What rule is used to receive number 1

anre · Sep 20, 2015

On the board is written the number of positive integer "n". In next step we write a new number. If n is even, then we write the number n / 2. If n is odd, then select the 3n + 1 or 3n-1 and write on the blackboard. Can we get the number 1 (always) after many steps ? and why? What rule is used ?
For example:
20 (n / 2)
10 (n / 2)
5 (3n + 1)
16 (n / 2)
8 (n / 2)
4 (n / 2)
2 (n / 2)
1

sandra2 · Sep 22, 2015

Not sure. but I know I have to find LCD

Evgeny.Makarov · Sep 23, 2015

This problem has been discussed recently in https://driven2services.com/staging/mh/index.php?threads/16219/.

What rule is used to receive number 1

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