the sum of their divisors equals one minus twice the number, specifically expressed as σ(n) = 2n + 1. Participants explore the implications of a proposed proof against their existence and the challenges encountered in the reasoning process.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims to have developed a proof demonstrating that quasiperfect numbers do not exist by creating an impossible situation necessary for their existence.
  • Another participant questions the validity of the proof by suggesting that a similar argument could be misapplied to claim that odd numbers do not exist.
  • A third participant identifies a specific error in the proof's reasoning, indicating a miscalculation in the transition between equations, which leads to a conclusion that the proof is flawed.
  • The same participant expresses a willingness to reconsider their approach and seeks further ideas or assistance on how to proceed after identifying the flaw.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the existence of quasiperfect numbers. There are competing views regarding the validity of the proof presented, and the discussion remains unresolved with ongoing challenges to the initial claims.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the proof's reasoning, particularly in the transition between mathematical steps, which remains unresolved. The implications of the proposed proof and its potential errors are still under examination.

Joseph Fermat
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A Quasiperfect number is any number for which the sum of it's divisors is equal to one minus twice the number, or a number where the following form is true,

σ(n)=2n+1


One of the well known and most difficult questions in mathematics is whether such numbers exist at all. I have created a rather interesting proof to show that quasiperfect numbers do not exist. I use a process of transformation to create a situation necessary for the existence of a quasiperfect number, and then show that such a situation is impossible, therefore disproving the possibility of a quasiperfect number.

View attachment On the Nonexistence of Quasiperfect Numbers.pdf
 
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Why not use the same argument with n=2x+1 to prove that odd numbers do not exist?
 
Hi, Joseph,
there is a problem when going from eq.8 to eq.9: [itex]1 - (h(n) - 2)[/itex] is not [itex]-(h(n)+1)[/itex] (which is negative), but [itex]3 - h(n)[/itex] (which is positive).
 
Dodo said:
Hi, Joseph,
there is a problem when going from eq.8 to eq.9: [itex]1 - (h(n) - 2)[/itex] is not [itex]-(h(n)+1)[/itex] (which is negative), but [itex]3 - h(n)[/itex] (which is positive).
Which would mean that my proof is fallous.:redface: Oh, well back to the drawing board. Anyone have any ideas where to go from here. Any help would be appreciated.
 

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