The Dynamical System Generated by the 3n+1 Function (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9783540639701)

The 3n+1 function T is defined by T(n)=n/2 for n even, and T(n)=(3n+1)/2 for n odd. The famous 3n+1 conjecture, which remains open, states that, for any starting number n>0, iterated application of T to n eventually produces 1. After a survey of theorems concerning the 3n+1 problem, the main focus of the book are 3n+1 predecessor sets. These are analyzed using, e.g., elementary number theory, combinatorics, asymptotic analysis, and abstract measure theory. The book is written for any mathematician interested in the 3n+1 problem, and in the wealth of mathematical ideas employed to attack it.

Author: Günther J. Wirsching
ISBN-10: 3540639705
ISBN-13: 9783540639701
Publisher: Springer
Language: English
Published: 02/19/1998
Pages: 164
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.56lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.38d