Collatz Conjecture

Pick any number (literally any number you want)
If that number is even, divide it by 2.
If it's odd, multiply it by 3 and add 1.
Now keep repeating the process with your new numbers.
If you keep going, you'll eventually end up at 1.

Answer this: Did you eventually end up with the number 1?

This is an unsolved math problem (for now), but I found this fascinating and would really like you guys to try it out!

Easy Math Editor

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`bold` or `__bold__`	bold
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Math	Appears as
Remember to wrap math in `$` ... `$` or `\[` ... `\]` to ensure proper formatting.
`2 \times 3`	$2 \times 3$
`2^{34}`	$2^{34}$
`a_{i-1}`	$a_{i-1}$
`\frac{2}{3}`	$\frac{2}{3}$
`\sqrt{2}`	$\sqrt{2}$
`\sum_{i=1}^3`	$\sum_{i=1}^3$
`\sin \theta`	$\sin \theta$
`\boxed{123}`	$\boxed{123}$

Comments

The odd one does not work.

5 5x3+1=16 16x3+1=49 On and on to a larger number not to 1

A Former Brilliant Member - 1 year ago

Dude why would you do the "odd" steps for the even number 16? Please read it carefully before you comment. It should be 16/2...

Rui Chang Lu - 1 year ago

Math	Appears as
Remember to wrap math in `\(` ... `\)` or `\[` ... `\]` to ensure proper formatting.
`2 \times 3`	$2 \times 3$
`2^{34}`	$2^{34}$
`a_{i-1}`	$a_{i-1}$
`\frac{2}{3}`	$\frac{2}{3}$
`\sqrt{2}`	$\sqrt{2}$
`\sum_{i=1}^3`	$\sum_{i=1}^3$
`\sin \theta`	$\sin \theta$
`\boxed{123}`	$\boxed{123}$